Don’t stop when you are tired. Stop when you are done

Posted on February 7, 2019 by Barry

“Don’t stop when you are tired. Stop when you are done.”

—David Goggins, American ultramarathon runner

Image of David Goggins from Madbarz

A job well done is a wonderful phrase, whether said by us, or a respected colleague.
The power and satisfaction of completing something big or small has a way of releasing lots of those “feel good” hormones associated with happiness, pleasure, and overall life satisfaction.

On the other hand, consider all those half-done, in-process projects in either your personal or professional worlds – especially the ones that don’t quite light you up with enthusiasm. What emotions and feelings are associated with these matters? How often do you stop your efforts due to some level of fatigue or frustration, or perhaps procrastinate and decide to get back to these efforts later rather than sooner?

EXERCISE:

Where and on what priority matter could you use the experience of being tired as a trigger or catalyst to dig deeper into your own grit and persistence to “get’er done”?

Only the guy who isn’t rowing has time to rock the boat

Posted on February 6, 2019 by Barry

“Only the guy who isn’t rowing has time to rock the boat.”

—Jean-Paul Sartre, 20th Century French Philosopher and Playwright

Image of men rowing against a black background

Image from Unsplash by Josh Calabrese

What is your immediate interpretation of today’s quote? Is being a boat rocker a bad thing or a good thing? How much does it depends on where the boat is headed?

Most people, on many occasions, tend to go along to get along. They do not want to be seen as individuals who are not pulling their weight. If and when they do stop rowing and stand up to look around, the other rowers will often apply peer pressure to have them sit down and get back with the program.

Conformity and going with the flow just doesn’t suit the vision, values, and sense of self for many folks these days. They feel compelled to stand up and look toward an alternate horizon more in alignment with their true selves. The boat rocking may result in them jumping ship or being forced to walk the plank due to the apparent disconnect or perceived mutiny observed by the boat’s captain and crew.

EXERCISE:

Where are your personal and professional boats headed? In which situations is it warranted to put more of your legs and back into your rowing efforts, or stand up and rock the boat, to either change its direction or jump ship?

What comes out of you when you are squeezed is what is inside you

Posted on February 5, 2019 by Barry

“What comes out of you when you are squeezed is what is inside you.”

—Wayne Dyer, late American Self-Help Author and Speaker

Image from Wikipedia

How many times each day do you brush your teeth to keep your pearly whites pearly white, strengthen your gums, and freshen your breath? Did you know that there are numerous additional uses for toothpaste that can be realized with a few more squeezes? Alternative uses include:

Cleaning your hands after cutting smelly foods such as onions
Cleaning jewelry
Cleaning crayon marks from painted walls
Defogging sports eye wear
Treating acne and other skin conditions
Nail care
Removing carpet stains and shower slime

EXERCISE:

Where and how would a few more squeezing situations bring out even more of your unique talents and abilities? How would a bit more squeezing bring out more of the best in others in your personal and professional communities?

Don’t be in such a rush unless you’ve got the time

Posted on February 4, 2019 by Barry

“Don’t be in such a rush unless you’ve got the time.”

—Author Unknown

Image of a man running across a glass floor

Image from Unsplash by Andy Beales

At my fitness club recently, I was speaking to an automotive executive named Jim about The Quotable Coach series. In addition to showing sincere interest in the concept of quote/coaching commentary/and an exercise to apply the nugget of wisdom to our own lives, he shared today’s quote.

He also told me stories in which rushing had a painful downside – not the least of which was stubbing his baby toe too many times to count.

EXERCISE:

Where and in what ways do you find yourself rushing around your world, with the results you desire falling short of your intentions?

Where would slowing down a bit and taking your time on both important and seemingly urgent matters be the way to approach more aspects of your life?

Friday Review of Posts on Teamwork

Posted on February 1, 2019 by Barry

FRIDAY REVIEW: TEAMWORK

What are your thoughts and beliefs about teamwork? Here are a few teamwork-related posts you may have missed. Click to read the full message.

“Teamwork is the ability to direct individual accomplishment toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.”

“A single leaf working alone provides no shade.”

“Vital to every operation is cooperation.”

Just because you can’t keep up doesn’t mean you can’t show up

Posted on January 31, 2019 by Barry

“Just because you can’t keep up doesn’t mean you can’t show up.”

—Brendon Burchard, High Performance Author

Image from Unsplash by Mārtiņš Zemlickis

Striving for excellence is a powerful thing. It gives us all a sense of passion and purpose that is fundamental to living a happy, fulfilled life. There is, however, a dark side to the pursuit of excellence when we compare ourselves to others that have demonstrated superior skills and abilities.

In such cases, many of us don’t even bother suiting up and showing up to contribute our abilities and capacities for fear of looking bad and not keeping up.

EXERCISE:

Where and on what personal or professional issue is it time to summon the courage to show up and contribute your best, regardless of the outcome?

It pays to keep an open mind, but not so open your brain falls out

Posted on January 30, 2019 by Barry

“It pays to keep an open mind, but not so open your brain falls out.”

—Carl Sagan, 20th Century American Astronomer

Image from medium.com

Who in your personal or professional life do you consider the most closed minded and stubborn? If you are like many of us, you might say, “Where do I start?” and be able to create a reasonably long list in mere minutes. What are the benefits and down sides of having such a closed-minded view of things?

On the other hand, who are the most open and receptive folks you know? Who are those who will try on the views and perspective of others, easily and fully? What are the benefits, and in the case of today’s quote, the downside of seeing the world primarily through the lens of those around you?

EXERCISE:

Imagine your mind is a screen door or window. How would the flow of air on a summer day be similar to the healthy flow of new ideas with a wider perspective foster more quality relationships and life success?

To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake it is necessary to stand out in the cold.

Posted on January 29, 2019 by Barry

“To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake it is necessary to stand out in the cold.”

—Aristotle

Image from Unsplash by Aaron Burden

For some reason, during winter I like to watch shows about Alaska. Three of my favorites are:
Life Below Zero
Alaska the Last Frontier
The Last Alaskans

What I enjoy the most is just how much each individual experiences joy and pleasure living such a demanding, chilly lifestyle. Beyond the natural beauty and splendor of this vast part of the country is perhaps the fact that they all cherish the ability to lead very self-determined lives.

EXERCISE:

What current and future struggles and life difficulties are you willing to face to pursue your own unique and beautiful life journey?

More people would learn from their mistakes if they weren’t so busy denying them

Posted on January 28, 2019 by Barry

“More people would learn from their mistakes if they weren’t so busy denying them.”

—Dan Sullivan, founder and president of The Strategic Coach Inc.

Image from DailyCaring

Having a bias for being right and making others wrong seems to be one of the fundamental challenges facing the majority of people throughout history. Although most of us prefer to consider ourselves self-aware and open-minded, we often fall into the trap of seeing the mistakes of others far more often than viewing our own shortcomings.

Instead of closing our eyes to our own responsibilities for certain failures, what if we could shift our perspective from one of embarrassment and shame to one of learning and growth? How would this support the courage it takes to be vulnerable in those moments we fall short in our efforts?

EXERCISE:

Where and on what life issue are you, or perhaps someone you know, in denial about a significant mistake? What would be the benefit if you or they would more frequently embrace the life changing magic and important lessons in such situations?