How Cultivators Work: Meet Alvin

Alvin E. Haygan, Jr.

Cultivators do a lot. They’re the folks who are going above and beyond in their role to make a positive impact on their company or team. And that means that staying motivated and preventing burnout are necessary parts of how they succeed. Every Cultivator is different, and so our curiosity got the best of us…we decided to ask them just how they do it!

Continuing our How Cultivators Work series is Alvin E. Haygan, Jr., Change Management Principal at Seagen, and a new member of our Cultivators Community. We caught up with Alvin as his family welcomed their second child and so first, we have to start by saying a big Cultivator Congratulations!

Here’s what Alvin had to say about staying motivated and supported at work:

As a Cultivator who is committed to creating positive change at work, how do you stay motivated?

As a Cultivator, staying motivated can be challenging, especially when you're faced with obstacles and setbacks. Here are a few strategies that you can use to stay motivated and focused on creating positive change at work:

Set clear goals: It's essential to have clear, specific, and measurable goals that align with your values and mission. Define what you want to achieve and break it down into smaller, achievable steps. This will help you stay focused and motivated as you work towards your goals.

Find meaning and purpose: It's important to understand the impact of your work and how it aligns with your personal values and mission. This sense of purpose can provide a strong motivation to keep going, even when things get tough.

Celebrate your successes: Take time to celebrate your achievements and milestones, no matter how small they may be. Celebrating success will help you stay motivated, boost your confidence, and keep you on track.

Practice self-care: As a Cultivator, you're dedicated to making positive change at work. However, it's important to take care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. Make sure to prioritize self-care practices such as exercise, healthy eating, and relaxation techniques to maintain your energy and focus.

Seek support: Surround yourself with people who share your values and vision. Seek out mentors or colleagues who can provide guidance, support, and encouragement. Collaboration with like-minded individuals can provide motivation and inspiration to continue working towards your goals.

Remember, staying motivated as a Cultivator takes intentional effort and commitment. By setting clear goals, finding meaning and purpose, celebrating successes, practicing self-care, and seeking support, you can stay motivated and continue to create positive change at work.

What's one way you practice self-care during your day/week to support you in doing your best work?

Taking a morning walk is an excellent way to practice self-care and set the tone for a productive and focused day. When I wake up, I like to take a brisk walk around my neighborhood, preferably before I start my workday. Here's how it helps me:

Clears my mind: Walking in the fresh air helps clear my head of any leftover thoughts or worries from the previous day. It gives me time to mentally prepare for the day ahead and prioritize my tasks.

Boosts energy levels: Walking is an excellent form of exercise and helps get my blood flowing, which boosts my energy levels and wakes me up. This increased energy and focus can translate into more productive work later in the day.

Provides time for reflection: During my morning walk, I take the opportunity to reflect on my goals, accomplishments, and challenges. It's a quiet time where I can tune out distractions and focus on what's essential.

Relieves stress: Walking outdoors in nature has been shown to reduce stress levels and promote a sense of well-being. It's a peaceful and calming way to start the day and helps me feel more centered and focused.

Overall, taking a morning walk is a valuable part of my self-care routine. It helps me approach my workday with a clear and focused mindset, which supports me in doing my best work.

We’re already lacing up our walking shoes! Connect with Alvin and get inspired by other changemakers like him by joining our Cultivators Community.