Back to work and it’s Bowl Week. For Minnesotan’s, the past two weeks have been filled with snow, low temps and holiday parties and commitments. Many of us are seeking a little bit of rest and relaxation this morning as we plug-into work and unplug from the social avalanche brought to us in December.
Finally, TV schedules get back to normal and we can see the latest episodes of our favorite shows. However, it is still College Bowl week (which is actually now two plus weeks long), which throws a curve and pushes a few shows back another week. All of it makes me think about a book I bought and read a few years ago. The book is called Bowling Alone by Robert D. Putnam.
“Putnam draws on evidence including nearly 500,000 interviews over the last quarter century to show that we sign fewer petitions, belong to fewer organizations that meet, know our neighbors less, meet with friends less frequently, and even socialize with our families less often. We’re even bowling alone. More Americans are bowling than ever before, but they are not bowling in leagues. Putnam shows how changes in work, family structure, age, suburban life, television, computers, women’s roles and other factors have contributed to this decline.”
Much has been made about our lack of connectedness and the erosion of social capital. While Putnam’s factors are still relevant, you could add a slow economy to the mix and that would resonate with many. When I went through the Leadership Twin Cities 9 years ago, we ended each session with a Call to Action. I loved this concept as it moved me from listening to acting. At the next session, we would start with reports on our progress.
My call to action in 2010, is to break the weekday cycle of isolation and become a transition figure within my circle. To say no to meaningless college football games and say yes to requests from families and friends. What is your call to action this year?
Happy New Year!
