Friday Review: Ambition
How well-defined are your ambitions? Here are a few related posts you may have missed.
“The person who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.”
“We are capable of greater things than we realize.”
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I am the me I choose to be
“I am the me I choose to be.”
—Sidney Pottier, first black male to win the Best Actor Academy Award
Image from Unsplash by Pierre Bamin
Today’s quote seems like a modern version of Shakespeare’s famous line, To thine own self be true.
To what degree are you the “thee” you choose to be?
With all the pushing and pulling on us by outside forces, many of us have exchanged followers and likes for a bit of our souls.
Being a chameleon and constantly trying to please others almost always moves us away from our authentic selves.
In what ways have you or others close to you given away the power to choose and lost your way?
EXERCISE:
On what issues is it time to more courageously choose your most genuine self to receive the only essential “like” worth pursuing?
A penny will hide the biggest star in the universe
“A penny will hide the biggest star in the universe if you hold it close enough to your eye.”
—Samuel Grafton, 20th Century American Journalist
Image from Unsplash by Daniil Kuželev
We all experience hyper-focus from time to time. Some top priority grabs our complete attention and the rest of the world just disappears.
What are the benefits and costs to you personally and professionally in such situations? What is one such priority that comes to mind today or in the recent past where this was an opportunity or an issue?
EXERCISE:
Where in your life is keeping things too close blocking your view of other stars that need your attention?
FRIDAY REVIEW: POTENTIAL
FRIDAY REVIEW: POTENTIAL
Who in your communities has the most potential? Which among them would name you to their list? Here are a few potential-related posts you may have missed.
“There’s no such thing as overachievers; there are only under-estimators.”
“Life’s tragedy is that we get old too soon and wise too late.”
“The challenges that we face test us and help reveal our true potential.”
“Love, like the ocean, continues beyond the horizon. And life, like the sun, shines where we cannot see.”
“Love, like the ocean, continues beyond the horizon. And life, like the sun, shines where we cannot see.”
—Author Unknown
Image from Unsplash by Aaron Doucett
A friend and client named Doug sent me today’s quote in a condolence card upon the passing of my father, Marvin, in early March.
Since my dad’s passing after a remarkable 94 years, I have noticed many significant signs that it was only his body that died. His spirit and soul are still very present beyond the horizon we can see with our mortal capacities.
As I was preparing my breakfast the day after Dad died, I looked out the window and saw a cardinal.
I’ve been told that when God sends a cardinal, it’s a visitor from heaven. Cardinals appear when loved ones are near. When you keep seeing a certain type of bird, it is usually a heaven-sent messenger of love for you. `
EXERCISE:
Take some time today to reflect on some of the important people in your life who have passed away. Note examples of how they continue to shine and show their love in your life.
Please reply to this post if you wish to share your own perspective and experiences.
“Don’t be afraid of shitty first drafts.”
“Don’t be afraid of shitty first drafts.”
—Anne Lamott, author of Bird by Bird
Image from Unsplash by Thought Catalog
Bird by Bird is considered by many the bible of writing guides. It has sold non-stop since it was published in the 1990s. Today’s quote is a poignant nugget of Anne Lamott’s wisdom, gleaned from her many years of trial and error to give voice to her calling to write well.
The subtitle, Instructions on Writing and Life, points to the iterative nature of both. Capturing one’s thoughts, emotions, and feelings in words and deeds can often be pretty messy, especially during the early stages.
EXERCISE:
Where are you afraid that your initial drafts on some worthy goal or project are pretty awful?
How can and will you continue to develop second, third, and perhaps many more drafts, to fully express yourself throughout the rest of your life?
“Is this necessary?”
“Is this necessary?”
—Marcus Aurelius, Roman emperor from 161 to 180
How often do you feel or hear yourself telling others that you are busy, slammed, and overwhelmed with all the demands of life? How often do you ever get to the bottom of your to-do list with energy left over to spend as you wish?
We all crave some wiggle room and respite in our days to recharge, renew, and even play. Many don’t let themselves play until all the work is done — and it rarely is.
EXERCISE:
Write the question, “Is this necessary?” on a few post-it notes places in strategic spots at home and at work. Now capture all those past to-do items that end up your ‘to-don’t-do” list. Share this list with others to support your new intentions and accountability.
Happy Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving!
It’s been over nine years and 2,200 posts – I am motivated by your continued readership and grateful for your comments.
Over the years, we’ve looked at motivational quotes covering nearly 200 categories or topics. Take a look at the right sidebar, scroll down till you see “categories” and take your pick!
May your days be filled with Thanks-Giving.
“You don’t have to be sick to get better.”
“You don’t have to be sick to get better.”
—Hale Irwin, American professional golfer
Image from Unsplash by Morgan David de Lossy
Golf has become one of the go-to sports given COVID-19 and our need for social distancing. Being in the fresh air and walking or riding in a golf cart solo allows players to enjoy natural beauty, be with friends, and engage in a game that can never quite be mastered.
I recently heard the story of a fan watching legendary golfer Hale Irwin practicing on the range following one of his many career wins, where he shared today’s quote. Clearly he was driven by the desire within most of us for the goal of continuous improvement and personal mastery.
EXERCISE:
Where can and will you continue to practice and apply your most committed efforts to take an aspect of your life from good to great?
Please share this intention with a coach or two who would be delighted to support your efforts to get better.
“Don’t go to war to maintain the past.”
“Don’t go to war to maintain the past.”
—Seth Godin, American Author
Have you seen Hamilton? If not, you are in luck—Disney just paid a fortune for the rights to the show. It is now available on its streaming platform with the original cast.
Beneath the wonderful music, staging, and the extraordinary performances is the powerful story of the beginnings of our nation and how we went to war to become free and chart our own future.
The comical King George in the production went to war to hold on to the past, and obviously lost.
EXERCISE:
Where are you and others in your personal and professional communities still engaged in a war to maintain the past? What revolutionary ideas, efforts, and opportunities are worth fighting for to create your new future?