“Democracy is based upon the conviction that there are extraordinary possibilities in ordinary people.”

“Democracy is based upon the conviction that there are extraordinary possibilities in ordinary people.”

—Harry Emerson Fosdick, 20th Century American Pastor/Author

Image from Unsplash by Element5 Digital

I hope you voted early.

If you exercise this right in person today, please do so safely.

EXERCISE:

Consider having a few significant conversations today with friends and family about the extraordinary possibilities you envision and intend to be part of in the years ahead.

“When a flower doesn’t bloom you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower.”

“When a flower doesn’t bloom you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower.”

—Alexander Den Heijer, Dutch inspirational speaker

Image from Unsplash by Quino Al

Consider yourself a type of flower. Notice how you’ve grown and hopefully bloomed over the years. If you have been fortunate to show the world your colors and contributed your gifts and talents, consider giving thanks to the people and resources that surrounded you.

We are all born with the seed of possibility within us, and the evidence is clear—through examples such as early child education—of what a profound difference it makes throughout our lives.

EXERCISE:

In what ways can you nurture and enrich the environment in which you are placed? How and in what ways can and will you provide the fertile soil, sunshine, and life affirming waters to help others blossom in your personal and professional communities?

“Look and you will find it – what is unsought will go undetected.”

“Look and you will find it – what is unsought will go undetected.”

—Sophocles, ancient Greek tragedian

COVID-19 moved our cheese. What was familiar and predictable months ago was suddenly no longer so, and we’ve all felt the loss.

Although these various forms of loss cause much pain, we can all take a lesson from the mouse in the classic business book, Who Moved My Cheese? Going through its maze one day, taking its traditional route, the mouse did not find the cheese he expected. Noticing this, the little guy fairly quickly changed his route to seek his reward elsewhere.

EXERCISE:

What are some of the new ways that you and others in your communities have adapted, adjusted, and expanded your cheese-finding efforts? What new opportunities and possibilities have you discovered and realized?

Feel free to reply to this post with some approaches that are working for you.

“Did you ever wonder why no one ever tries softer?”

“Did you ever wonder why no one ever tries softer?”

—Lily Tomlin, American actress and comedian

Image from Unsplash by Max van den Oetelaar

If you keep up with books on personal and professional achievements, you will likely have seen an emphasis on deep work, drive, grit, leaning in, and discovering your strengths.

There is no question that hard work, persistence, the power of habit, and putting in those 10,000 hours is correlated with considerable progress and achievement.

EXERCISE:

What would trying softer look like?

How could this be an access point to a more successful and rewarding life?

Where would quieter behaviors and approaches to your relationships with yourself and others, and the general way you move through life, provide access to new personal and professional possibilities?

Friday Review: Possibilities

FRIDAY REVIEW: POSSIBILITIES

What do you consider “impossible” for you? What do you consider possible? Here are a few possibility-related posts you may have missed.

 

“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.”

 

 

 

 

“The Earth needs a good lawyer.”

 

 

 

 

“I go to seek a Great Perhaps.”

 

 

 

 

“It’s hard to see your own face without a mirror.”

“It’s hard to see your own face without a mirror.”

—Phil McGraw, American TV Personality “Dr. Phil”

Image from Unsplash by Laurenz Kleinheider

I recently facilitated a team-building workshop with one of my favorite clients. Half of the twelve participants had worked with me before. The other six were with me for the first time. The senior leader has been coaching each of them for more than a decade and he wanted to boost his efforts with this session.

We discussed a variety of topics, and did a strength/weakness exercise, which is fairly standard for such meetings. Surprisingly, the feedback and comments from their colleagues made an even bigger impression on the participants than most expected.

EXERCISE:

Where are or could you more fully use the people in your personal and professional communities as a mirror, to realize more of your fullest potential?

The Earth needs a good lawyer

“The Earth needs a good lawyer.”

—Seth Godin, American Author

Image of Earth

Image from nasa.gov

These days it appears that the next gold rush is in space. Whether it is mining asteroids or creating settlements on Mars, there is no question there are lots of big bets being made by such pioneers as Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, Richard Branson, among others.

Given the trends we observe today, what shape will planet Earth be in by the time, decades from now, we realize all the possibilities we see today?

Even if we create a settlement on Mars with a million people, there will still be eight billion, nine hundred and ninety-nine million people left here on Earth. They will be looking into the night sky, possibly wondering, What have we done?

EXERCISE:

Where and in what ways are you a protector/defender of our beautiful Earth? What immediate actions can all of us take to not ever need a lawyer to stand up for Mother Nature?

Friday Review Possibilities

FRIDAY REVIEW: POSSIBILITIES

What do you consider “impossible” for you? What do you consider possible? Here are a few possibility-related posts you may have missed. Click the links to read the full message.

 

“When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.”

 

 

 

 

 

“What is possible for you is dictated by your hunger, not your history.

 

 

 

“A great flame follows a little spark.”

 

 

 

Friday Review Possibilities

FRIDAY REVIEW: POSSIBILITIES

What is possible for you? What is impossible? Here are a few possibility-related posts you may have missed. Click the link to read the full message.

 

When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.

 

 

 

 

“Nothing happens unless first a dream.”

 

 

 

 

“What is possible for you is dictated by your hunger, not your history.”

 

 

 

 

A Great Perhaps

“I go to seek a Great Perhaps.”

—François Rabelais, 16th Century French Writer

Image of sky with quote in the clouds

Throughout recorded history, man has inquired into his own existence and humanity’s place and purpose on this earth.

Having a reason to get up each morning to explore and realize the possibilities of life seems fundamental, but all to often, some of us get stuck or stalled in a daily rut in which our lives feel less inspired and engaging.

EXERCISE:

Where and in what ways can you intentionally and proactively seek your next personal or professional “perhaps”?

Feel free to reply to this post with any insights you have had, and actions you plan to pursue.