“It is only possible to live happily ever after on a day-to-day basis.”

Posted on March 3, 2013 by Barry

“It is only possible to live happily ever after on a day-to-day basis.”

– Margaret Bonanno, American writer

We are all familiar with the saying that “all great journeys begin with the first step.”

Far too many people wish their days, weeks and even years away by looking into the future for when they expect to be happy – you know, when all the stars align. Unfortunately, for most people, life doesn’t seem to work out this way.

Instead, Margaret is suggesting we take one bite of life’s smorgasbord at a time to experience the bountiful feast that life can be.

Exercise:

What does the phrase “living happily ever after on a day-to-day basis” look like to you?

Consider discussing your thoughts with members of your family, close friends, and with your colleagues at work.

Quote From David Brinkley

Posted on January 31, 2013 by Barry

“A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him.”

– David Brinkley, American newscaster

People of extraordinary achievement often experience more adversity and judgment than others. The sheer fact that they stand out in the world means that people take note – and often take a shot or two to lower them down a peg.

Somehow, these extraordinary people take these judgments and criticisms to further strengthen their resolve to achieve even more.

Exercise:

How can you use the proverbial bricks thrown at you in your professional and personal life to strengthen your foundation for greater achievement?

Consider your ability to encourage and affirm others as a way to create an even more powerful foundational support for their success.

“If you chase two rabbits, both will escape.”

Posted on January 31, 2013 by Barry

“If you chase two rabbits, both will escape.”

– Author Unknown

These days, high value is placed on one’s ability to multitask to enhance productivity.

The evidence regarding the productivity gains is controversial at best, with many examples of serious downsides – just look at texting while driving a car.

There’s no question that focusing on one high-priority task at a time pays huge dividends. There’s considerable evidence that most productive people do just that, then move on the next high-priority task, thus giving the appearance of multitasking.

Exercise:

Use your calendar to break up your day into highly focused priority items, and take them on one at a time.

If another rabbit comes in sight, make sure you choose only one to chase. After all, one is far better than none.

Quote from Charles M. Schwab

Posted on January 31, 2013 by Barry

“I have yet to find the man, however exalted his station, who did not do better work and put forth greater effort under a spirit of approval than under a spirit of criticism.”

– Charles M. Schwab, entrepreneur in the steel industry

Carrots or sticks? Encouragement or criticism? It’s a choice we make daily at work and at home.

How do you feel when you are acknowledged and encouraged in your efforts? How do you feel when others judge, criticize, and demean your efforts?

Why is it that a fundamental human trait is to be right and to make others wrong? Just look at our political parties to see what can occur.

Exercise:

Put on a pair of imaginary “approval glasses”, and look at the people around you, and the world, to find out what is good and right.

Share this empowering perspective with others, and help them find their own “approval glasses” to wear.

From Dan Reiland – pastor and pastor’s coach

Posted on January 31, 2013 by Barry

“Be more concerned about making others feel good about themselves than you are making them feel good about you.”

– Dan Reiland, pastor and pastor’s coach

I know of few more profound truths than this, to support both personal and professional success.

Focus on others, show genuine interest, truly listen, and let them express themselves freely. Look for the value in their ideas and stop interrupting them to share your next brilliant thought. When you do these things, magic happens.

It’s amazing that when people feel great about themselves in your presence, they feel a greater affinity for you as a source of this feeling.

Exercise:

Send me an email with the subject “Communication Toolbox” and I will send you a free copy of six simple and powerful techniques to take your personal and professional relationships to the next level.

From Robin S. Sharma, author and leadership expert

Posted on January 31, 2013 by Barry

“The Universe favors the brave. When you resolve to lift your life to its highest level, the strength of your soul will guide you to a magical place with magnificent treasures.”

– Robin S. Sharma, author and leadership expert

Over the years I have read a number of Robin Sharma’s books, including The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari, from which this quote was taken.

I fully believe that life itself is a miracle and we as humans have the capacity to manifest our own miracles, to guide ourselves and others to magical places with magnificent treasures.

Exercise:

Consider picking up a copy of Robin’s books. Two of his early works are The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari and The Saint, The Surfer And The CEO. A newer one is The Leader Who Had No Title.

Consider subscribing to his blog for future booster-shots of his thinking and perspective at www.robinsharma.com/blog.

“We are capable of greater things than we realize.”

Posted on January 31, 2013 by Barry

“We are capable of greater things than we realize.”

–Norman Vincent Peale, 20th Century author of The Power of Positive Thinking

Image from Unsplash by
Paola Aguilar

Sure, we have all heard similar thoughts from our teachers, parents, colleagues and friends. We even believe them to some extent. The question to consider here is “How much more are we actually capable of that is beyond our ability to truly believe?”

If thoughts become things, what must we do with our own thoughts, opinions, judgments, mental models and yes, personal paradigms, to free us from our own limiting beliefs?

Exercise:

As you think about and create plans for the coming year, ask the following questions of yourself and of those who know you best:

What am I capable of through the use of my mind in the coming year?
What am I capable of through the development and use of my body in the coming year?
What new spiritual developmental opportunities will I take in the coming year?

Extra Credit:

better than myself

Posted on January 31, 2013 by Barry

“I do not try to dance better than anyone else. I only try to dance better than myself.”

– Mikhail Baryshnikov, Russian ballet dancer

Image from awanderingjewess.com

If you have ever seen Mikhail Baryshnikov dance, you know just how brilliant he has been over the years. If you haven’t, I suggest you Google him and check out some video clips of his mastery.

Consider that your own life is a dance, where all that is required is to keep mastering your own professional and personal steps. These steps are within your control, and they allow you to express yourself fully and authentically.

Exercise:

During this new year, what will your personal continuous improvement program include?

As you establish your goals, include the measurable results and action steps you will take. How will you turn these action steps into sustainable habits that will get you there? Just think of it as dancing your way to a better you.

“People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing. That’s why we recommend it daily.”

Posted on January 31, 2013 by Barry

“People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing. That’s why we recommend it daily.”

– Zig Ziglar, best-selling author and motivational speaker

There are many things we do on a daily basis to live our lives to the fullest. That means eating healthy foods, exercising our bodies, getting sufficient sleep, working on our relationships, engaging in meaningful work, and of course, bathing!

I’d like to suggest that, in addition to taking our usual vitamin supplements, we get an extra dose of vitamin “M” – Motivation – to help us be our very best.

Exercise:

Select and engage in a variety of motivational resources – such as empowering books, CDs, videos, and of course powerful quotes – on a daily basis, to keep you fully engaged and to keep your attitude in top condition.

Select at least one motivating idea or concept and share it with others in your personal and professional life to enhance their days.

“It’s not what you’ve got – it’s what you use that makes a difference.”

Posted on January 31, 2013 by Barry

“It’s not what you’ve got – it’s what you use that makes a difference.”

– Zig Ziglar, best-selling author and motivational speaker

Time management is one of the top priorities for people entering a coaching relationship. We all have 24 hours a day, which would seemingly put us all on a level playing field. Zig Ziglar suggests that some of us simply make far better use of our resources – in this example, time – than others.

Think of time as a currency, where certain activities are worth nothing, some are worth a little, and others are worth a lot.

Exercise:

What differences can you make today in how you spend your time?

Which resources – other than time – can you use more fully to make a bigger difference with your days? Consider love, creativity, energy, and even money as possible resources to explore.