I’m writing this week's blog in two parts. Part one takes place on the plane to Brisbane as I travel to The Design Conference and Part 2 will hopefully take the form of a progress report on Friday, which is the final day of the event. Hopefully, by splitting this story in two, I’ll be able to accurately and authentically reflect on whether or not my expectations for the event have been met.
When I was growing up my Dad’s favourite saying was ‘he who doesn’t expect shall not be disappointed’. Rather pessimistic* Dad but at the same time, it is a great reminder that having expectations about something can often lead to disappointment if said expectations aren’t met. I remember being very young, maybe 5 years old and I had recently been diagnosed with asthma. This meant that I could be part of the Dr. Beco Club which involved getting a calendar where you had to scratch a day off each time you took your preventative. Once you’d completed the month you could send it away and Dr. Beco himself, I assume, would send you back a gift. I was so excited that I actually prayed (something I haven’t done since that day) for a kitten.
I remember being so upset when I eventually received a pencil that was shaped like a star. I was so disappointed. My expectations were far from met and I now see what Dad meant with his words of warning. It’s a very stoic idea, not expecting anything and being grateful for what you do have. There is value in being content with what you have, it helps encourage wellbeing from internal sources rather than external. I understand all this but it hasn’t stopped me flying into the next three days expecting nothing but great conversations, inspiring speakers and the promise of rekindling old connections and making new ones.
These expectations are fueling me right now since I got up at 3am after a restless night's sleep worried that I’d miss my alarm. If I didn't believe that the next three days were going to be exceptional, I wouldn’t have bothered. Money is tight and I really should take holidays during the school holidays now I’m working at the Tech School as my absence could potentially leave us short staffed.
Being able to visualise myself at the conference, hanging out with awesome people, listening to great talks is what I can see myself doing. I’ve just been listening to Steve Hooker's interview on the Imperfect podcast and he speaks at length about how he visualised winning a gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. For the 12 months leading up to the event he stepped through the perfect pole vault until it was almost instinct on the day.
I feel a bit like that now. I can see myself leaning into new and interesting conversations and people. I see a small group of people wrapped around me as I regale them with tales from my eventful life. I see myself gasping or getting moved to tears as I listen to someone share their story on stage. I’m having a great time in all of these visions and I can only assume they’re going to come true just like Hooker's gold medal.
I know a few people who are strong believers in visualisations. Imaging your future is a powerful tool in bringing it to life. I liken it to doing a mental runthrough. Running a few test prints before you use the expensive paper. A mental prototype perhaps. While I obviously love my Dad and all of his wisdom it makes me wonder if going in with high expectations means I’m more likely to have a better time. I wonder if I’d only been mildly impressed that I was going would mean I’d be more likely to have an average time. Find out in part 2.
Holy shit!
My expectations were not only met, but completely blown to smithereens! What a fantastic, energising and inspiring few days I’ve had! This year has been the best yet with coming in hot was the best thing I could’ve done. Every year the speakers are awesome but this year was extra special because my awesome and talented friend Steph Clarke took to the stage and made us all think about the future of friendship (note: if we don’t want social media giants to pray on our loneliness then we have to stop being lonely. We need to close the gap to strengthen existing friends and create new ones. It’s easier than it sounds) Ren Rigby did the best talk I’ve ever seen about her transgender journey and life’s messy middle. Zenaida Bestson spoke beautifully about designing for those in the margins. Maxime Manga blew everyone away with his vibes straight from the heart of Cameroon.
The speakers are the draw card but the conversations outside of the auditorium are my jam. With this being my third visit it felt like a reunion. The conversations were rich and fruitful. Everyone is so keen to chat. It's encouraged and celebrated. This year they had yellow stickers that you could wear if you’re up for meeting people. There was a sea of yellow dots. This is my zone. I feel like my cup is overflowing and I’m going to need a bigger vessel. I’m super privileged that I can leave my family and work behind for three full days and give 100% of myself to the experience (thanks Matt for keeping the family on track xoxox).
Reflecting back on last week's musing about energy, I can confirm 1000% that the more you put in the more you get out.
*pessimistic not ‘piss-on-a-stick’ which was a misinterpreted kiwi accent on stage during the conference!
