On Unlearning The Art of Being Busy: Talan Tyminski
Leading up to our Winter ‘20 iteration of WORK, we'll feature select interviews with some of our conference's speakers and thought leaders. In this interview, public speaking specialist Talan Tyminski discusses de-glorifying being busy and taking time to check in. Click here for a look at Winter 2020’s conference schedule.
who:
Talan is a mid-western transplant that swapped snow for sunshine and moved to Texas to get her M.A. in communication studies from Texas State. After graduation, she fell in love with Austin and decided to stay. When she was young Talan was a competitive figure skater but in college switched her ice skates for killer suits and was the national runner-up in informative and impromptu speaking. She currently works at a government consulting firm and recently started her own business, Pitch, a public speaking coaching service for young professionals. Talan has two dogs that she loves more than anything, a one-eyed pug named Mad-eye Moody and a border collie mix named cookie monster.
What are you currently working on? What does your work life look like?
I have several things in the works for 2020. I'm producing a new podcast focused on bridging the gap between economists and the public and am planning for a few events throughout the year. My work life is a little hectic—every day is different—but I'm so thankful for the opportunity to slow down and work with people one on one on their passion projects.
What goals are you working toward, and how do you intend to reach them?
My long-term goal is to train women candidates running for office in public speaking and campaign messaging. My goals for 2020 are meeting more inspiring women in Austin, traveling and finally redoing my home office.
How do you hold yourself accountable to long-term and short-term goals?
I share my goals with those closest to me. When I am feeling uncertain or lost, I can get input and ask for check-ins to ensure I'm staying on track. It also helps me to put goals out into the world. It solidifies them for me.
How do you train your intuition?
I set aside time every day to check in with myself. I find setting aside this time, especially helpful when I'm busy or about to make a big decision, I take time to block out the noise around me and list to my gut.
What has been useful to you in learning how to differentiate between negative and constructive feedback?
As a perfectionist, I tend to take feedback personally. I search for the action item. Rather than listening for the mistake I made or what went wrong, I look for how I can change and improve. If there is no action item or opportunity for improvement, I recognize that it is one person's opinion, and I am not obligated to respond.
What's something you've unlearned lately that you're grateful for?
Recently, I've unlearned the glorification of busy. From a young age I learned to take pride in having a booked schedule and a page long to-do list. Lately, I've been learning to find joy in slow and calm.
Do you have any daily habits that are crucial to your workflow or stress management?
My day starts by reviewing the news, which helps me get a feel for how the day is going to go. It also helps me center myself and remember that the stresses I'm dealing with are temporary. After reading up on current events, I set out tasks I want to accomplish for the day and meet with my team to discuss progress on upcoming projects, which ensures we're all on the same page and know who is available when help is needed.
About WORK: WORK is a biannual conference, exploring ideas and approaches to creative, collaborative and entrepreneurial work. Hosting 300 guests every summer and winter, this biannual, one-day event's panels, workshops and speaker sessions touch on personal and professional development, marketing, wellness, business management and entrepreneurship. Our next conference pops up on January 11, 2020 at Rowling Hall in Austin, Texas. ✨Click here for more information.
