Friday Review: Breakthroughs
Click on the links to read the full message on these posts related to breakthroughs.
Image from Flickr by Eric Lockhart
Friday Review: Breakthroughs
Wiser To Find Out
“It is wiser to find out than to suppose.”
-Samuel Clemens, writing as Mark Twain
Many years ago I read the book Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott. One of the most significant take-aways from her work was the idea that all conversations are first with ourselves, and sometimes they include others.
In fact, the prefix, “con” means “with” or “together,” and thus a conversation actually includes others. Susan Scott would suggest that what we often have are “versations” with ourselves, without ever reaching out to get the other person’s perspective. We simply suppose or “ass-u-me” we know what the other person is going to say or how they will likely respond. We all know about what assuming can cause.
EXERCISE:
How can you make a wiser choice by using a “when in doubt check it out” strategy in more of your interactions today?
Fresh Ambition
“I love the smell of fresh ambition in the morning.”
-Author Unknown
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
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
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
https://www.thequotablecoach.com/the-wise-man-questions
Love the Giver
“Love the giver more than the gift.”
-Brigham Young, founder of the Latter Day Saints
Years 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
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
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
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?