Quote from Charles M. Schwab

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“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

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“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

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“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.”

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“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:

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better than myself

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“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

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.”

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“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.”

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“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.

“If you go looking for a friend, you’re going to find they’re very scarce. If you go out to be a friend, you’ll find them everywhere.”

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“If you go looking for a friend, you’re going to find they’re very scarce. If you go out to be a friend, you’ll find them everywhere.”

– Zig Ziglar, best-selling author and motivational speaker

Among the many positive qualities exhibited by Zig Ziglar was his focus on giving, and being generous to others. In this quote, he encourages all of us to give of ourselves through acts of sincere friendship – which in turn will encourage those around us to reciprocate.

The key is that we go first, instead of hoping that others will go first. There may be potential risk and the possibility of rejection – however, we know that without such risk, our lives will be a bit emptier.

Exercise:

Make the extra effort today to further extend your friendship efforts to those around you. Take note of the positive reactions you receive as a result of your sincere gestures.

“Remember that failure is an event, not a person.”

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“Remember that failure is an event, not a person.”

—Zig Ziglar, best-selling author and motivational speaker

Image from Unsplash by The Blowup

As a pioneer in the field of personal and professional development, Zig Ziglar saw clearly that experience – and yes, failure – was a critical factor in achieving success. Here, he is making a critical distinction about failure that retains personal dignity and self-worth, instead of correlating a person themselves as the failure.

My experience is that too many people fear the sting of “being a failure” – so they fail to even attempt new challenges, afraid that they will fall short in their efforts.

Exercise:

Use today to take bold and courageous actions toward your most desired goals, knowing that you are successful – no matter what – simply by making the effort.

“When you are tough on yourself, life is going to be infinitely easier on you.”

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“When you are tough on yourself, life is going to be infinitely easier on you.”

– Zig Ziglar, best-selling author and motivational speaker

In my earlier career as a teacher, a common concept that was often discussed was the “bell-shaped curve.” This ranked students against one another along a continuum of excellence, where only a select few would obtain the highest ranking. The majority of students ranked in the middle, with the remainder toward the lower end of the curve.

In this quote, Zig Ziglar suggests that we as individuals can set our own scale, where our measure of excellence is against ourselves. When we do so, our level of achievement often exceeds what those around us might establish as acceptable or even superior.

Exercise:

Where in your personal and professional life are you coasting, or taking it too easy, because you often still come out toward the front end of the curve?

Select at least one area where you will establish a “boot camp” of intensity and toughness to fully realize your potential.