This Labor Day: forecast, backcast, rest, and dream

Labor Day is more than just a day off work; it's a time to reflect on how our work has evolved and to dream about its future. My first job was at a Roy Rogers fast food restaurant when I was 16, serving fried chicken and biscuits while punching a time card. Over the years, my work has varied, from being a food server to a middle school English teacher to being a professor and a creativity strategist. These diverse experiences are a privilege, made possible by the labor movement that fought for fair wages and rest.

Labor Day has always been a mixed bag for me emotionally. As a child, it signified the end of summer and the start of a new school year. As a professor, it brought a bit of anxiety as I prepared for a new course. The recognition that rest is essential for producing our best work has been as important as fair pay and wages.

When I researched for a book on cultivating our work, I learned that our best work comes from cultivating it, not just producing it. This involves focusing on efficiency, output, and metrics, as well as incorporating time for ideas to marinate, collaboration, and valuing slow as much as fast.

As we approach Labor Day, I invite you to engage in backcasting and forecasting. Whether you're managing a team, just started a new job, or feel stuck, take some time to pause. Here are three prompts to help you cultivate your best work:

1. The 25 Year Time Horizon: Recall your condition 20 years ago and five years ago, considering physical, social, emotional, and spiritual perspectives. This exercise can help you gain perspective on your present worries and concerns.

2. Big Breaks: List 10 big breaks in your life, both personal and professional. Acknowledging these small moments of opportunity can build momentum and traction.

3. The Dream State: Reflect on where you'd love to be in five years, who you'd like to become, and what it would take to get there. These heart-centered exercises aim to liberate you and fuel your work.