Here are some recent samples of “These Are A Few Of My Favorite INGs” list to give you some inspiration.

Please note that to be most hopeful, your list should include activities (with modifiers) that your are currently being paid for, activities you have been paid for at an earlier job (even if they would not immediately appear relevant to your current job), and activities that you love to do but have never been paid for and might not be able to imagine being paid for!

Katherine

My INGs:

Energizing INGs I am currently being paid to do and/or have been paid to do before.

1. Collaborating as part of a team to achieve a shared goal, project deadline.
2. Digging in to brainstorm creative solutions to problems.
3. Facilitating productive collaborative meetings, which entails bringing the right people together, framing the conversation, making space for all voices, reiterating key points, identifying action steps and timeline, setting next meeting/call/wrap-up.
4. Presenting to decision makers, which requires me to collect my thoughts, frame the topic given local context/personalities/priorities, organize a presentation, practice, deliver, well-received, often resulting in funding/investment.
5. Planning and hosting events/workshops, which often includes collaboration with partners, creative problem solving, preparing spaces in the lead up the event, greeting people.
6. Networking with individuals, community organizations to share my work, learn about others’ work, and brainstorm potential creative partnerships.
7. Finding creative ways to fund, fundraise, sustain projects.
8. Traveling to different sites/locations throughout my workday.
9. Engaging with individuals in their workplace to provide meaningful support, building capacity, cultivating local leaders.
10. Independently completing an assigned pile of work/task list by deadline.
11. Engaging with different projects, locations, personalities, tasks, INGs every day.
12. Listing to lectures, taking notes, reflecting, sharing, and learning from/with inspiring individuals.
13. Providing detail-oriented feedback on graphic design, proofreading near-final drafts.
14. Bringing joy to my colleagues with treats, silly video breaks, and texts/words of appreciation.
15. Dressing up for work to let my SPARK shine- (this is new to me and I’m loving it!)
16. Writing thoughtful thank you letters, when I’m not rushed.
17. Completing tasks at the end of the day and leaving work at work.
18. Working on a task (shucking oysters, weeding, etc.) while networking and engaging with customers, clients.
19. Physically moving around during my workday – catering, title examining, changing sites, etc.
20. Following and managing a plan, checklist, timeline of tasks to achieve a specific goal.
21. Providing relevant advice, support, coaching, resources to colleagues so they feel more capable.
22. Talking to my guides in the car on the way to events, meetings, and presentations to help ground me and then express gratitude after the event on my way home.

Energizing INGs I have never been paid to do but would LOVE to be paid to do:

23. Shopping for antiques and unique little things.
24. Organizing and cleaning my home so it feels sorted.
25. Making lovely spaces in my home.
26. Hosting friends and families for tea, meals, visits, and parties.
27. Finding the perfect gift for someone I love.
28. Wandering through art galleries, museums and thought-provoking spaces.
29. Exploring new places, spaces, cities, towns, shops, etc.
30. Buying handmade and unique ceramics, mugs, bowls, kitchen tools, etc.
31. Sitting around a dining table with delicious food, interesting people, intriguing and thought-provoking conversation.
32. Baking scones on a weekend morning, while Tom is still sleeping so he can wake up to them hot out of the oven, and then eating one slowly with a cup of tea.
33. Baking bread on Sundays, filling the house with that delicious scent, then slathering butter over a hot slice right out of the oven.
34. Engaging physically with nature by prepping garden beds, putting gardens to bed for winter, stacking wood, clearing brush, raking dirt, raking leaves, etc.

More Accessible (when I need to lift my SPARK Fast) INGs:

35. Walking along rivers, oceans, lakes in new/foreign cities and unusual places.
36. Watching the sky reflected in the sand along the shoreline.
37. Looking out over moving water, imaging the landscape below, the land across, the animals below, above, across, the possibilities, the flow, the cycles, and then the present.
38. Listening to bees buzzing around blossoms.
39. Jumping and moving around to remind myself that I am alive.
40. Being physically active – biking, running, high intensity interval training.
41. Dancing around the kitchen to big band music while cooking dinner.
42. Eating dinner by candlelight, at a set table, with someone I love and/or find interesting.
43. Listening to the Celtic Sojourn on Saturdays in the kitchen while cooking.
44. Perusing beautiful cookbooks with a cup of tea/coffee.
45. Driving in my car while listening to Lord Huron on the radio, especially at night.
46. Disappearing into a good book (usually historical fiction) in the early morning.
47. Laying in bed watching great British TV shows (usually historical fiction).
48. Dancing to live music with Tom, which he calls his soul massage.
49. Playing with children so they smile and giggle, in turn making me smile and giggle.
50. Walking with dear friends down dirt roads catching up on life, highlights, questions, challenges, and things to look forward to.

Lindsay

Get paid for in past/present

1. Translating documents Spanish-English where I get to work with the puzzle of finding “just the right” word/phrase to represent the intent and expression of language in addition to its literal meaning
2. Designing a new process for the flow of information where I get to think critically about system capabilities and user needs/abilities
3. Listening to people talk about their goals/interests, getting to know them and then referring back to those interests in a way that is helpful to them
4. Caring for plants, increasing my knowledge of different species and also using observation to diagnose what they need and successfully cultivating them/watching them grow
5. Painting, artistically or just covering something with paint, feeling the satisfaction of watching the progression and working alone/with others
6. Listening to someone’s problem or request for information, then giving them something helpful beyond what they expected that makes them and me feel great
7. Crafting carefully worded emails/written communications where I can actually see that they worked
8. Interpreting Spanish-English so that I work as a communication facilitator and feel like I’m opening up a bridge between two worlds in real time

Wish I could get paid for

1. Reading something frivolous (but well written) that engages my emotional side (frightening, romantic, gossipy) and is really fun
2. Reading something that introduces me to new fascinating ideas that spark my mind and fuel further thought
3. Folding complex origami models where I go into a state of flow but also mental challenge and also engage manual dexterity AND artistic decision-making
4. Hiking up a mountain alone or with friends for the sheer pleasure of being in the mountains
5. Moving and splitting wood (WITH a log splitter) to experience the satisfaction of preparing for winter and doing outdoor physical labor alone or with others
6. Learning a new skill that is both manual and mental such as sewing (the machine I borrowed is at the ready), or drumming (got my used drum!)
7. Inventing something, whether craft or useful, out of materials such as wood, paper, plastic, making decisions along the way and watching the transformation, can be alone or with spouse
8. Wisecracking or making witty observations about life and sharing them with others, (hopefully) so our day is more fun
9. Using satire and comedy to gently disrupt stagnant thinking and get myself and others out of our normal mental patterns
10. Mowing the lawn, feeling that I’m taking good care of my property and having fun cruising around the yard with uninterrupted time to reflect
11. Daydreaming aimlessly while doodling and listening to music, seeing what comes up for me
12. Shopping for/making a special gift for someone I like or love, looking for “just the right thing”
13. Observing animal behavior and reflecting to gain a better understanding of human behavior
14. Comparing and contrasting different cultures and making observations, to understand where our behavior comes from
15. Reflecting on life and how different people interpret similar situations, trying to figure out what makes them tick
16. Listening to John Coltrane or Miles Davis records and traveling to the raw material of the human soul
17. Honoring the natural world by observing in silence and watching what presents itself
18. Sneakily disobeying the rules without anyone knowing and smiling to myself, or maybe sharing it with a select group
19. Fixing something that was broken, when that means I have a sense of autonomy and ability to influence my own life
20. Talking with my dad about life, when we delve into philosophy and meaning of life
21. Looking at the stars and asking questions to the universe, when I trust an answer will come
22. Teaching my niece mischievous tricks like “made you look” and encouraging her in her wackiness
23. Drinking beer when the beer is crisp and cold like a mountain stream, when it tastes like the elixir of the gods
24. Speaking Spanish and experiencing the differences in how I can express myself (often better)
25. Eating something delicious, like a cheese and vegetable sandwich, and enjoying it completely in the moment
26. Cooking, when I can use creativity and follow my nose instead of a predetermined recipe
27. Buying myself something nice, when it feels like I value myself and it’s something I’ll really use and enjoy
28. Sharing my thoughts on dangerous or stupid things that we all should watch out for; using my ability to sniff out power dynamics and dissect them
29. Picking out/adding colors when that brightens up a space
30. Identifying waste and creating efficiencies when this makes me feel that I’m using my intellect and strategic ability
31. Taking on an intense physical challenge, like hiking up a steep hill fast, when I feel the capability and power of my body
32. Welcoming people, when I’m the host; setting the tone for a space so that people are free to be
33. Debating with someone when it’s not personal and we both enjoy a great argument
34. Talking with my husband when we’re really listening to each other
35. Spending the day with my husband when we decide what to do moment-to-moment, such as going to an antique store, grocery shopping, stopping for a beer
36. Cleaning the house IF and WHEN the satisfying outcome makes me feel renewed and free
37. Talking on the phone with my sister and analyzing our family members and laughing about all of us and our wacky ways
38. Building a fire in the woodstove when it makes me feel warm and grateful to nature for the fuel
39. Drinking the ambrosia of life, coffee, when I first wake up and feel the enjoyment of that first cup
40. Entertaining a group of people with a funny story when everyone laughs and identifies with it
41. Rearranging furniture when it gives me a new perspective on my space
42. Watching one of my favorite shows alone after everyone’s gone to bed where it feels like my private retreat

Elly Wood’s High INGs

• connecting verbally with anyone I choose – when we are both present and sharing with each other, there is a Heart Smile in the experience (9)
• helping to plan a project while working with others – creating and executing a system while collaborating and all strengths being honored by the people working on it (8)
• engaging with others to collaboratively make positive change at work, incorporating laughter and kindness into interactions whenever possible, especially the difficult ones (8)

• making shelf sets look abundant and attractive after someone else has created them – tidying them and taking care of the final details, being satisfied with the results (9)

• speaking in groups and with individuals, using ideas and practices that work to break down division and encourage cooperative community culture – being heard and my opinion being valued, seeing people brighten up when they have a sense that they BELONG where they are in the group or in the process (10)
• reviewing data-rich content (payroll, the schedule, events and people planning, etc.) and reviewing/analyzing it, for whatever purpose is needed at the time (7)

• connecting with vendors and helping them AND the coop succeed for everyone’s benefit, including the customers who will purchase their products – being part of ensuring success in the purpose and mission of the organization through the details (7)
• going to workshops and seminars and getting inspired by new ideas or old, expanded ideas (9)
• making signs for businesses/people using my Word Art (9)
• organizing, tidying, and cleaning space with a lens of color and comfort (10)

• having meaningful conversations with intriguing people, especially when the topic of discussion is about communication, temperaments, relationships, and the way our minds work (10)
• paddling – being on quiet water, alone or with friend(s) and blissing out to the sounds and scenery of something so much bigger than myself (10)
• swinging kettle bells, using my body as a vehicle from which to move heavy objects with safety and technique and finesse, feeling the blood moving in my veins, working hard (9)
• reading out loud – hearing my voice, using inflections and tones to bring power to the words (8)
• coloring – bringing vivid shades to paper and seeing satisfactory results (10)
• typing – feeling my fingers move quickly and effortlessly as a tool for creating something understandable (9)

• camping – immersing in the outdoors and having the simplicity of basics in what I need – food, water, shelter, warmth, light (10)
• swimming – being held in water and feeling it on all of my skin, sometimes as a warm vessel and sometimes as a rush (9)
• writing, especially letters to loved ones or letters to myself – using my ability to communicate with words to express my thoughts visually; inviting someone else to see my thoughts without pressure of immediate response (9)
• making Word Art – bringing letters and color and shape together to be visually appealing, labeling containers or spaces with words in fun ways (10)
• facilitating large group meetings outside of the workplace, getting people energized in what otherwise might be an experience that is boring or unproductive (8)
• dancing, moving in rhythm and beat and melody, either by myself or with someone else (10)
• listening to music, live or recorded – feeling the vibration of the notes fill my ears and space (10)
• skiing, reminding my body of something I could do when I was a kid – all in my control, gliding and floating and speeding (10)
• taking things apart and putting them back together, getting to see how a system or process functions, memorizing it and learning it so as to use it again at a later time (9)
• love bombing, especially strangers – the feeling of having someone smile because I’ve touched them in some way is gleeful for me (10)
• giving and receiving really great hugs that last longer than 5 seconds, with consent and not out of force or creating discomfort for someone, putting my arms around the person in a loving embrace and sharing energy exchange with them (10)
• laughing with my belly, bonding with someone and releasing any and all tension in giggles (10)

• loving physically with a partner, relaxing into the sensations and breaths and movement, choreographing intimate play and touch together (10)

• playing with others – being in movement, having healthy competition with others, being challenged to figure something out (puzzles, card games, board games, lawn games, etc.) (9)

• networking, getting to know and remember others in the community – making connections with real people and seeing their strengths, knowing their contributions and attributes so as to store away in my memory for future connections between people (8)
• creating physical space, outdoor or indoor, to be inviting and clean and comfortable (8)

• moving my body – doing yoga, stretching; feeling my blood flow, my heartbeat quicken, my skin get red and hot (10)

Beverly

All of the following are high INGs at my current job

• Developing new program ideas and new ways of working that receive enthusiastic buy-in from the whole team – 10

• Finding ways of working outside, whether it be walking one-on-ones, team meetings in the park, or outdoor workshops – 10

• Reading books about learning, success, etc. and distilling the information down into teen-friendly content -9

• Talking one-on-one with teens about their dreams for their futures – 10

• Working with small groups of teens to answer their questions about work and the real world. – 9

• Finding new technologies, programs, tools, etc. that can improve the ways we work and the services we provide – 10

• Brainstorming –  Possible program ideas with the team when it feels like all our urgent/important work is done. – 9

• Meeting with the team when there is a clear purpose, structure, and schedule for the meeting’s content. – 9

• Training new staff when I have time set aside and a well-organized plan. – 8

• Talking with parents and teens who walk into the office and explaining our program and how we can help – 8

• Writing about the achievements of our program (in reports and proposals) – 7

• Designing our program website – 9

• Creating visual elements for our program (flyers, social media images, website graphics, etc) – 10

• Writing guides for parents and worksites – 8

• Coding scripts in our Filemaker database to make complicated workflows easier if I’m not under time pressure to complete them – 8

• Helping other staff in the Youth Bureau fix little problems with their computers/software/etc. if I don’t have urgent/important tasks on my plate – 8

• Having casual conversations with staff about the teens they’re working with, troubleshooting possible solutions, primarily in the afternoon. – 9

• Using our database to collect statistics on the success of our program to share with partners and funders – 8

• Solving problems, especially complicated ones that take some troubleshooting – 8

• Engaging with other IYB staff in fun and informal ways (four-square, shooting hoops, taking walks, going to trainings outside the building together). – 9

• Researching other youth employment programs in the country and gleaning program ideas from them – 8

• Finding and removing friction points in my work and my team’s work – 8

• Making cold brew coffee for my staff team in the summer to keep them happy and energized – 10

• Finding ways to have more fun in the office (spirit days, silly mascots, plank competitions, etc.) – 9

• Hearing each member of the team share their ideas and special projects they’ve been working on – 9

• Photographing teens at their work placements for program use – 9

• Traveling with staff to their worksites and watching them interact with teens – 9

• Going to area schools to participate in outreach and direct service, when I don’t feel like I have major projects that need my time and attention – 9

• Finding the sweet spot in a proposal budget where the numbers are realistic for us and meet all of the proposal criteria. – 8

• Reading teen feedback and case notes– hearing what they have to say about our program – 9

• Creating a compelling and inspiring vision for our team that keeps us fired up and motivated. – 10

• Demonstrating to fellow staff in the way I talk and act that it is possible to have a lot of fun and get a lot accomplished at work – 10

• Going into businesses in the community and seeing former YES teens working – 9

• Surprising teens in this community by remembering their names and where they worked years after they leave our program – 9

• Creating video walkthroughs of our database and computer systems for incoming seasonal staff – 8

• Finding new ways to reach out to teens about our program, online and in person – 8

• Finishing big projects that I know will directly impact our program (reports, proposals, grants) – 8
• Helping teens learn something new– seeing that moment when something dawns on them – 10

• Enjoying the natural light and beautiful setting of my workplace – 10

• Giving seasonal employees (especially recent college grads) the experience of learning new things about our community through working with YES – 9

• Working with businesses and worksite partners who truly understand and respect the role we play in supporting the teens we place with them. – 9

• Getting to know people in this community who are committed to helping teens learn, grow, and thrive – 8

• Talking to YES alumni and hearing how their early work experiences shaped their attitudes about work – 8

• Speaking to large groups of teens (usually summer payroll sessions) about the impact that being a good worker can have on their lives – 9

• Sharing work stories (both good and bad) with small groups of teens in workshops. – 8

• Going to BCTR Talks at 12 that are relevant to Youth Development, to hear a academic, data-driven perspective on youth development issues. – 8

• Planning the next big project I’m going to focus on, particularly when I can do it while walking outside alone – 9

• Seeing the team work creatively and collaboratively to solve a problem or develop something new – 10

• Teaching teens how to talk about themselves and name their strengths – 9

• Hearing teens talk about their assumptions of what the real world/world of work is really like – 9