FRIDAY REVIEW: COMPASSION
Compassion is a virtue we should all develop. Here are a few compassion-related quotes you may have missed, that will show you why. Click on the links to read the full post.
“Love will draw an elephant through a key hole.”
Your Awakening
“I awake each day thinking of your awakening.”
—Brendon Burchard, American Motivational Author
Image from psychicsvideokline
What percentage of people go through their lives half asleep, or awaken only for special occasions and weekends?
How bright-eyed and bushy-tailed are you in the morning? How much do you look forward to each new day?
I deeply desire my own daily awakening and have pursued my career as a coach to support others to do the same. With a “pay it forward” approach and attitude, many of my clients do the same in their communities. Most would say that is one of the most satisfying parts of the coaching process.
EXERCISE:
How and in what ways can you enhance and improve your world, to wake each day with greater enthusiasm and vitality?
Where and with whom can you awaken the lives of others, so they can do the same?
How Big You Play
“It’s not how big you are, it’s how big you play.”
—John Wooden, former UCLA Basketball Coach
Image from Flickr by Chad Cooper
What do Keith Jennins, Isaiah Thomas, Earl Boykins and Spud Webb have in common?
Given that today’s quote is from John Wooden, the famous basketball coach, you would be correct in assuming it has something to do with this popular sport.
The athletes I listed are among the shortest professional basketball players of our time.
What made each of them special was how big they played throughout their careers. Spud Webb, at just 5’7” in height, even won the Annual Slam-Dunk Competition in 1986.
EXERCISE:
Regardless of your size, status, or position in your personal or professional communities, how and where can you step up to the line and play a bigger game?
better persuaded
“We are generally the better persuaded by the reasons we discover ourselves than by those given to us by others.”
—Blaise Pascal, 17th Century French Mathematician
Image from Nonn’s
Our own thoughts, ideas, and opinions always ring true for us, having the power and leverage to move us into action. We participate in that which we create.
Leadership, stated simply, is the speaking of a desired future and engendering the “buy in” from others. Unfortunately, many of us often find that those around us are not on board with our brilliant thoughts and ideas.
A useful coaching strategy to turn things around is to elicit the thoughts and ideas of others, so that all parties can buy into a path forward that is mutually desirable.
EXERCISE:
Where would using the thoughts and ideas of those around you be a more persuasive strategy to forward a key initiative in your world?
Men’s evil manners
“Men’s evil manners live in brass; their virtues we write in water.”
—William Shakespeare, Henry VIII, Act 4, Scene 2
What does it take to build a good reputation? How many virtuous and noble efforts, and what length of time is required to justify recognition?
Conversely, what does it take to build a bad reputation, or to undermine or destroy a good one? How many evil, questionable, or carelessly conceived actions does it take to wipe a slate clear and enter negative territory?
Who do you know that has been permanently labeled or continues to be judged for behaviors from the past where those around them are unable to forget or forgive?
EXERCISE:
What attitude adjustments might be worth considering regarding the virtues and shortcomings of others? How would you like others to view you on these matters?
Friday Review: Choices
FRIDAY REVIEW: CHOICES
What sort of life are you choosing? Here are a few choice-related posts you may have missed. Click on the link to read the full message.
“Words empty as the wind are best left unsaid.”
“Easy Street is a blind alley.”
obstacles and dreams
“In one hand I have a dream, and in the other I have an obstacle. Tell me, which one grabs your attention?”
—Sir Henry Parkes, Member of the Australian Parliament
Image from Flickr by Mark Hunter
Today’s quote reminds me of the saying, “Where your attention goes, your energy flows.” Since energy is what moves the world, it makes sense to heed this advice.
What are the issues that grab your attention, personally and professionally? How is directing your attention there influencing and impacting your life?
EXERCISE:
How and in what ways can you stop focusing on your obstacles and put more time and attention to your most cherished goals and dreams?
The Town Gossip
“Live in such a way that you would not be ashamed to sell your parrot to the town gossip.”
—Will Rogers, 20th Century American Cowboy Humorist
Image from Flickr by Martin Pettitt
Did you know that parrots experience peer pressure? Just like humans, they desire to fit in with others in their group. This is one reason they learn to copy the sounds and language of the people around them.
This morning at the gym one of the other regulars was talking with a trainer. I was shocked by the level of vulgarity, back-stabbing, and general gossip in their conversation, especially being in a public place.
EXERCISE:
How do your actions and use of language stand up to the parrot test? What adjustments might you make to have the town gossip say only good things, or at the very least, say nothing about you?
Talkers are no good doers
“Talkers are no good doers.”
—William Shakespeare, Richard III, Act 1, Scene 3
Shakespeare sure had a way with words!
I had to re-read today’s quote several times, letting it percolate for a while before I chose it for today’s post.
What was your first interpretation?
What other meanings might it have for you?
I first thought about an individual being all talk and no action. Next, I considered whether talkers, or those too busy being interesting to be interested, were bad people, arrogant, with excessive egos.
What is the message you prefer, or relate to the most?
EXERCISE:
What are your views on people who talk far more than they listen?
What would others say about your propensity to talk versus listen?
What relationship does this issue have with what actually gets done, and what you learn?
Feel free to respond to this post with your thoughts and perspectives.
exaggeration
“We always weaken whatever we exaggerate.”
—Jean Francois de la Harpe, 19th Century French Playwright and Critic
Image from recapo
Someone once told me that if you say something good about yourself it is bragging, yet if someone else says the same thing it is the truth.
What happens, however, if these messages are exaggerated rather than shared with a reasonable level of humility or tact?
We are all familiar with bold and bombastic claims for new products and offerings through the media. In the recent political circus, the candidates made grandiose statements about themselves and against their opponents. What are your thoughts on such matters? Who do you choose to believe?
EXERCISE:
Where are you perhaps weakening your arguments, views, or influence on others by exaggerating things? What new or different strategy or approaches will strengthen your case?