What decisions have you made regarding 2024? Here are a few related posts you may have missed.
Decide to decide and then take the leap. You will land on your feet more than you think.
“The majority of meetings should be discussions that lead to decisions.”
The Latin root of the word “decision” literally means “to cut.”
Image from Unsplash by Nick Fewings
I’m often asked where I find the wide variety of quotes I use for this blog. The short answer is that I am always on the hunt for nuggets of wisdom to reflect upon and share.
The originality of these ideas is important however it is in the filtering through our lives that they become molded into something real and relevant.
On days with only modest feedback, I still find this practice and the roads it helps me travel of vital importance to my own journey.
EXERCISE:
What ideas are you pondering these days?
How can they be molded and shaped by you to be shared with others in your various communities?
Image from Unsplash by Brett Jordan
Today’s quote is one of my favorites.
It is all too easy these days to be discouraged by the troubling issues facing the world, given our instant access to current events. If it bleeds it leads has never been more prominent in our society.
There is, however, an abundance of good news out there if we look for it — or better yet, if we create it.
Although we can be overwhelmed and daunted by many challenges, we can also channel our inner Anne Frank as we rise each day to improve our part of this precious world.
Changing up your news feed habits may also be worth a go!
EXERCISE:
Where are you waiting and holding back on your best efforts to improve the world?
What are some steps you can and will take now and throughout 2024 to make your life and that of others more wonderful?
Image from Unsplash by Tyler Nix
Over the holidays I had extra time to be with family and friends, and for a bigger helping of entertainment.
One quiet afternoon while others were napping and digesting their last meal, I finally got a chance to begin watching the Apple comedy, Ted Lasso.
After only a handful of episodes I can see why it is a fan favorite.
Ted’s cheerful personality and warm “good old boy” charm definitely smooths the rough edges on virtually everyone he meets.
EXERCISE:
Who are the cheerful people in your life that bring smiles to your face and brighten your world?
To what degree would you be mentioned on the list of others as you try to lasso their lives?
Image from Unsplash by Joshua Earle
Over the last 30 years, I’ve met thousands of other coaches who share a mutual commitment of supporting others to lead extraordinary lives.
One, named Jay Perry, has been a pioneer in the field and has influenced and inspired countless other coaches to pursue this meaningful and rewarding profession.
Jay came up with a concept he called a “wondershop” as an alternative to the more traditional workshops many of us have attended over the years.
Exploring new horizons and depths of living turned on many bright lights of insights for those who were lucky to participant.
EXERCISE:
Create your own outline for a wondershop you would like to attend.
Share this concept with people you admire and respect for their ideas to compliment your own.
Set aside some time with these folks to do some wandering and wondering around the universe.
How “Coach-Able” are you? Here are a few related posts you may have missed.
How do the good and bad examples set by others offer you lessons on how to live?
—Author Unknown
Image from Unsplash by Markus Winkler
When we examine our world closely, it’s amazing to see just how many aspects of our lives are not within our control.
It can often feel unfair when we experience bad breaks in either personal or professional matters.
At such times many of us default to pointing the blame for how things go down elsewhere.
Although many of these messy situations may be caused by others, we often find ourselves with mops and brooms, cleaning up after them.
How well do you manage and navigate such events?
EXERCISE:
Where and how do you embrace your responsibility for things that aren’t your fault?
How could taking this stance more often empower you to live with greater dignity and self-respect?
Image from Unsplash by Guille Álvarez
I hope you had a wonderful holiday season and that the new year is off to a great start!
Beyond the gifts you received—and perhaps a few extra pounds—what else do you have to show for these days?
How lucky and grateful do you feel each day you roll, step, or leap out of bed?
In the year ahead, how will you bring greater intention and purpose to your days to contribute even more within your various communities?
EXERCISE:
Consider setting up a show-and tell time with family and friends.
How can your individual and collective efforts help everyone to feel even luckier to be alive?
Image from Amazon
Over the past several years—and especially in the past few months—I’ve become increasingly interested in the phenomena of conscious and unconscious bias.
When I examined my upbringing and the various communities in which I operate, I experienced repeated rude awakenings.
It was always easier to see other people’s biases and be blinded to my own. Though books, seminars, and conversations with friends and colleagues, I’ve gotten a better look at myself and didn’t always like what I saw.
With greater awareness, I am inspired to do better, and filled with a sense of hope.
EXERCISE:
How aware are you of your current assumptions and biases?
When and how often do you use them to protect and justify your views?
Consider reading the book Caste — The Origins of our Discontents, by Isabell Wilkerson to take a deeper look into this important issue.
Image from Unsplash by Shantung Kulkarni
During a recent holiday gathering I went out of my way to be a more focused observer of everyone in attendance.
Of particular note were the four children ages 2, 5, 7 and 10. Throughout our time together, it was interesting to see how present the kids were versus many of the adults.
With football games in the background and many cell phones in hand, it was obvious that many of the grown-ups could have benefited from some kid coaching.
EXERCISE:
Where are you most focused and attentive in your life?
How energetic do these experiences feel compared to when you are pulled away by competing distractions?