IMPERFECTLY PERFECT // Erin Falconer
I am constantly impressed by the women that I cross paths with in my community. It isn't something to take for granted, and I try to acknowledge it often. It seems that almost weekly I find myself meeting or having a conversation with someone who is truly inspiring.
Erin Falconer is one of those women. We'd crossed paths a bit in the past, but it wasn't until both becoming mothers that we made the connection (and getting loosened up by a few margaritas). Although she is super low key and funny in person, her resume reads otherwise - and, as the author of "How to Get Shit Done: Why Women Need to Stop Doing Everything so They Can Achieve Anything" - she clearly practices what she preaches. She is the founder and host of the website and podcast Pick The Brain (with over a million downloads), has had a handful of successes in the digital space.
What I like most about her is that she emphasizes the use of our brains and isn't afraid to intelligently question the things that are constantly put in front of us. Imagine that ?!
Her answers are great, and definitely worth the read.
3 word bio.
Present, patient, funny.
What is your one physical characteristic that you’ve had to grow to love, but at times would have changed?
My neck!! I have never liked the lines, and it always feels saggy. Not a fan!! Hello threading?!
What would your husband, spouse, kids, or any roommates you’ve ever had say is your most annoying quality?
Annoying phrases that I’m always putting out there, like ‘do it right, or don’t do it at all’, or ‘there is no try, just do.’ Even writing them makes me a little annoyed.
A few unread emails or 1000’s?
Oddly, personal email: none unread. Work: 1000’s. (Need to look into that)
Honestly, packrat or minimalist?
Minimalist. 100%.
What keeps you up at night?
The political shit storm we’re currently in. Where this country is headed, in general. And, I am somebody that if I write things into my schedule, because I’ve written them down, I tend to forget them. I’ve actually missed meetings this way. So, I keep a lot of things in my head (like all my meetings) – which sounds crazy but it’s true. So literally, having all of this info in my head keeps me up at night.
You help people figure out "How to Get Shit Done" - what are the top 5 ways you make it happen for yourself?
Sit down with yourself and ask yourself who you are, what defines you, what makes you happy, and where you really want to go in life. We are taught at college age to choose a major and that’s kind of the big decision, the big check in, and once we do that, we never really look back, so you’ve got a 50 year old going on an 18 year olds decision. Often, that creates a big problem. You should be checking in with yourself at least once a year (more like once a quarter)
Track your time for one week straight – write down everything you do from morning to night. At the end of 7 days, put that list next to the first list of what makes you happy etc and see how little time you actually spend doing the things that move the needle for you, in a meaningful way. Start pivoting immediately.
Carve out 20 minutes a day for yourself, no matter what. I think it’s best to schedule this time, first thing every morning (and I recommend meditating during that time – but whatever works). It is essential to have this time to connect to yourself, and realign your energy for the day. It’s amazing how much power it gives you.
Just as important as how you’re spending your time, do an analysis of who you are spending your time with. Get the toxic people out.
How do you find balance - specifically within the social media realm?
I meditate every morning and I really, really do not believe in comparison – it’s totally energy crushing, so while I definitely scroll away, it’s more to see what my friends are up to, and then I try to bounce. But after spending so much time online, in general (through my work), I decided to go back to do my Masters of Psychology, because I felt like I needed a more profound way to balance what was going on in my mind (living in this 140-character world). So now I’m back with books and essays and I’m loving it.
With 30 minutes of free time, what would you do?
Honestly, nap.
If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?
I’d put a woman in the White House, stat.
