Top 10 Joys?
Reminder: no newsletter tomorrow (Thursday) due to U.S. Thanksgiving.
Yesterday I proposed a top ten list of the worries I bet we all have in common.
Today, a top ten list of the joys we all share. For Thanksgiving, y’know?
(Tell me your #1 joy right. Hit REPLY right now.)
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Shared worries are a powerful thing to have in common. That old “enemy of my enemy is my friend” thing and all. But our shared joys are just as powerful.
Here’s my list of the top ten joys I bet we can all be thankful for. I think these give our work meaning, keep us inspired, and make us proud:
1. Creative Collaboration
We love creative exchange, cross-disciplinary teamwork, and problem-solving as a team.
2. Access to the Extraordinary
Getting to engage with rare objects, influence public knowledge, and work with respected experts and institutions all bring us joy.
3. Visitor Delight
We get to give visitors “aha” moments, make them feel something, and create something with human purpose.
4. Colleagues
We make bonds with the people we work with, we share a reason for doing what we do, and we have each others’ backs despite having completely different roles.
5. Tangible Results
We make real things and spaces that people can see, experience and enjoy, and get a sense of accomplishment that’s tangible.
6. Opportunity to Innovate
We solve problems within constraints, innovate as cleverly as we can, and take on new challenges every day (ulp).
7. Interesting Technology
We work with cutting-edge tech-driven ideas that make stories more powerful, connect with visitors where they are, and make us proud when they work (which they always do).
8. Generosity
Our whole field is based on generosity: generous lenders, donors, and collaborators generous with their ideas.
9. Lifelong Learning
For those of us with hungry brains, we get to explore new subjects with every project, grow with our own research, and have constant intellectual variety.
10. Opening Day
We get to see the public engage with our work for the first time, take pride in what we do, and feel the joy that only comes with a team getting something big done together.
Here’s the thing:
The worries connect us, but so do the joys. If we consider both, we can balance the stress with the fun, remember why we do this, and be reminded that our work is important.
Warmly,
Jonathan
P.S. What’s your #1 worry? Your #1 joy? Hit REPLY and tell me both. Or either! And Happy Thanksgiving.
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MtM Word of the Day:
Fabricator. A professional person or company that manufactures, ships, and installs specialty fitout items for museum exhibitions. Fabricators make museum-grade display cases, scenic elements, interactive and media displays, and other specialty items.
