Be a Systems Thinker: From Chronically Chaotic to Rhythms of Rest with Marilyn Paul Ph.D (Episode #42)
In this episode you’re going to learn how to turn 7 days a week into 8. Listen to Marilyn today and learn how to be a systems thinker that can develop a system of rest.
First, our thought leader of the day is Marilyn Paul, a true ‘systems’ thinker. From projects for WHO to others like cutting down on waste, Marilyn applies her world-class way of finding and applying solutions.
She has been on the faculty of Yale Medical School, appeared on Discovery, and is the author of, It’s Hard to Make a Difference When You Can’t Find Your Keys, one of my favorite titles ever! Marilyn’s mission is to help people who struggle with the overwhelm and disorganization of life to live more smoothly and less chaotic.
Resources Mentioned:
- It’s Hard to Make a Difference When You Can’t Find Your Keys
- An Oasis in Time
- The Obstacle is the Way
- The Daily Stoic
- Conspiracy of Goodness Article: Why Are These Fridges Mysteriously Appearing on Street Corners? – ‘Freedge’
- Imperfect Foods
- Misfits Market
Connect with Marilyn on LinkedIn. Check out https://marilynpaul.com/ and learn more about “living and working wisely in a turbulent world!” Don’t miss out on everything happening on https://bridgewaypartners.com/ – changing systems that change the world.
[00:01 – 05:47] Opening Segment
- I introduce Marilyn Paul
- The scope of Marilyn’s work and impact on the world
- Thinking systemically – patient for patterns
[05:48 – 21:08] Develop a System of Rest
- For people who struggle with chronic disorganization:
- The example of a messy house
- The effects of chain reactions
- Our unwitting impact
- What all people should know about rest and work
- Understanding the power of rest
- The effects of not enough rest
- Figure out what you need to operate at 100%
- Develop your rhythm of rest
- Know your go and your stop
- The analogy of weeding and potting
- An Oasis in Time
- ‘Shabbat’
[21:09 – 36:02] The Thought Process of Stoicism
- How stoicism can help us develop systems of rest
- You get more done when you are centered and rested
- 7 minus 1 equals 8
- One day off can put 8 days into perspective
- Deciding what to do and what not to do
- What are you willing to give up?
- Doing more does not get more done
- The process of leverage
- How messes are really made
- It’s okay to step off the ‘merry go round’
- What will it take to get you there?
- A word about our Conspiracy of Goodness Network
[36:03 – 43:03] Becoming the Observer
- How to observe your own life
- Developing self-compassion
- You can’t observe and learn if you beat yourself up
- Starting the day feeling behind
- Step out of the ‘do’ and focus on your list
- Celebrate every accomplishment
[43:04 – 54:34] Systems Thinking and Solving the Problem of Waste
- How systems thinking works with food waste
- Creating a plan
- Marilyn’s example and experience
- Aspirational eating
- Creating opportunities for others while cutting down waste
- The example of Freedge
- The concept of ‘Imperfect Foods’ and ‘Misfits Market’
- A new respect for food and where it’s from
[54:35- 59:50] Closing Segment
- Connect with Marilyn
- Links below
- What proves to Marilyn that it’s an amazing world
- Final announcements
