Some of the best advice we can take

“Some of the best advice we can take is the advice we offer to others. Some of the best advice we offer to others is the advice we ourselves end up ignoring.”

Stephen St. Amant, author of the Savenwood Blog

Image from Unsplash by Jakub Żerdzicki

Have you ever noticed how easily wisdom flows when we’re helping a friend or colleague?

As a coach, I often find that my own words — shared to inspire and motivate others — are exactly what I need to hear the most. Yet, it’s all too easy to overlook our own guidance.

Why is this?

When helping others, we often see their situation with clarity and objectivity. We draw on our own experiences, values, and hard-earned wisdom to guide them, but when we’re faced with our own challenges, emotions and self-doubt can cloud our judgement.

Suddenly, the advice that seems so obvious for someone else feels impossible to apply to ourselves.

EXERCISE:

The next time you feel stuck on an important matter ask yourself: What would I tell a friend in this situation?

Chances are, the answer may be just the coaching you need and deserve.

It’s easy to recognize the ups and downs of life

It’s easy to recognize the ups and downs of life. Learning to love the plateaus in our world takes a bit more practice and patience.

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Neo Ngoc Khan Huyen

It’s easy to notice life’s highs and lows: the wins we celebrate, the losses we mourn. These peaks and valleys grab our attention, stir our emotions, and often become the stories we tell.

But what about the plateaus — those stretches of calm, routine, and steady progress?

We often overlook these quieter moments, mistaking them for stagnation or boredom. Yet plateaus can be powerful.

They offer us time for rest, reflection, and integration. They give us gaps in our lives to consolidate our gains and prepare for what’s next.

Learning to love the plateaus takes mindfulness, patience, and trust. It means embracing the idea that growth isn’t always dramatic — sometimes it’s subtle, internal, and slow.

EXERCISE:

Today, notice your own plateau moments and ask yourself: What quiet lessons are waiting for me to receive and appreciate?

Friday Review: Balance

Friday Review: Balance

What can and will you do to find and maintain balance in your life? Here are a few related posts you may have missed.

“He who will not economize will have to agonize.”

 

 

 

 

 

“Getting even throws everything out of balance.”

 

 

 

 

 

“Discover the right balance between effort and ease.”

 

 

 

 

 

Conversation enriches the understanding

“Conversation enriches the understanding, but solitude is the school of genius.”

Edward Gibbon, 18th Century British historian

Image from Unsplash by Emma Simpson

Today’s quote captures the profound truth about creativity and growth.

Conversation exposes us to new ideas, challenges our assumptions, and sharpens our thinking through dialogue and debate.

It’s through sharing and listening that we expand our understanding of the world.

True genius often requires solitude — a space free from distractions where original thoughts can flourish.

History’s greatest minds, from writers to inventors, have valued time alone to reflect, create, and pursue their unique visions.

While conversations build knowledge, solitude is where inspiration and innovation are born.

Embracing both allows us to learn from others and ultimately discover our own genius.

EXERCISE:

In what ways do conversations enrich your understanding?

How can spending more time alone unlock more of your hidden genius?

Motivation has perfect attendance

“Motivation has perfect attendance. It always shows up after you.”

Shane Parrish, Author of Farnum Street Blog

Image from Unsplash by Mika Baumeister

Motivation often feels elusive, like it’s hiding just out of reach.

Too often, we wait for inspiration to strike before taking action.

In reality, the simple act of starting is what invites motivation in.

When you push through resistance and begin, even if you don’t feel ready, you create momentum.

That momentum attracts motivation, fueling you to keep going.

Instead of waiting for the perfect moment or a burst of inspiration, take the first step and trust that motivation will follow.

Action breeds motivation, not the other way around.

EXERCISE:

In what areas of your life would it be useful to recognize that motivation is a follower, not a leader?

How can and will you best leverage this idea in both your personal and professional pursuits?

“Work to become, not to acquire.”

“Work to become, not to acquire.”

Elbert Hubbard, 20th Century American Writer

Image from Unsplash by Edward Howell

Our nugget of wisdom today reminds us that the true value of effort lies in personal growth, not material gain.

In a world obsessed with accumulating wealth and status, this philosophy shifts our focus inward, toward developing character, skills, and wisdom.

The journey of becoming is about continuous self-improvement, learning and nurturing our unique talents.

While acquiring possessions may bring temporary satisfaction, the fulfillment that comes from evolving as a person is lasting.

By working to become, we enrich both ourselves and those around us, building a life defined by authenticity and purpose.

Success is not measured by what we possess but by who we become in the process.

EXERCISE:

In what ways does today’s quote challenge your current motivations and goals?

How would focusing on becoming — rather that acquiring — change your attitude and approach to success?

When we make assumptions and judge other

When we make assumptions and judge others it’s helpful to offer a space of grace.

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Brett Jordan

We all make assumptions and judgements of others — it’s human nature. But what if, instead of letting those thoughts define our interactions, we chose to offer a “space of grace”?

This simple shift can transform relationships and deepen our empathy.

Offering grace involves pausing before reacting, recognizing that we don’t know someone’s full story.

It’s about giving others the benefit of the doubt and allowing room for misunderstandings and mistakes.

When we create this space, we foster respect and kindness for ourselves and those around us.

EXERCISE:

Where in your world would it be helpful to replace your assumptions and judgements with curiosity?

Ask yourself, what else could be true here or what might I not be seeing?

Friday Review: Freedom

FRIDAY REVIEW: FREEDOM

How do you define freedom in the various aspects of your life? Here are a few related posts you may have missed.

By letting things unfold and relinquishing control we discover freedom.

 

 

 

 

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!

 

 

 

 

 

“The more neatly you fit in society, the less free you actually are.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

The rung of a ladder was never meant to rest upon

“The rung of a ladder was never meant to rest upon, but to hold a man’s foot long enough to enable him to put the other somewhat higher.”

Thomas Huxley, 19th Century English Biologist

 Image from Unsplash by James Quinerie

Today’s quote is a powerful reminder that progress is built on movement, not comfort. Each rung of a ladder represents a step forward — an achievement or challenge that prepares us for the next.

If we become too comfortable at any stage, we risk stagnation and miss the chance to reach our full potential.

Life’s journey is about continual growth using every experience as a foundation to climb higher. The purpose of every rung is to help us rise, not become a place of rest.

EXERCISE:

In what areas of your personal and professional life have you stopped climbing?

Where is it time to take the next step or even move your ladder to a new wall to continue your journey?

The past is a teacher not a judge

“The past is a teacher, not a judge. Your next move matters more than your last mistake.”

Shane Parrish, Author of the Farnum Street Blog

Image from Unsplash by Kyle Glenn

Today’s quote hits home with my coaching philosophy.

Too often, we let past mistakes define us, replaying them like a harsh judge’s verdict. But what if we viewed the past as a wise teacher instead?

Each mistake becomes a lesson, not a life sentence. Growth happens when we extract insights and apply them moving forward.

It’s our next move that holds the real power.

It’s not about erasing errors, but about learning and choosing better. Let your past inform you not imprison you.

Your future is shaped by your actions, not by the echoes of yesterday.

EXERCISE:

How can the lessons of the past carry you forward? How can your next steps reflect this newfound wisdom?