All Doors are Open to Courtesy

Posted on by

“All doors are open to courtesy.”

—Thomas Fuller, 17th Century English Historian

Image of a door through a huge rock

Image by Joshua Sortino on Unsplash

This past Thanksgiving holiday was particularly challenging due to my father Marvin’s hospitalization. Fortunately, his surgery and medical care is progressing, thanks to the very compassionate and caring team of dedicated professionals.

Of particular note is how courteous and kind the medical and non-medical staff were at each point of contact with my dad, my wife, and me.

A wonderful bonus was an invitation by close friends to join them for Thanksgiving dinner, and experience their caring friendship.

EXERCISE:

Where in your world can you more fully appreciate or extend the kind and supportive open doors of courtesy?

Examine the service you render

Posted on by

“Examine the service you are rendering, and especially the spirit in which you are rendering it.”

—Roger Babson, 20th Century American Entrepreneur

Image of a hand holding a flower

Image from Unsplash by Lina Trochez

A few months ago, I attended a seminar on family business, along with about 40 consultants, coaches, and other trusted advisors.

The program was a combination of a panel discussion and group interactions, with a lively Q&A session.

As I listened carefully to the experience some participants shared, I found it difficult to see any dramatic difference between the information, and the scope of the services they provided.

I did, however, notice a considerable level of difference in the energy, enthusiasm, and passion some of these experts expressed. This had me leaning into their comments with greater interest and receptivity.

EXERCISE:

Where and in what ways can you upgrade the services you currently offer with a more energized and enthusiastic spirit? How might that upgrade make you stand out from your competition, and put you at the top of the list in your profession?

The test and use of education

Posted on by

“The test and use of man’s education is that he finds pleasure in the exercise of his mind.”

—Jacques Barzun, 20th Century French-American Historian

Image of a man sitting on a log

Image from Unsplash by Ben White

Perhaps nothing brings us more satisfaction on a daily basis than getting things done. Whether it is building something tangible, solving a challenging problem, or simply making a significant difference in the lives of others, we all need this fix to be pleased with ourselves.

It is likely our need to be useful and make a contribution to those around us that gives our lives meaning.

I have also noticed that most of my coaching clients enjoy exercising their minds, and find considerable enjoyment through continuous learning, which often leads to getting bigger and more significant things done.

EXERCISE:

Where and in what ways would greater exercise and stretching of your mind provide you the added pleasure of testing yourself, allowing you to get more done and making a bigger difference in your worlds?

The Greatest Thing About Man

Posted on by

“The greatest thing about man is the ability to transcend himself, his ancestry, and his environment, and to become what he dreams of being.”

—Tully C. Knoles, early president of the College of the Pacific

Meme of Today's quote

Do me a favor. Please read today’s quote four more times.

Read it slowly.

Savor each word like a fine wine or choice morsel of an extraordinary meal. Let its full meaning sink into your bones to see how it does, or could, apply to your life today and as you move forward.

Where is your past or ancestry somehow holding you back and placing limits on what is possible?

Where is your current personal or professional environment blocking your progress and thwarting your efforts?

EXERCISE:

How can you summon the wondrous and extraordinary capacities within you to transcend your current self? How might this help you realize far more of your most inspired and compelling dreams?

economize or agonize

Posted on by

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

—Confucius, ancient Chinese Philosopher

Image of rocks balanced on a plane

Image from LinkedIn

Over many years of coaching, I’ve noticed several interesting trends.

In general, my clients in their twenties, thirties, and forties are most often on a highly intentional growth trajectory. They want to build wealth, pursue success, and increase their standard of living. This almost always involves accumulating possessions, and often increases the demands and complexity of their lives.

As they reach their fifties, sixties, and seventies, they seem to be more focused on scaling back, simplification, and greater balance. It is often because their many years of living in the fast lane, carrying too much stuff and stress, has become more of a burden than they care to shoulder going forward.

EXERCISE:

Where would a “less is more” strategy, regardless of your stage of life, provide you the added freedom and peace of mind you desire?

Trust One Who Has Tried

Posted on by

“Trust one who has tried.”

—Virgil, ancient Roman poet of the Augustan period

Meme Trustworthiness

What criteria do you use to determine someone’s trustworthiness?

Select a particular person from your professional or personal community. Using the following questions, rate them on a scale of one to four, with four being high:

THIS INDIVIDUAL:

  • Is consistent and dependable
  • Is more focused on others than self
  • Is a good listener
  • Keeps personal confidences and avoids gossip
  • Shows genuine care for others
  • Exhibits honesty and integrity
  • Is a win-win, consensus builder

Also ask yourself if this person walks their talk, even in the face of obstacles and challenges.

EXERCISE:

How would you rate yourself – or better yet – how would others rate you on the same trustworthiness scale? How can you always demonstrate yourself as one who would not ask others to do something you hadn’t tried yourself?

Desire is half of life

Posted on by

“Desire is half of life. Indifference is half of death.”

—Kahlil Gibran, 19th Century Lebanese Poet

Meme of today's quote

How do you feel when you are around enthusiastic, passionate, and excited people?

How do you feel when you are around people who lack energy, and pretty much don’t give a hoot about anything?

These groups of individuals act like booster shots or vampires in the way they create aliveness or deaden our worlds.

EXERCISE:

Where and in what ways can you build and fan the flames of desire to experience more of the aliveness you desire?

How can you lessen or completely eliminate the deadening quality of indifference from your world?

Consider partnering with a close friend, mentor, family member, or coach to support both of these intentions.

Friday Review Giving

Posted on by

FRIDAY REVIEW: GIVING

What are your thoughts and practices about Giving? Here are a few giving-related posts you may have missed. Click the links to read the full messages.

 

“The Heart That Gives, Gathers.”

 

 

 

 

 

“The world truly does require your help.”

 

 

 

“The things you do for yourself are gone when you are gone, but the things you do for others remain as your legacy.”

 

 

 

No Certain Place to Go

Posted on by

“There comes a time for departure even when there is no certain place to go.”

—Tennessee Williams, 20th Century American Playwright

Image of a plane taking off

Image from Flickr by Bruno Geiger

Take a few minutes to examine your personal and professional communities. Ask yourself the following questions:

  • How much do I look forward to participating in this community?
  • How well do the people in this community share my vision and values?
  • How much influence do I have on the goals and direction of this community?
  • What learning and growth opportunities are possible in this group?
  • How well does this group fulfill my desire for a purposeful life?

EXERCISE:

Where might you need to make changes – large or small – in how you spend your time, and who you spend it with, even if there is no clear alternative place to go?