Tag Archives: Barry Demp Coaching

“Move like you’re late and wait like you’re early.”

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“Move like you’re late and wait like you’re early.”

—Shane Parrish, author of the Farnum Street Blog

Image from Unsplash by Andy Beales

Today’s quote can be a pretty useful life hack.

Think about it: when you hustle like you overslept, suddenly laundry gets folded, emails get answered, and even the dog walks faster. You stop strolling through life like it’s a Sunday farmer’s market.

But here’s the twist: when you wait like you’re early, you swap impatience for Zen. No fuming in traffic, no glaring at microwaves. You’re the calm cucumber in the salad of chaos.

Do both. Become unstoppable — a fusion of lightning speed and monk-level patience.

EXERCISE:

Alternate between these two mindsets throughout your day.

Move at a lightening pace on one task, then immediately approach your next one with monk-like patience.

Notice how the contrast can sharpen your focus and reduce stress.

Luck is unevenly distributed, unpredictable, and unfair

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“Luck is unevenly distributed, unpredictable, and unfair. If it weren’t, it wouldn’t be luck.”
—Seth Godin, American author, marketing expert, entrepreneur

Image from Unsplash by Amy Reed

Luck has never promised to play fair.

It sweeps in unevenly — granting one person a break while another stumbles despite equal or greater effort.

That’s the maddening beauty of it: Luck refuses to be predictable, earned, or controlled. If it followed rules, it wouldn’t be luck — it would be math, merit, or some reliable formula.

Instead, luck lives in the gaps between preparation and randomness. The danger is believing it owes us balance, when in truth it never has.

The opportunity lies in what we can control — our mindset, persistence, and readiness to seize luck when it lands.

We can’t script chance, but we can sharpen ourselves into people who make the most of it!

EXERCISE:

Take a minute at the end of your day to write down one event or moment when luck — good or bad — touched your life. Consider how you responded, and reflect on what you learned.

When we embrace our deliberate slow ritual

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When we embrace our deliberate slow rituals, we learn to savor and fully appreciate each tasty morsel of our lives.

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Brett Jordan

In a world that moves too fast it takes real courage to slow down.

When we choose to move with intention — whether it’s a morning cup of coffee, writing a thoughtful note, or taking a mindful walk —we reconnect to life’s quiet richness.

These rituals remind us that meaning isn’t found in a rush to finish, but in cherishing each step along the way.

Like savoring a fine meal, our days become more flavorful when we pause to experience each morsel fully.

Slow rituals nourish us, offering balance, gratitude, and the calm strength needed for a rewarding and meaningful life.

EXERCISE:

What are some deliberate slow rituals that enrich your life? If you have yet to do so recently, consider adding new mindfulness and self-care practices to the mix.

When you walk around with your head in the clouds

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“When you walk around with your head in the clouds, you might end up stepping in a few puddles.”

—Stephen St. Amant, Author of Savenwood Blog

Image from Unsplash by Matt Palmer

When we let our imaginations soar, keeping our “heads in the clouds” can feel expansive, hopeful, and even magical.

Big dreams and lofty visions often fuel our motivation and push us beyond ordinary limits. Yet, if we drift too far from the present moment, we may overlook the small but important details of daily living — the “puddles” that can dampen our enthusiasm and slow our progress.

Balancing vision with awareness helps us stay grounded without losing momentum.

By lifting our gaze toward what’s possible while keeping one foot firmly planted in reality, we increase our chances of walking a clearer path — one that avoids unnecessary setbacks while still moving us closer to the brighter horizons we seek.

EXERCISE:

Where in your life do you “keep your head in the clouds” – dreaming big, but missing many practical details of life that matter?

What small habits can help keep you grounded as you pursue bigger goals and avoid unnecessary setbacks?

Any effort that goes into creating the perception

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“Any effort that goes into creating the perception of competence almost always takes away from the effort required to become more competent.”

—Rohan Rajiv, Author of A Learning a Day blog

Image from Unsplash by Afif Ramdhasuma

Any effort spent trying to look competent is energy stolen from actually becoming competent.

We polish resumes, curate images, drop jargon in meetings — yet all this theater distracts from the harder, unglamorous work of skill-building and mastery.

The irony?

True competence makes perception irrelevant.

A surgeon doesn’t need a slick social media profile to earn trust. A coach doesn’t need to brag if their clients are thriving.

Chasing perception is like painting rust — it looks good briefly but erodes from within.

Competence however, compounds.

Every hour invested in learning, practice, and reflection makes you unshakable.

EXERCISE:

To what degree do you put considerable time and effort into appearing competent?

Does the phrase “Fake it till you make it” ring true for you and others in your communities?

What steps can and will you take to make your competence an irrelevant topic of discussion?

The mind must be given relaxation

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“The mind must be given relaxation — it will rise improved and sharper after a good break.”

—Seneca the Younger, ancient Roman Stoic Philosopher

Image from Unsplash by Vitaly Gariev

Taking time to relax isn’t an indulgence — it’s vital for clear thinking and personal growth.

When we pause, step away, and allow our minds room to breathe, we return to our work and relationships with renewed clarity.

Instead of pushing relentlessly, give yourself permission for a mindful walk, family time, or a quiet moment. These simple breaks sharpen your perspective and boost creative insights.

Just as a well-rested athlete performs better, a rested mind leads to better decisions, deeper connections, and greater overall well-being.

Your productivity and joy depend on it.

EXERCISE:

Create a list of five to ten practical ways for you to apply Seneca’s wisdom to relax your mind for sharper, improved thinking.

Block out time in your schedule to engage in at least two of these activities today. How can and will you make this practice a habit going forward?

Don’t discount the past

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Don’t discount the past. There is no such thing as a wrong turn or a dead end. Each step along the way has brought you to this very moment.

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Hadija

Don’t discount the past — each moment, every twist (and even detours) have shaped the person you are today.

There are no wrong turns or dead ends if each experience teaches, strengthens, and deepens understanding.

Rather than regretting decisions or wishing for a different path, honor the journey that brought you here.

Challenges, successes, and failures all offer wisdom and growth, weaving together the unique story only you can share.

Embrace your past with gratitude, knowing it has prepared you for all that lies ahead.

This very moment is the sum of every step taken, a testament to resilience and self-discovery.

Move forward with confidence, trusting that your story is unfolding just as it should.

EXERCISE:

Explore The Power of Regret by Dan Pink to embrace and understand how regrets from the past can help you make smarter choices, perform better, and live a more meaningful life.

Friday Review: Decisions

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Friday Review: Decisions

What decisions have you made so far in 2025, or are you planning for 2026? Here are a few related posts you may have missed.

 

Decide to decide and then take the leap. You will land on your feet more than you think.

 

 

 

 

“Play the tiles you get.”

 

 

 

 

 

“Apologizing doesn’t always mean you’re wrong, and the other person is right. It means you value your relationship more than your ego.”

 

 

 

 

 

Job shadowing is a good idea at any age

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“Job shadowing is a good idea at any age.”

—Gabe Anderson– Musician

Image from Unsplash by Yk K

Job shadowing isn’t just for students or those starting out — it’s a powerful tool at any age.

Whether you’re 25, 45, or 65, stepping into someone else’s workday can open your eyes to new perspectives, spark fresh ideas, and even reignite passion for your own career.

For those considering a midlife career shift, shadowing helps you explore options without a major leap.

For seasoned professionals, it’s a chance to stay curious, expand knowledge, and connect with the next generation.

And for retirees, it offers meaningful engagement and continued learning. Curiosity has no age limit — shadowing reminds us we can all grow, adapt, and stay inspired at any stage of life.

EXERCISE:

Who would you like to shadow for a day?

How might these experiences spark new ideas and remind you that curiosity and personal growth have no expiration date?