How vulnerable are you? How do you react to vulnerability in others? Here are a few related posts you may have missed.
“You don’t protect your heart by acting like you don’t have one.”
“When you connect with people from the core, you learn a whole lot more.”
Image from Unsplash by Piret Llver
There is nothing wrong with wanting things. The idea that we can separate our desires into two categories seems like a useful exercise if we feel the need to do a bit of re-balancing.
What goals are you pursuing that create a sense of agitation and stress?
Where are you pursuing power, status, or other achievements viewed and scrutinized by others in your communities?
What are some of your quieter goals that bubble up in stillness?
These are likely the ones with no specific metric or scoreboard to measure yourself.
EXERCISE:
Create two lists of your ego and soul-based desires.
Consider letting your level of agitation or stillness guide you to which items deserves more attention.
Image from Unsplash by the blowup
Wendy and I recently spent a week in Florida to help celebrate one of our dear friend’s 90th birthday. This special lady is only four feet eight inches tall and probably weighs only a bit more than my five-year-old grandson.
During our time together, I had numerous chances to discuss some of her challenging life events and pivotal moments that helped shape who she is.
It is often said that good things come in small packages—in her case, I’m sure that her keen wit, energy and enthusiastic love of life had folks come from near and far to celebrate her flavorful life!
EXERCISE:
How would a shift from seeing failure as a bitter pill to a tasty condiment give your life more flavor to savor in the years ahead?
Image from Unsplash by Charlie Hammond
I’ve never climbed a mountain but I’ve learned through watching plenty of nature programs that very little lives at extreme heights.
For the tallest of the world’s mountains, climbers enter the “death zone” when they are over 8,000 meters above sea level. At this height, oxygen is about one third the concentration it is on the ground below.
When one examines more modestly sized mountains, we can readily see the tree line only goes so far before things shift to the cold frosty stuff.
EXERCISE:
How often do you take the time to fully explore and appreciate all the steps on your journey to the top? Where might stops along the way and even deciding not to climb all the way be the wisest approach to take?
Image from Unsplash by Patrick Hendry
How masterful are you at tuning into your inner and outer worlds?
How aware are you of your current attitude and energy levels?
How in sync are they with the people and events around you?
Seeing when the pieces fit and feeling when those flow states show up is the best! Wouldn’t it be nice if these conditions could be sustained for hours instead of minutes?
What makes this so difficult may be that we are constantly experiencing more and more transition states that require constant pivoting and adjustments.
Consider all the various sporting events in which you participate or watch.
Mastering the transition game is what separates the good from the great.
EXERCISE:
In what ways can you mindfully monitor your attitude and energy to have more of your modes meet more of your moments?
What place does creativity have in your life? Here are a few related posts you may have missed.
“Innovation is born from the interaction between constraint and vision.”
“Some people look for a beautiful place, while other people make a place beautiful.”
Image from Unsplash by @felipepelaquim
Today’s quote made me immediately think of Thomas Edison.
When you consider all the inventions attributed to him—including the light bulb—it’s clear to see his consistent persistence in action.
How about you?
Where and how often do you begin again and again when things don’t work out on the first and future attempts?
To what degree have you developed the resilience and resolve to start over when your path forward is blocked?
Where and on what important matter did you give up entirely?
To what extent do you feel a sense of failure and regret for not staying the course or finding an alternative route toward your goal?
EXERCISE:
Two books to consider if the quote above resonates are…
The Power of Regret by Daniel Pink
Image from Unsplash by Hiki App
My morning walk with friends always begins with us smiling at each other. Allen even claps when new members of our club arrive! Who doesn’t like a standing ovation?
Here are a few more quotes I found that can help turn your frowns upside down:
“If you have only one smile in you, give it to the people you love.”
(Maya Angelou)
“Life is like a mirror—smile at it and it smiles back at you.”
(Peace Pilgrim)
“A smile is a curve that sets everything straight.”
(Phyllis Diller)
EXERCISE:
To whom will you offer a friendly smile today, to help make their day more worth living?
Image from Unsplash by NorWood Themes
Most of us have experienced the dark side of making comparisons to others. Social media, in particular, has raised it to exponential levels.
What are some examples you’ve seen or experienced directly?
What negative and lingering consequences are easily observable in the people around you?
Alternatively, where and when has making comparisons propelled you toward greater mastery and achievement?
Who are the mentors, coaches, and role models that encourage and motivate you to be your best?
How do their examples help you tap into your own reservoirs of courage, tenacity, and persistence to realize far more of your potential?
EXERCISE:
Where and how could a more positive curiosity toward comparison with others inspire greater growth and achievement in your personal and professional life?
Image from Unsplash by Nadine Shaabana
A colleague once told me that in almost all situations what stops us in life is stopping.
Before our bodies stop moving, however, comes a warning message from our brain. It warns us to stop for various reasons that can often be refuted upon a more objective review.
When was the last time your mind told you to slam on the brakes?
How valid were your reasons for stopping?
What was gained—or perhaps more importantly—what was lost by not proceeding in your efforts?
EXERCISE:
Where has F.E.A.R. (False Evidence Appearing Real) stopped you recently?
How can you courageously override some of these signals and give things a go when life and limb aren’t on the line?