Overcoming The Paradox of Choice is Possible—And Here’s How

If we’ve learned anything the past two years is that the only constant is change. And change is hard. As the owner of Marissa Pick Consulting, I’ve certainly felt the bumps in the road throughout the pandemic, but I’ve learned how to adapt to change and remain agile, ready to shift with the changes that are sure to come.

With rapid change comes choices, which can make it challenging to make decisions, especially when business and personal lives collide. Whether it’s choosing a career to pursue or a snack to eat, our lives are full of decisions. But how does our brain decide between an apple or Fruit by the Foot when we go to the snack cabinet for a mid-day treat? Even with routine choices, decision-making is a complex task that involves assessing the information we have (there are so many kinds of snacks on my shelf), determining our choices (which snack do I like?), examining our experience with these choices (I remember liking Fruit by the Foot as a kid), and ultimately picking what we think is the best option.

We can’t escape the need to choose, nor can we control the consequences of our decisions or the choices of others. We often put too much pressure on our choices. And somehow, we don’t put on enough pressure. This causes us to mess up at both ends. But by taking control of the process, here are some ways I was able to embrace the “paradox” of choice so that my business could continue to grow.

Embrace change. A self-described “Type A” personality, embracing change in my own life isn’t easy. But the pandemic forced me to tackle my issues with change headfirst. A planner by nature, I really struggled with the uncertainty surrounding all aspects of life. It was like a constant question mark was looming above me and it was extremely uncomfortable. As someone who thrives on predictability, accepting and welcoming change was a scary experience. But by focusing on my communication skills and leaning into a more flexible mindset, I learned that change doesn’t have to be scary. I realized that “not knowing” can sometimes be liberating and inspire you to see your world and the responsibilities that come with it in a different light. Since I stopped running away from change, routines in my business and household spheres have become a bit steadier. And if things become rocky again, the difference is that I’m more equipped to handle that.


Try to plan ahead. There are many times in life that we know change is on the horizon, forcing us to choose a path. Whether it’s following market dynamics, trends or just gut instinct, there are many ways to get ahead of the “selection process.” With my marketing clients, I’m a big proponent of prep work. I try to do as much research as possible to outline the “nice-to-have and must-have” elements of any marketing plan. For example, there are a plethora of technologies available to add efficiencies to our work, but which ones will best justify marketing budgets and boost performance?By weighing options upfront, you’ll be in a better position to provide sound counsel and judgement.

Before you start looking for ways to embrace change, you need to identify what the change is and how it will impact you. Many people think that any change which throws our plans off-course is undesirable. However, it is important to not feel pessimistic or lose hope. Review where you stand after things settle down. Identify the areas which need attention and allocate resources to them accordingly.

Reframe your thinking. Change will happen regardless of our decisions, so it’s important to identify how change makes you feel. Are you feeling sad or anxious? How can you break negative patterns or step back and reflect on your feelings? Taking timely action after adversity or change will enable you to embrace it. For example, if you break your arm, you may be unable to type, write or do other important work for yourself. However, you can look to dictation services, voice to text software, or even hire someone to support and take notes for you. By reframing your thinking and addressing a situation in a different way, you can feel more in control of the aftermath of change.


Count your blessings and smile. Life is overwhelming, and some days it’s hard to not get lost in the endless circus of life. The highlight of my day is when my kids run into my arms after school and tell me everything about their days. Kids have a view of the world that is so innocent, pure, and refreshing. My boys are so inquisitive, curious, and hopeful about the future. Every day, they inspire my husband and me to smile and have fun, and they remind us that family comes first, no matter what. Whatever it is that makes you smile, recognize it, and make it part of your daily routine. Change makes the world go around, and we are fortunate to live in a country where we hold the power to make choices (even if there are more than we would like, at times).

In the words of Bob Dylan, “Your old road is rapidly agin’/Please get out of the new one/If you can’t lend your hand/For the times they are a-changin’.” When you’re able to re-think your relationship with change, you may be surprised to discover how many more possibilities you can unlock for yourself and your business.

Advertisement

USA Today Feature: Future of Virtual & Hybrid Events Campaign

I’m excited to be a parter with Mediaplanet for their Future of Virtual and Hybrid Events campaign which launched this week. The event planning industry has gone through what was probably the most difficult year in its history, but event planners are primed to make a major comeback.

You can learn more about the tools and resources to make your next virtual/hybrid meeting or event a smashing success by picking up a copy of the campaign in USA Today. The virtual campaign can be found online by visiting the website.

I’m a firm believer that virtual conferences of the past year have had a positive impact. The digital events have enabled more people to attend virtually. Many of these events have been free, with participants paying a small fee to access slides, if they choose.  My article for the campaign outlines, How Virtual and Hybrid Events Are Helping the Events Industry Thrive Post-Pandemic.

Hybrid events have allowed brands to have an extended impact, helping them reach a broader audience and drive deeper engagement online. Plus, by developing content and deeper connections with speakers and attendees from virtual events, brands can stand out and have higher retention.

Now’s the time to use digital event platforms to connect audiences and build longer-lasting relationships. Within the article I shared some of my favorite platforms, including Brella, which offers custom, one-to-one meetings, as well as live streaming; and Hopin, which provides webinar sessions, chats and polls, and interactive elements that can be fully customizable and brandable. 

I believe brands must refocus their goals and understand why people will attend the event, whether it’s virtual or in-person. For example, is it for lead generation to drive sales? Content marketing? Engagement? This will allow companies or event producers to refine how they’re doing things, and consider how they might be able to — whether it’s driving sales or driving engagement — mix up and shake up what works and what doesn’t.

Let me know what you think of my article within the campaign. I’d love to hear how you think virtual and hybrid events are helping the events industry thrive post-pandemic. Leave a comment below or send me a tweet with your thoughts.

#MotivationMonday Inspiration

Monday mornings don’t always have to suck. The key is finding at least one thing to look forward to and to motivate you on Monday to kick butt all week. This week I’m feeling inspired and truly looking forward to Thanksgiving and some extra time with our family and friends.

Whether you’re starting the day debating getting out of bed, mulling over getting a workout in or simply just figuring out what it is you want for breakfast , I hope this Monday morning quote can help to inspire you to get up and moving.

Of course it maybe be harder to start your engine on a Monday morning, but think of all the time you lose worrying that a new week is about to start when you should actually be happy about it.

You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.

— Maya Angelou

Every day is a privilege so why treat this one differently? Monday is a new day, not a bad day. So roll your eyes as much as you want, but don’t be pessimistic and let it ruin your day before it even starts. Instead of using Mondays as a reminder that the weekend has passed, use them to plan an awesome and productive week.

What are you looking forward to this week? What is helping you get out of bed, leave a comment below.

#MotivationMonday

Sometimes we just need a push to remind us that we’ve got this. Without a doubt the world has been turned upside down and many of us are struggling, especially at the beginning of the week.

However, Monday‘s don’t have to suck. I’ve found the key is finding at least one thing to look forward to to help motivate and kick butt all week.

“Either you run the day or the day runs you.”

– Jim Rohn

As another week begins, take a moment and seize the opportunity for a fresh start. I hope the quote and video simply helps you get up, get moving and get the life you deserve.

Friday Motivation- Live Your BEST Life!

The quality and quantity of your life is–in large part–up to you. You can let each day pass or do whatever it takes and strive to be your best self to live without regrets for as long as possible.

Be true to yourself, and be who you are.  Living your best life means living up to your potential.

“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” – Dr. Seuss

Living up to your potential means you actually do “the things you hope to do someday” NOW instead of putting them off for some magical time in the future.

quotes-to-live-by

 

Quote of the Week

“The Happiest People Don’t Have The Best of Everything, They Make The Best of Everything”make the best

This is one of those quotes turned my mood and day around and make me stop and think, and of course…share!  We are all very blessed to have all that we do, and of course there will always be someone out there with more than we have, however there is always someone out there who has less than we do.

This quote reminds me to take a moment and remember to be thankful for all that we do have, and make the best of every moment of every day.  Life is short, so we should all take a moment and enjoy every minute of it!

Rosh Hashanah Greetings

Tonight at sunset marks the beginning of Rosh Hashanah and the kick off to the Jewish New Year, and is followed 10 days later by Yom Kippur or the “day of atonement.”  Rosh Hashanah is known as the “day of judgment,” and it is believed that God opens the Book of Life on this day and begins to decide who shall live and who shall die. The days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are viewed as an opportunity for Jews to repent and ensure a good fate.  All over the world jews will gather in synagogues for services, and throughout the service the shofar will be blown (it’s a mitzvah (commandment) to hear the shofar, a literal and spiritual wake up call) which is unique to time of year. A common greeting on Rosh Hashanah is shana tovah u’metukah, Hebrew for “a good and sweet new year.

As I sit here 39 Weeks pregnant reflecting upon the year past year, and the one ahead I wanted to take a moment and wish everyone a sweet, healthy, and happy new year from my family to yours. It’s been a fantastic year of change and reflection for me personally, and I’m looking forward to celebrating the holidays this year with family and friends. This year a lot has fallen into perspective and I feel as though I’ve become a better and warmer person, more relaxed, and have more clarity around the things that truly matter.  I’m looking forward to meeting my little bundle of joy in the upcoming days or weeks and hoping this will be the best year ahead!

shana-tova-from-new-world-ketubah-new-world-ketubah-custom-“Resolve to make at least one person happy every day, and then in ten years you may have made three thousand, six hundred and fifty persons happy, or brightened a small town by your contribution to the fund of general enjoyment.” – Sydney Smith

I no longer have patience

Great Quote from the legendary Meryl Streep

Ioadicaeu's Blog

10523743_749583895087473_3626388552889869106_n

“I no longer have patience for certain things, not because I’ve become arrogant, but simply because I reached a point in my life where I do not want to waste more time with what displeases me or hurts me. I have no patience for cynicism, excessive criticism and demands of any nature. I lost the will to please those who do not like me, to love those who do not love me and to smile at those who do not want to smile at me. I no longer spend a single minute on those who lie or want to manipulate. I decided not to coexist anymore with pretense, hypocrisy, dishonesty and cheap praise. I do not tolerate selective erudition nor academic arrogance. I do not adjust either to popular gossiping. I hate conflict and comparisons. I believe in a world of opposites and that’s why I avoid people with…

View original post 69 more words

My Visit to All The Social Ladies with Carrie Kerpen

 

I’m so excited to share my recent “All the Social Ladies” podcast with Likeable CEO Carrie Kerpen. In this podcast, Carrie takes a deeper look at how I use social media both personally and professionally. We dive into the world of financial social media marketing, the challenges my team faces, success stories, and we revisit my first job as an asbestos paralegal and how that drove me into the social media world. 

mza_5796544541277654780.170x170-75

 

A huge thank you to Carrie Kerpen and her amazing Likeable team for having me joint this amazing podcast series.  Have a listen and let me know what you think using #AllTheSocialLadies. 

Getting stuff done.

Great Post from my colleague Anna Lee, “Laugh at perfection. It’s boring and keeps you from being done” – The Done Manifesto

Small thoughts, big ideas.

girl-hairstyle-messy-bun-style-favim.com-Perfection is the destroyer of making stuff happen. Tweet this.

Sometimes, it’s ok to do just enough.

I’m not suggesting you be the kind of guy who wraps duct tape around a broken leg and calls it a job. Be smart, ninja’s.

I’m just saying that sometimes, ‘done’ is better than ‘perfect’.

“Laugh at perfection. It’s boring and keeps you from being done” – The Done Manifesto Tweet this.

View original post