How often do you take some time to reflect on your life? Here are a few reflection-related posts you may have missed.
“It’s on the strength of observation and reflection that one finds a way.”
“There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.”
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It’s the time of year for sending holiday wishes to Santa and prayers to higher powers for the things we desire. With Black Friday and Cyber Monday, nobody can escape the abundance of retail and online enticements.
If you happen to be a Santa to others in your personal or professional life, you clearly know the objective cost of making other’s wishes come true.
But what about the wishes money can’t buy, such as better health, improved relationships, and of course, greater peace on earth?
What are your intrinsic and extrinsic wishes for these holidays, and the new year?
What will it take and what will it cost for all of these wishes to come true?
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Two popular holiday stories we all know quite well are A Christmas Carol, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
Both stories portray their main character as selfish and self-centered, focusing only on what’s in it for themselves.
As Adam Grant demonstrates in his well-researched book, Give and Take, these characters are definitely takers. They may win in some situations, but lose in the long run.
Where and with whom can you generously share your ideas, bread, and books, to have the happiest of holidays and a more richly rewarding new year?
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Are you a gambler? When was the last time you went to a casino hoping to hit it big, knowing in the back of your mind that the house always wins?
What if today’s quote were suggesting a different type of wager, in which we bet on our resources of time and effort?
In what areas of your life will you insert a few more nickels to guarantee hitting the jackpot?
Unlike money, you will never run out of the currency to bet on yourself.
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How often do you see yourself as small and insignificant? Depending on your perspective, you may see yourself as:
If you are a fan of physics, you may also note that we live in one universe in a multiverse of infinite numbers.
Perhaps with those descriptions, you think I proved that we are even less than a drop in the ocean. But I suggest that instead you consider this:
Your body is composed of more cells than there are grains of sand on all the beaches in the world, and all the stars in our Milky Way galaxy, combined.
We are all made from star dust from super novas, and we possess the consciousness of knowing that is so.
How can you more fully embrace the miracle of you?
With this far bigger and more powerful perspective, how can and will you relate to your place in the world and from the world within you?
How in tune are you to your own life purpose? Here are a few purpose-related posts you may have missed.
“The purpose of life is a life of purpose.”
“Of all knowledge, the wise and good seek most to know themselves.”
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Did you know that this holiday season, about 45% of Americans—114 million people—plan to travel to a vacation site or to visit friends and family?
Each, statistically, is expected to shell out an average of $1,393 on flights and/or hotels.
Clearly, this level of investment is placing considerable value on either escaping their current life, or perhaps making sure life does not escape them.
Who are the special people you will travel with or visit this year?
What unique and extraordinary experiences are you planning?
Consider discussing these questions and others with those close to you, to make these traveling moments and their memories even more wonderful.
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Storytelling is big business—very, very big business.
Consider all the products and services you use every day, and ask yourself: What’s their story? Or What is their Brand Message?
Perhaps what their story says about you is just as important, because you buy, consume, or use what they are selling.
Given the vast number of choices, most people want to make those that resonate with their personal beliefs and values.
Consider the choices you make that support being intelligent, popular, and having high status. Perhaps your choices are also healthy and good for the environment.
What is your story or brand? How would communicating your authentic life message attract more people who would like to be part of it?
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Whenever I am asked to give a presentation to a group, I always take considerable time to get to know my audience. I also find this especially important in the discovery phase of a successful coaching engagement.
Although I have access to many tools and techniques to support their developmental goals, the resources are of little value to those attending my programs who are not seeking or open to what I wish to share.
Many years ago, I learned a concept that makes this point nicely. Simply stated: Speak to their Listening.
Where and with whom can and will you take time to learn more about the people you serve so you can better serve the people you know?
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There is no such thing as a self-made man or woman.
From the day we are born, our parents, family members, friends, teachers, counselors, mentors, and coaches have helped us along the way. If you look closely at these moments, you will likely see considerable happiness and smiles on their individual faces.
As we get older and gain more independence, many of us become reluctant, even resistant, to the assistance of others, because we don’t wish to impose or put them out.
How often have you stood proudly in your stubborn, I can do it myself shoes?
Where and with whom could you request assistance on an important matter to demonstrate how much you value them, and providing them the pleasure of being helpful?
Who in your world may be reluctant to ask you for a helping hand?
