Lauren Romansky
In the last 5 years, what new belief, behavior or habit has improved your life?
Meditation! I’m not good at it. I don’t do it as often as I should. But I love the apps that allow me to run through something guided in the time I have (e.g. 10% happier). It grounds me and brings my adrenaline down when I’m racing through a bunch of projects or anxious about something I’m trying to figure out.
What purchase of $100 or less has most positively impacted your life in the last 6 months or in recent memory?
I’d say my Netflix membership so I can binge watch the Great British Baking Show.
In the last 5 years, what have you become better at saying no to?
Perfection. I don’t let my ideal and perfection stand in the way of progress and sanity. I think it’s important to build judgement and know what is working or what great would be, but I’m much better at allowing myself to say “no, I don’t absolutely have to get there, I have other priorities.”
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
Well, I mentioned the meditation and Great British Baking Show, but I also (try to find time to) workout. Sweat is hugely important to my mental health, and when I’m really impatient, unfocused or not sleeping well, I just have to fit in a spin class or at least a quick run.
What are the bad recommendations you hear in your profession or expertise?
We have to be extremely open to and welcome feedback to understand how to grow, but it’s also critical, foundational even, to be your authentic self. It’s bad feedback/advice to leave behind or don’t share a part of themselves in their work lives. Sometimes it’s well meaning, but in the end, it’s the wrong manager, organization or profession if you fundamentally have to change who you are or closet parts of yourself to be successful there.
What is one of the best or worthwhile investments you have ever made?
In my relationships and family. I love my tribe, and I would never regret time spent with them or the fun things we’ve done together.