the truth you believe in

Posted on April 20, 2017 by Barry

“The truth you believe in and cling to makes you unavailable to hear anything new.”

-Pema Chödrön, American Buddhist nun

Image of Pema Chödrön from calmfulliving.com

When was the last time you had a discussion with a friend, family member, or colleague in which they said, “I know” one or more times?

Consider that at such moments their beliefs and opinions are firmly cemented into their minds. Unfortunately, in many cases, they have literally stopped listening to any other perspective.

Turning this situation around, how often do you say “I know” to others, or just covertly think it to yourself?

EXERCISE:

Where and on what subjects are you clinging too tightly to your own point of view or perspective, making you unavailable to new possibilities?

How would an “I don’t know / I’m not sure / I’m curious” perspective create the greatest value?

What you wish to ignite in others

Posted on April 19, 2017 by Barry

“What you wish to ignite in others must first burn within yourself.”

-Aurelius Augustinus, early Christian theologian

Book Cover "to Sell is Human"

In his book To Sell is Human, Daniel Pink points out that one in every nine people in the working world is in sales.

Initially this thought lures the reader into thinking, That’s not such a big number, or I can’t stand those pushy sales people, or I’m glad I don’t have to do that!

A few sentences later, however, Pink points out that the rest of us are also in sales. We all must sell our thoughts and ideas at work and at home, even if we are not selling a product or service.

In all cases, the ability to influence and enroll others is fundamental to our success. Today’s quote points to the importance of and, in my opinion, the essential element of genuine enthusiasm as a key factor in igniting the flames of excitement in others.

EXERCISE:

What are the issues, priorities, projects, or even products that get your fires burning? How and where can you share your excitement and passion to ignite the flames of excitement and interest in others?

It is high time to step out of your own shadow

Posted on April 18, 2017 by Barry

“It is high time to step out of your own shadow.”

-Dr. Laurent F. Carrel, Author of Messages from Melanie

Image from Flickr by Matthias Uhlig

What do tall buildings, trees, and dark clouds have in common?

Given today’s quote, the answer, “They cast a shadow” would be correct. Shadows can be of great benefit, reducing the damaging rays of the sun or offering a bit of relief from oppressive heat.

We humans, as thinking, self-aware creatures, have the ability to create our own sunshine and yes, cast shadows of doubt, fear, pessimism, and general gloominess throughout our days.

EXERCISE:

Where and in what ways are you casting your own negative shadow on your world? What actions, attitudes, and strategies could you use to reach for the sky, and let in more light, enthusiasm and possibility?

If you seek ideas go walking

Posted on April 17, 2017 by Barry

“If you are seeking creative ideas, go out walking. Angels whisper to a man when he goes for a walk.”

-Raymond Inmon

Image from dlvr.it.blog

Has anyone ever told you they get some of their best ideas while taking a shower? It turns out that a change of scenery or venue is often just the ticket to get your creative juices flowing. Even the relatively new phenomenon of using a standing desk versus sitting all day has been touted to produce significant boosts of focus and productivity.

EXERCISE:

What changes can you introduce into your day to shift your perspective and open up new levels of innovation and creativity? Consider taking a walk and letting your angels whisper a few suggestions.

We are all Teachers

Posted on April 14, 2017 by Barry

FRIDAY REVIEW: TEACHING

We are all teachers at some level. Here are a few teaching-related posts you may have missed. Click the links to read the full message.

“Teaching is an instinctual art, mindful of potential, craving of realization, a pausing, seamless process.”

“It is not what you do for your children but what you have taught them to do for themselves that will make them successful human beings.”

“To teach is to learn twice.”

A conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking

Posted on April 13, 2017 by Barry

“A conclusion is the place where you got tired of thinking.”

-Arthur McBride Bloch, Author of Murphy’s Law Books

Image of a magnifying glass over the word "conclusion"

Image from MP3ringtone

Time pressure is one of many factors affecting our personal and professional worlds. Most people I coach are experiencing unprecedented levels of stress. They feel they are required to accomplish more in less time than ever before, just to keep up.

Critical thinking and decision-making are vital components of the world we live in. It often feels like we are all on a game show in which getting the right answer is only one part of how we win. The speed of our answer is also part of the equation.

The sheer number of decisions we need to make causes many of us to seek short cuts in our decision-making process, to avoid exhaustion and burnout.

EXERCISE:

How are you currently allocating your mental energies to your personal and professional priorities? How can you conserve or strengthen this energy to help you reach your most optimal and wisest conclusion?

the value of intuition

Posted on April 12, 2017 by Barry

“Intuition becomes increasingly valuable in the new information society precisely because there is so much data.”

-John Naisbitt, American Author and Specialist in Future Studies

Image of Google Search Results

When was the last time you did a Google search? What subject were you investigating? How many hits did you get, and how many were actually relevant to your inquiry?

I recall doing book reports in my youth, going to the library, or examining my own World Book Encyclopedia to piece together my paper.

Today, we have infinite amounts of information on most subjects. Navigating the world with some sense of sanity has made our intuitive skills and abilities of discernment more important than ever before.

EXERCISE:

What are some of your most useful intuitive strategies to sort through the volumes of information to help you make optimal decisions? Consider seeking input on this subject from others, to discover ideas you might not have considered. This may be just the data you need most.

Ships don’t sink because of the water around them

Posted on April 11, 2017 by Barry

“Ships don’t sink because of the water around them. Ships sink because of the water that gets in them. Don’t let what’s happening around you get inside you and weigh you down.”

-Author Unknown

Image of the wrecked SS Edumund Fitzgerald

Image of SS Edmund Fitzgerald by NewsMax.com

As a citizen of Michigan, I greatly appreciate our five Great Lakes, the largest group of freshwater lakes in the world. The lakes have been traversed by native people since the dawn of time, and by western man since the 17th century.

Thousands of ships have sunk in these waters, and an estimated 30,000 people have lost their lives as a result. The most famous was the wreck of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald, which sank in a Lake Superior storm in November, 1975, with the loss of the entire 29-member crew.

What personal and professional waters are you navigating these days? What stormy or rocky events are causing you to take on water and giving you that sinking feeling?

EXERCISE:

How and in what ways can you bail any water that has entered your worlds, and begin sailing toward calmer, more prosperous seas?

before borrowing money from a friend

Posted on April 10, 2017 by Barry

“Before borrowing money from a friend, decide which you need most.”

-A Farmers Almanac Philosofact

image from The Storage Facilitator

If you are a fan of Shakespeare, consider the advice Polonius provides to his son Laertes in Act I, Scene III of Hamlet:

Neither a borrower nor a lender be, for loan oft loses both itself and friend.

What has been your experience with such matters? Where did things work out just fine, and where did things go wrong?

How do these sayings influence your point of view and perspective on being generous and helping others in need?

EXERCISE:

Consider responding to this post with your thoughts or perhaps discuss your view on this subject with a friend.

Are You Trustworthy

Posted on April 7, 2017 by Barry

FRIDAY REVIEW: TRUST

How trusting are you of others? How trustworthy are you? Here are a few trust-related posts you may have missed. Click the links to read the full message.