Don’t Give up Now

Posted on April 13, 2016 by Barry

“Don’t Give Up Now!”

-Author Unknown

Image from pinspopulars.com

When was the last time you stopped trying, gave up, threw in the towel, or outright quit something? Look deeply at your reasoning, or perhaps your gut-or-heart-based perspectives, on the matter.

If giving up freed you up and relinquished a burden that didn’t fit your life direction, good work! If you experienced regret or an aching soul, perhaps sticking things out may have been a better choice in the long run.

EXERCISE:

Are you at a critical juncture on an important personal or professional matter? How would coaching, or another form of support in not giving up, make a big difference? Sharing your thoughts and feelings on such issues will often provide the added social support that can be so helpful at these critical times.

Illegitimi Non Carborundum

Posted on April 12, 2016 by Barry

“Illegitimi Non Carborundum”

Image from pinterest.com

The mock-Latin aphorism, illegitimi non carborundum, means “Don’t let the bastards grind you down.”

It was first brought to my attention years ago by Stan Ershler, my District Sales Manager when I was a rookie pharmaceutical representative for the Upjohn Company.

Stan shared this pearl of wisdom one day following a very unpleasant interaction with an arrogant, condescending physician. This doctor saw himself as God’s gift to medicine and wanted to be sure I knew my place—which of course, was well beneath him.

EXERCISE:

Where and with whom in your personal or professional life would reciting this catchy phrase provide you a booster shot of dignity when the “bastards” try to grind you down?

A Strong Person

Posted on April 11, 2016 by Barry

“A strong person looks a challenge dead in the eye and gives it a wink.”

-Adapted from Gina Carey, musical artist

Image from shopwood.com

If you are a fan of old John Wayne movies, you may have seen the 1969 film, True Grit. The word “grit” is used a good deal these days, to point out the value and need for greater courage, bravery, determination, and personal fortitude in a world many believe is getting soft.

Far too many people want to take an elevator to the top rather than climbing the stairs to reach their most cherished and valued goals.

EXERCISE:

Where is it appropriate—or better yet, necessary—to demonstrate your personal strength and grit, by winking at the challenges you face?

Friday Review: Adaptation

Posted on April 8, 2016 by Barry

Friday Review: Adaptation

How adaptable are you as you go about your day? Here are a few adaptation-related posts you may have missed. Click on the Quote to read the full message:

“Beware of all enterprises that require a new set of clothes.”

“A wise man adapts himself to circumstances, as water shapes itself to the vessel that contains it.”

“The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.”

“Go and wake up your luck.”

Posted on April 7, 2016 by Barry

“Go and wake up your luck.”

-Persian Proverb

Image from popsugar.com

A few months ago there was a frenzy of activity around the lottery here in the States. The prize exceeded a billion dollars. The number of people in lines to purchase tickets was unprecedented, and many Canadians came across the border into Michigan to try their luck at buying the winning ticket.

Three lucky winners shared the prize. The statistical likelihood of winning is minute, and of course, you can’t win if you don’t play.

Today’s quote suggests that we can, however, create and cause our own luck in life, through our determination and consistent efforts. How much money could you save if you put even half of what you spend on lottery tickets, lattes, and other discretionary purchases into some form of investment account?

EXERCISE:

How and where can and will you wake up and expand your own luckiness today?

Follow that Dream

Posted on April 6, 2016 by Barry

“Follow that Dream!”

-Author Unknown

Image from nnbtheatre.com

I was a young boy in the mid-sixties when Man of La Mancha was on Broadway. My mother, Rose, loved the story about Don Quixote, and loved to sing “The Impossible Dream.” Here are the lyrics, written by American lyricist Joe Darian:

To dream the impossible dream
to fight the unbeatable foe
to bear with unbearable sorrow
to run where the brave dare not go

to right the unrightable wrong
to love pure and chaste from afar
to try when your arms are too weary
to reach the unreachable star

This is my quest, to follow that star,
no matter how hopeless, no matter how far,
to fight for the right, without question or pause
to be willing to march into Hell for a Heavenly cause.

And I know if I’ll only be true to this glorious quest,
that my heart will lie peaceful and calm,
when I’m laid to my rest.
And the world will be better for this:
that one man, scorned and covered with scars,
still strove, with his last ounce of courage,
to reach the unreachable star.

EXERCISE:

Where in your life is it time for you to follow your dream, be true to your own “glorious quest,” and help the world be better because of it?

Collect Moments Not Things

Posted on April 5, 2016 by Barry

“Collect Moments, Not Things.”

-Author Unknown

QC #1003

On the ninth of March my family did something magical to celebrate my wife Wendy’s birthday. We went to Disneyland in California.

For me, collecting the moments of discovery, joy, and amazement were the highlights. The beautiful expression on Wendy’s face in today’s photo sums it all up!

By the end of the day our cell phone batteries were completely drained from all the photos we took and the texts we sent. That was a good barometer of how well we spent the day! We also purchased a Precious Moment figurine and a few other things to commemorate this special day.

EXERCISE:

Where would collecting more moments and less things make the biggest difference in your world?

I Want to Sing Like the Birds

Posted on April 4, 2016 by Barry

“I want to sing like the birds sing, not worrying who listens or what they think.”

-Rumi, 13th Century Persian Poet

Image from Flickr by Matt Knoth

I am currently writing a chapter for a book on personal development and soul transformation with 30 other authors. My chapter covers the concept of Personal Mastery, which has been of interest to me my entire life. I’ve even developed my own coaching program I call Personal Excellence Training, to help others reach their next level of achievement.

One key to the personal mastery journey of virtually everyone I’ve studied is the bold and often courageous pursuit of authentic gifts, talents, and interests that make their hearts sing. Their efforts at self-expression were frequently met with considerable resistance and outright criticism from their peers and the general public.

Perhaps they were simply singing their own special tune, one that was ahead of its time, that many did not yet embrace or understand.

EXERCISE:

Where in your personal or professional pursuits is it time to be even bolder and courageous, voicing your special tune regardless of whether others listen, or what they think?

Friday Review: Vision

Posted on April 1, 2016 by Barry

Friday Review: Vision

Do you have a vision for your life or business? Here are a few vision-related posts you may have missed. Click on the Quote to read the full message:

“Only dead fish swim with the stream all the time.”

“Our truest life is when we are in dreams awake.”

“Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway.”

Set Your Life on Fire

Posted on March 31, 2016 by Barry

“Set your life on Fire. Seek those who fan your flames.”

—Rumi, 13th century Persian Poet

Photo from freehdw.com

Most people and many organizations embark on a fresh and inspired start at the beginning of each new year. Without question, you can feel the flames of their purpose and passions. Unfortunately, many of those fires are smoldering embers by now, or may be extinguished altogether.

Rumi knew long ago about the critical component that social support can provide to help keep those inspired flames alive. The engagement of social support from friends, family, co-workers, mentors, and coaches is like an insurance policy that boosts the odds of successful outcomes many fold.

EXERCISE:

Where would seeking and securing additional social support keep your personal or professional fires burning?

Where can and will you fan the flames of those you care about to return the favor?

One of my favorite books that emphasizes this critical idea is Influencer: The Power to Change Anything by Kerry Patterson, and Joseph Grenny.