learning

Each year it’s become a tradition to blog on my New York Anniversary. I can’t believe it’s been 6 years and the amount of big life changing events that have happened. It make me so fortunate for this life path and makes me think of how everything could have been so different.

Last year I completed my first half marathon and got engaged on the same day. Went to Ireland, Savannah, and lots of trips back to Florida. Got a new job. Was in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade again. Still have the cutest cats on the planet.

Here are a few of my favorite photos from the past year.

Every year, I try to take away an important life lesson that I’ve learned. This past year it’s tough. I’d say being at my old job was very challenging. I had no management or guidance, the commute to the city everyday was exhausting. I also felt that I wasn’t achieving my full potential, only pushing paper. In my new job I absolutely love that it’s not only closer to home but I’m doing event planning which is my dream job. Yet, maybe it’s the timing of things, but I’m currently taking on multiple responsibilities at the moment, leaving me back to feeling exhausted.

My lesson here is to try to listen to the signs. When I had one of my biggest meltdowns at my old job, I was on the phone with my dad, taking my usual commute and had heard gunshots behind me. A drunk man welding a knife at a police office was shot right outside my office. If I was literally a minute earlier I would have been in the crossfires. It was a huge sign, and I then took every ounce of energy to looking for a new job. I’m much happier where I’m at but again very tired. I’m hoping to get back into more meditation, reading, writing, walking. Things that will bring me more joy and calm.

As for this year, I’m excited for more trips, brunches, seeing friends and family, and marrying my best friend. xoxo

Last weekend I made my way to the New York Hall of Science for the annual Maker Faire. Now with 2 years under my belt it is definitely an event worth checking out. This year I was particularly giddy to get the chance to see a presentation from one of my ideals Seth Godin.

Here are a few of my key takeaways from his speech:

Learn by doing things wrong.

The guy who invented the ship, also invented the shipwreck.

In schools, particularly in science classes, we are programmed to show that we know how to do the steps done by scientists 40 to 400 years ago. And when we try to test something new or do something different we get in trouble and get marked down.

Rembrandt had assistants, yet we don’t know who they are because they did exactly what Rembrandt wanted them to do.

If you’re doing something that might not work, you’re making — and that’s risky.

If you’re not willing to fail you’re not willing to innovate.

Even at the Maker Faire you see people buying these science kits to do at home. We do this because we naturally want something to work. We’re programmed this way, otherwise it feels uneasy to us.

With the internet, social media, and technology, we now have the ability to connect. We also need to get better at connecting and not being afraid to share things we’re working on. Instead, what we should be saying is: “I made this, what do you think? How can I make this better?”

We naturally connect to those that are doing work that matters.

Start asking yourself:

What is school for?
If you are a maker, what have you made recently that you failed at?
What have you made that was interesting, why haven’t you shared it? You should be sharing — it’s the connecting that helps you get better at it.

This was a visual interpretation of Seth Godin’s speech. To hear the full version of his presentation — you can view the full talk here.

Nicole Monahan

Digital marketer, brunch enthusiast, passionate about building relationships and inspiring others through connection and great experiences.

6 Year New Yorkiversary!

The Art and Science of Making Things with Seth Godin