Some books are undeservingly forgotten

Posted on August 17, 2016 by Barry

“Some books are undeservingly forgotten. None are undeservingly remembered.”

-W.H. Auden, 20th Century English Poet

Image from Flickr by UNCG Research

Do you love books, as I do? Do you prefer fiction or non-fiction? Regardless of your choice, take a moment to recall the books that told a great story or taught a profound lesson that has stayed with you to this day.

What percentage of the books you’ve read have you forgotten completely – perhaps undeservedly – due to a less than optimally open and receptive mind?

EXERCISE:

How would a far more open mind and receptive attitude toward seeking value and benefit from the books you read support you in living a fuller and more prosperous life?

stop a steamroller

Posted on August 16, 2016 by Barry

“You will not stop a steamroller by standing in front of it, but by letting it run out of steam.”

-Laurent Carrel, Messages from Melanie

Image from thoughtleadersllc.com

Do you know someone who unleashes anger, judgement, frustration, and upset on you or others from time to time?

Once they’re on a roll, there seems no stopping them, but there is one technique that can take the steam out of them. Choose to demonstrate interest in them by listening even more fully to their issues and concerns.

Use well-structured open-ended questions and layering to gain a greater depth of understanding. With this technique, you will likely help them quickly run out of steam.

EXERCISE:

Where and with whom could you try this technique, to create more work-ability in this important relationship?

healing the world

Posted on August 15, 2016 by Barry

“Each of us has a unique part to play in the healing of the world.”

-Marianne Williamson, American Spiritual Teacher

Image from mirrorspectrum.com

If you’ve been following the news over the past year – and particularly in the last two months – it is pretty clear the world could use considerable healing.

Many people experience a sense of overwhelm and even hopelessness, since the issue seem so enormous and insurmountable.

Just as we all know that to eat an elephant we must take one bite at a time, Marianne Williamson suggests we can all play a unique healing role within our families, organizations, and communities.

EXERCISE:

What one or two actions can you take today to bring much needed healing to your communities and our world?

Friday Review: Focus

Posted on August 12, 2016 by Barry

FRIDAY REVIEW: FOCUS

How focused are you on the things you desire? Here are a few focus-related posts you may have missed. Click on the link to read the full post.

“I never hit a shot – not even in practice – without having a very sharp, in-focus picture of it in my head.”

“My sun sets to rise again.”

“My brain has too many tabs open.”

say something nice

Posted on August 11, 2016 by Barry

“Gossip is the Devil’s Radio.”

-George Harrison, member of The Beatles

Image from giantbomb.com

I clearly recall my parents emphasizing the adage, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.” Unfortunately, this altruistic idea is difficult when we desire to belong and fit in with our various communities.

Using the radio metaphor, where do you stand in your willingness to receive destructive transmissions? When do you initiate them? Given our hyper-connected social media world, these messages can spread like wildfire.

EXERCISE:

What if you choose to be an angel – rather than a devil- by sharing only positive, affirming messages today? What would be possible if we all engaged in this approach?

The Grand Lie

Posted on August 10, 2016 by Barry

“Perfection is the grand lie.”

-Brendon Burchard, American Motivational Author

Image from Flickr by ewitch

Virtually everyone I meet who is exploring a coaching relationship wants to change their lives for the better.

Many experience a fair amount of upsets in their worlds, due to unfulfilled expectations of themselves, and others.

The “Grand Lie” of perfectionism is often a significant culprit for feelings of inadequacy and unhappiness.

An alternate approach – which I have found effective and freeing – is to replace perfectionism with the pursuit of progress, so that when the day is done, what you get done is what you get done.

EXERCISE:

Where is the Grand Lie of Perfectionism preventing you from the fulfilling and satisfying life you desire? Where would the pursuit of excellence and ongoing progress serve you far better?

Seek and you shall find

Posted on August 9, 2016 by Barry

“Seek and you shall find.”

-The Bible, from the Gospel of Matthew

Image from dpselfhelp.com

When I explore possible quotes for The Quotable Coach series, I always consider impact, imagery, cleverness, and word length. Today’s quote from the Bible hit the mark on numerous fronts.

What are you looking for? Are things like success, peace of mind, balance, love, job satisfaction, and extraordinary relationships on your list?

If, for some reason, your greatest desires appear out of reach or elusive, consider the strategies you employ. One twist that often works magic is to give what you are seeking in order to find more of it for yourself.

EXERCISE:

Where and how can (and will) you passionately offer and generously share what you most sincerely desire?

Optimism is essential to achievement

Posted on August 8, 2016 by Barry

“Optimism is essential to achievement, and it is also the foundation of courage and true progress.”

-Nicholas Murray Butler, 20th Century president of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

Image from questionpro.com

Would you like to live a longer, happier, more fulfilling and successful life?

Over the past two decades, I’ve conducted an unscientific, subjective assessment which indicates that my more optimistic clients are more successful and fulfilled during and beyond their coaching engagements.

Other scientifically verified sources attribute a number of benefits to optimism, including:

Having greater purpose	Increased coping skills	Increased productivity
More satisfying relationships	Reduced frustration & worry	Decreased stress
More vibrant health	Improved problem-solving	Enhanced self-esteem

EXERCISE:

Consider taking the 15-minute Learned Optimism Test, adapted from Dr. Martin Seligman’s book, Learned Optimism, as a step toward your own more rewarding life.

Friday Review Time

Posted on August 5, 2016 by Barry

FRIDAY REVIEW: TIME

What are your beliefs and practices relative to time? Here are a few time-related posts you may have missed. Click on the link to read the full message.

“It wasn’t a waste of time if you learned something.”

“If time were to take on human form, would she be your task master or freedom fighter?”

“There are people whose clocks stop at a certain point in their lives.”

what is possible

Posted on August 4, 2016 by Barry

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

-Brendon Burchard, American Motivational Author

Image from playbuzz.com

A few weeks ago, I had an engaging breakfast meeting with a friend who is applying for a new, high profile position. He expects to be vying for this job with a good number of other people.

Through our discussion and inquiry, we fueled the flame of his hunger for this position. He was clear that, based on his history and experience, he was highly qualified for the role. He also saw this position as the role of a lifetime, and that attaining it was his professional destiny.

EXERCISE:

How likely do you think it is that the interviewers will sense his genuine hunger and passion for the position and put him at or near the top of the list?

Where can you use your own insatiable hunger – not just your history – to achieve your deeply held desires?