Tag Archives: Barry Demp Coaching

“A man’s greatest enemies are his own apathy and stubbornness.”

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“A man’s greatest enemies are his own apathy and stubbornness.”

—Frank Tyger, Late editorial cartoonist, columnist and humorist

To what degree are you concerned about outside forces influencing the upcoming U.S. elections?

With our intelligence community aware of these threats, much is being done to protect our democracy from these enemies.

What about the enemies far closer to home? And in the case of today’s quote, the enemies within? What impact are they having?

EXERCISE:

Where are the traits of apathy and stubbornness attacking and winning the war in your community and perhaps within yourself? What can and will you do to fight back?

“You carry the passport to your own happiness.”

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“You carry the passport to your own happiness.”

—Dianne von Furstengberg, Belgian Fashion Designer

Image from Unsplash by Nicole Geri

When was the last time you used your passport to travel to another country?

If you are like most people, your passport is collecting dust and your plans to break it out anytime soon are remote.

In early August, our children and our grandson converged on our home in Michigan for a “staycation,” following a series of COVID-19 tests to assure safety.

With a dose of creativity and lots of love, we all racked up lots of happiness miles!

EXERCISE:

In what ways can and will you use your internal passport to happiness wherever you find yourself?

How can taking a “There’s no Place like Home” approach to life bring you greater joy?

“It’s often the bends in the road that make life worth the drive.”

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“It’s often the bends in the road that make life worth the drive.”

—Nicholas Sparks, Author of A Bend in the Road

Image from Unsplash by Denys Nevozhai

When was the last time you took a long car ride? Go back in time to look at those family vacations where you loaded up the station wagon, minivan, or SUV and headed to parts unknown, to kick back and take life at a slower pace.

These days, many of us check our most popular navigation app to get where we want to go as directly as possible. This direct and speedy route often involves highways, lots of cement, asphalt, other vehicles, the occasional farm, and perhaps cows grazing along the road.

EXERCISE:

In what ways are the twists, turns, and bends in the road of life taking you on a much more meaningful and fulfilling journey? What intentional detours can and will you take now and in the future to enjoy the ride even more?

FRIDAY REVIEW: DISCIPLINE

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FRIDAY REVIEW: DISCIPLINE

In what aspects of your life do you exhibit the greatest or the least self-discipline? Here are a few discipline-related posts you may have missed.

 

 

“Discipline is the refining fire by which talent becomes ability.”

 

 

 

“Bad habits are like a comfortable bed, easy to get into, but hard to get out of.”

 

 

 

“The essence of self discipline is to do the important thing rather than the urgent thing.”

 

 

 

 

“The stuff that wears on your nerves polishes the soul.”

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“The stuff that wears on your nerves polishes the soul.”

—Author Unknown

Image from Unsplash by AbsolutVision

I remember, as a very young boy, my mom polishing silverware that was handed down from her mother. With actual polish and a bit of elbow grease she made it sparkle for special occasions such as family celebrations and holidays.

Over months and sometimes years of lack of use, it became increasingly tarnished.

How have our souls become tarnished through recent events?

EXERCISE:

Where and how can you and those around you use the many aspects of our society that are getting on your nerves as polish to create a brighter and more soulful future?

 

“Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear.

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“Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear.”

—George Addair, Late Founder of The Omega Vector

Image from Unsplash by Benjamin Davies

When have you faced your fears recently?

When have you faced a particular fear in the past?

What results did you produce, and how did getting to the other side feel?

What frightens you these days? Dig below your surface answers and keep asking yourself what else? What else?

How does this fear show up in your body and mind? Take note of these thoughts and feelings, because they are clues where you can summon the courage to break through these barriers in the future.

EXERCISE:

In what ways can you take on a few of your smaller fears today?

Where can you summon the support of others in your personal and professional communities to take on a few of the bigger ones?

What is there to gain on the other side?

 

“Goals are like magnets. They’ll attract the things that make them come true.”

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“Goals are like magnets. They’ll attract the things that make them come true.”

—Anthony Robins

Image from Unsplash by Markus Winkler

Years ago, I was challenged by a colleague to look at goals differently.

Instead of looking at a goal through the SMART lens, he suggested using the words “To Be” and “To Have” to express goals as a future and not simply as a way to measure or quantify an outcome.

Since most of us value our health, I propose this example:

Goal Statement: To be healthy and fit
Measurable Results: 1) To lose 15 pounds by December 31
Goal Statement: 2) To lower my cholesterol below 200 and get off meds by this time next year
Goal Statement: 3) To have my RealAge be less than my chronological age within three months

EXERCISE:

How can and will you describe your goals as futures, to magnetize your own inspired efforts and other resources to make these dreams come true?

“It is very sad to me that some people are so intent on leaving their mark on the world that they don’t care if that mark is a scar.”

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“It is very sad to me that some people are so intent on leaving their mark on the world that they don’t care if that mark is a scar.”

—John Michael Green, American Author of Looking for Alaska

What constitutes a good day? What are the foundations of a good life? Where do you look when considering such questions?

Luckily, the research on such matters is extensive. Virtually all sources agree that having purpose and making a positive difference in the lives of others is fundamental.

In his book, Give and Take, Adam Grant points to the fact that giving and contributing to others and society provides both intrinsic and extrinsic rewards. The book, The Five Love Languages, points to the ways we and others in our world demonstrate love for each other, through simple daily acts of generosity and care.

EXERCISE:

Where and in what ways can you make an even bigger and more positive mark on your world? How and in what ways can you encourage and support others in your various communities to do the same?

Friday Review: Bravery

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FRIDAY REVIEW: BRAVERY

At what times in your life have you made a choice that required bravery? What brave actions have you seen in others? Here are a few bravery-related posts you may have missed.

 

“Be strong enough to stand alone, smart enough to know when you need help, and brave enough to ask for it.”

 

 

 

“I have gone ahead despite the pounding in the heart that says: Turn Back!”

 

 

 

“The man who runs may fight again.”

 

 

 

 

 

“Leaders don’t force people to follow—they invite them on a journey.”

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“Leaders don’t force people to follow—they invite them on a journey.”

—Charles S. Lauer, late publisher of Modern Healthcare magazine

Image from Unsplash by Matt Heaton

We have all been taken to school lately on the subject of Leadership. What messages are you hearing that touch and stir your head, heart, and soul?

Who is speaking a future that resonates on the frequency of your vision and value?

Who is describing a journey with passion and purpose? Who is inviting you to contribute your best to a worthy mission?

When strong leaders demonstrate such qualities in words, actions, and enduring character, they engender us to follow and become leaders as well.

EXERCISE:

Where have you been called and invited on an important journey?

Where can and will you invite others in your personal or professional communities to join you in creating a better world?