Monthly Archives: December 2013

“People will cling to an unsatisfactory way of life rather than change in order to get something better, for fear of getting something worse.”

Posted on by

“People will cling to an unsatisfactory way of life rather than change in order to get something better, for fear of getting something worse.”

– Eric Hoffer, moral and social philosopher

Do you know any living examples of the definition of insanity? You know, those people who keep on doing the same thing over and over, yet they expect a different result?

Perhaps one reason for their stuckness is what Hoffer suggests: the fear of getting a worse result if they change their ways.

What I have found in my years of coaching and in my own life is that high levels of commitment, combined with multiple levels of support over extended periods of time, almost always produce far better results.

Exercise:

To support you in altering some unsatisfactory part of your life, try this three-step exercise.

  1. Identify your top commitments in your life that you wish to realize.
  2. Rally support from all parts of your world.
  3. Stay in action toward these objectives and accept the risk, and over time your life will be improved.

Repeat as often as you wish.

“Habit is the daily battle-ground of character.”

Posted on by

“Habit is the daily battleground of character.”

—Dan Coats, 20th Century American politician and diplomat

Image from Unsplash by Prophsee Journals

I agree with the quote above, and disagree with it at the same time.

Let’s start where I disagree. Many of us engage in a variety of not-so-wonderful habits that would be called “character flaws” by many. These habits include eating junk food, not exercising, and spending money we don’t have, leaving us in debt.

On the other hand, the good and noble habits that demonstrate character often occur initially as a battle-ground, due to the need to go outside our comfort zones.

Most people of high character would suggest that the rewards of these habits are well worth it – and over time they become far less of a struggle to maintain.

Exercise:

Choose one of your current undesirable habits and promise yourself (and those around you) that you will replace it with one that demonstrates your highest character.

If you would like additional help with this and other habits you may wish to develop, consider purchasing and implementing the strategies in the book The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg:  charlesduhigg.com/the-power-of-habit

“The race will go to the curious, the slightly mad, and those with an unsatiated passion for learning and dare-deviltry.”

Posted on by

“The race will go to the curious, the slightly mad, and those with an unsatiated passion for learning and dare-deviltry.”

– Tom Peters, business author

A few weekends ago, I went to see the Formula 1 racing movie Rush, directed by Ron Howard. In this true story of the rivalry of two top drivers of the 70s was a healthy dose of passion, slight madness and dare-deviltry which actually helped these two individuals win many races.

I would almost never describe myself this way: I rarely exceed the speed limit! On the other hand, what I lack in dare-deviltry, I think I make up for in curiosity and passion for learning and achievement.

Exercise:

What races are you trying to win in your professional and personal life?

How can you mobilize your curiosity, passion and dare-deviltry to see many checkered flags in the future?