Fresh Ambition

“I love the smell of fresh ambition in the morning.”

-Author Unknown

image from aspiringmormonwomen.org

image from aspiringmormonwomen.org

In the late 90s I was lucky to meet Dr. Wayne Dyer, who was the keynote speaker at a coaching conference. Following his presentation, many of us stood in line to purchase Manifest Your Destiny, which was his new book at the time. I also purchased the optional CD titled Meditations to Manifest. I had always wanted to learn to meditate, and felt this was a good time to start.

The CD contained two meditations: one to kick start your morning, and the other to slow down your pace and quiet your mind in the evening, so you could recharge for another day as you slept.

I particularly liked the premise that each of us is endowed with a god-like quality to manifest our days as we choose.

EXERCISE:

What new or augmented morning habit or ritual could you engage in to help you inhale and pursue your highest ambitions each and every day?

The Best of My Life

“I choose to make the rest of my life the best of my life.”

-Louise Hay, American Motivational Author

Image from acelebrationofwomen.org

Image from acelebrationofwomen.org

 

Louise Hay is an American Motivational Author and the founder of Hay House. Through her healing techniques and positive philosophy, millions have learned to create more of what they want in their lives.

Hay House has published about 300 books and 350 audio programs by authors who align with Louise’s positive self-help perspective, and are supportive of healing our planet.

EXERCISE:

What actions will you choose to take today, and in the future, to make the rest of your life the best of your life?

How can you support and inspire others in your personal and professional communities to do the same?

As a small gesture, please consider forwarding this post to at least one person who would most appreciate its message.

The Best Gifts

“Some of the best gifts come wrapped in sandpaper.”

-Lisa Nichols, Motivational Speaker

Image from diy.stackexchange.com

Image from diy.stackexchange.com

Take a moment to look back over your life to examine some of the most significant lessons you have learned.

Who were the people who influenced or participated in these experiences? Some were probably parents, teachers, or bosses with a bit of an abrasive nature that “smoothed” a few of your edges.

EXERCISE:

What challenging experiences are grating on you these days? Which of them may simply be a gift in disguise, because of its sandpaper packaging?

All About Attitude

Friday Review #2: It’s all about Attitude

How’s your attitude today? Here are a few attitude-centered posts you may have missed. Click on the links to read the full message.

Feel free to comment on any of the posts, and of course, on this message.

 

 “Age wrinkles the body; quitting wrinkles the soul.”
https://www.thequotablecoach.com/never-quit

 

 

 

“Complaining is Draining.”
https://www.thequotablecoach.com/complaining-is-draining

 

 

 


“I have lived a long life and had many troubles, most of which never happened.”
https://www.thequotablecoach.com/unfounded-worry

 

 

”The wise man questions himself; the fool, others.”
https://www.thequotablecoach.com/the-wise-man-questions

 

 

 

 

“Don’t believe everything you think.”
https://www.thequotablecoach.com/everything-you-think

 

 

Love the Giver

“Love the giver more than the gift.”

-Brigham Young, founder of the Latter Day Saints

QC #965Years ago, I read The Five Love Languages to enhance my relationship with my wife Wendy. I still recommend this book to coaching clients who wish a better understanding of their partners. The gist is that there are different ways to show love. We almost always choose to show love in the way we like to receive it.

By tuning into the offerings of others, we can embrace their gifts in the way they are intended, instead of missing the message because we are not speaking the same love language.

EXERCISE:

How could you fully love the givers in your life by embracing every gift they have to offer, in the love language that fits them?

Rainbows Won’t Wait

“The work will wait while you show the child the rainbow, but the rainbow won’t wait while you finish the work.”

-attributed to Patricia Clifford, Film Producer

QC #964

Image from Flickr by Elvis Kennedy

Do you sometimes feel life has passed you by?

Do you tell yourself you will have time – on the weekend, on the vacation, when you retire – to get to the things that matter?

Are you missing too many rainbows?

We cannot schedule the rainbows of our lives – we must seize precious moments as they occur.

EXERCISE:

How can you be more intentional and tuned into your world, so that you can find greater joy and fulfillment in life’s special moments?

Relationship over Ego

“Apologizing doesn’t always mean you’re wrong, and the other person is right. It means you value your relationship more than your ego.”

-Author Unknown

Image from www.bizjournals.com

Image from www.bizjournals.com

I distinctly remember my first argument with my wife Wendy, during our first year of marriage. Our dispute centered on how to wash dishes. The bottom line for me, at the time, was that she was clearly doing it wrong. I had evidence to make my case to anyone who took a logical approach to things.

To make a long story short, I slept (or should I say didn’t sleep?) on the couch that night.

In the morning, Wendy shared a nugget of wisdom that I still remember and use today:

“Are you more committed to being right, or being related?”

EXERCISE:

Where and in what ways are you making those you care about wrong? Where would an apology demonstrate that you value your relationship more than your ego?

Weeds are Flowers Too

“Weeds are flowers too, once you get to know them.”

-A.A. Milne, Author of Winnie the Poo

image from Flickr by Giovanni Orlando

image from Flickr by Giovanni Orlando

The dandelion is often considered a pesky weed popping up in our lawns each spring. We describe dandelions as “invasive,” as if they were an alien life form that must be eradicated from our lawns, parks, and ball fields.

When you learn a bit about dandelions, you discover their numerous health benefits, such as:

  • A great source of beta carotene which our bodies convert to vitamin A. They are rich in vitamin C, fiber, potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and phosphorus.
  • They are a source of protein.
  • Dandelion greens are have been used to treat anemia, scurvy, skin problems, blood disorders, and even depression.
  • People around the world ferment and enjoy dandelion wine.

EXERCISE:

Instead of weeds, let’s talk about people. Who are the “weedy” folks you would like to remove or eradicate from your life? What might be possible if, instead, you made efforts to get to know them better?

Friday Review #1

Starting this week, Friday’s message will include links to a few relevant posts you may have
missed. Simply click the image next to the quote to read the message. Feel free to comment on any of the posts, and of course, on this message.

weighing

“It is hard to fly when something is weighing you down.”
https://www.thequotablecoach.com/what-weighs-you-down

 

 

 

“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”
https://www.thequotablecoach.com/do-what-you-can

 

 

Tomatoes

“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the
seeds you plant.”
https://www.thequotablecoach.com/seeds-you-plant

 

conquer-ourselves

”It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves.”
https://www.thequotablecoach.com/conquer-ourselves

 

 

 

“Our greatest glory consists not in never falling, but in rising
every time we fall.”
https://www.thequotablecoach.com/our-greatest-glory

The Scariest Moment

“The scariest moment is always just before you start.”

-Stephen King, American Contemporary Horror Author

Image from themostimportantnews.com

Image from themostimportantnews.com

Take a minute to consider the scariest moments in your life. Things that might come to mind are:

  • Public Speaking
  • A really fast roller coaster ride
  • Skydiving
  • Getting a new job that requires skills you do not have
  • Writing your first book or starting your first business
  • Resigning from a stable job to transition into a new career

Experience all the sensations we associate with fear: cold sweats, shakes, rubbery legs, and your heart pounding in your chest.  How often do you stop and retreat? How often do find the courage to move forward?

EXERCISE:

I’d like you to try being courageous for just 20 seconds when you experience scary moments. When you feel fear welling up, tell yourself “I can be brave for 20 seconds,” or “I can handle that for 20 seconds.”  Before long, you will discover the exhilaration and excitement of getting past the barrier of fear we all experience.

Start today, and commit to developing a 20-second courage habit every day this week, and beyond.