Tag Archives: Barry Demp Coaching

“A talent can be cultivated in tranquility; a character only in the rushing stream of life.”

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“A talent can be cultivated in tranquility; a character only in the rushing stream of life.”

—Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe, 18th Century German writer and statesman

Image from Unsplash by Sergio Souza

Reflecting on this Quotable Coach series over the past eight years, I realized that it was the values and character traits of each author that had me select their quotes.

These daily nuggets of practical wisdom are more often gleaned from the rushing streams of life than tranquil self-reflection.

Cultivating our talents in both tranquil and active times provides an added foundation for many of the character traits we most admire and wish to emulate in our own lives.

EXERCISE:

If developing your own character is a priority, you may wish to read the remarkable stories of less well-known individuals in David Brooks book, The Road to Character.

Friday Review: Worry

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FRIDAY REVIEW: WORRY

Have you ever questioned the benefit you get from worrying? Here are three worry-related posts you may have missed. Click the links for the full message.

 

“I have lived a long life and had many troubles, most of which never happened.”

 

 

 

“Worry is a misuse of the imagination.”

 

 

 

 

“Worry often gives a small thing a big shadow.”

 

 

 

“Is the work people pay for the work you want to do?”

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“Is the work people pay for the work you want to do?”

—Bernadette Jiwa, global authority on business philosophy

Image of Bernadette Jiwa from thestoryoftelling.com

Today’s quote comes from a blog post Bernadette Jiwa wrote on August 21, titled “The Value Shift.” Check out her insightful work and website.

What is your answer to the question posed in today’s quote?

Are you a yes, a no, or a sometimes? What would it take to be a Hell Yes!?

Yes, we all have our responsibilities and commitments we sometimes feel we have to do, instead of want to do. But overall, to what degree is the work you actually do what you want to do?

EXERCISE:

What bold, courageous, and creative actions would it take to move the “no” or “sometimes” far closer to the “yes” you deeply desire?

Feel free to reply to this post with the actions you will take to have a far more rewarding life.

“What is the cost of not doing what you say?”

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“What is the cost of not doing what you say?”

—Author Unknown

What is your relationship to the character trait of integrity?

How do you relate to others who are more talk and less action?

To what degree can you be counted on in both good and challenging times?

What oaths, vows, promises, and other commitments have you made over the years in which your integrity was impeccable?

What has it cost you and those around you when your ratio of saying to doing exceeds the number one?

One place to look is in the area of trust and its impact on the important relationships in your life.

EXERCISE:

Please check out my Trust-o-Meter Assessment to explore potential ways you may wish to bolster your integrity and strengthen the trusting relationships you desire.

“If you’re not hungry enough to eat an apple, then you’re probably not hungry.”

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“If you’re not hungry enough to eat an apple, then you’re probably not hungry.”

—Michael Pollan, Harvard University Professor

Image from Unsplash by Shelley Pauls

I eat an apple every morning as part of my breakfast routine. Honeycrisp and Jazz are two of my favorite varieties.

It is a bit strange to me that I rarely eat apples any other time of day. Perhaps because I am literally breaking my fast from my last meal or snack, 10-12 hours earlier.

What do you notice about you own hunger trends throughout your day?

What percent of your eating is generated by true hunger verses mindless or emotional eating?

EXERCISE:

Consider creating a hunger/food log to monitor your daily eating habits. What additional strategies can you use in addition to having a few tasty apples on hand to satisfy your optimal nutritional and hunger needs?

“The ideal man bears the accidents of life with dignity and grace, making the best of circumstances.”

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“The ideal man bears the accidents of life with dignity and grace, making the best of circumstances.”

—Aristotle, ancient Greek Philosopher

No one who has ever lived has led a completely charmed life in which everything went well, pushed along by a kind breeze.

On the surface of things, many people think that celebrities, great sports figures, accomplished business leaders, and even folks that share the highlights of their lives on social media have it made.

When you look even inches below the surface however, we all bear the scars of the numerous lumps and bumps life delivers.

EXERCISE:

How can you demonstrate and more fully appreciate the dignity and grace in yourself and others as you and those around you make the best of what life presents?

Friday Review: Enthusiasm

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FRIDAY REVIEW: ENTHUSIASM

How enthusiastic are you about your daily activities? Here are three enthusiasm-related posts you may have missed. Click the links to read the full messages:

 

“You can do anything if you have enthusiasm. Enthusiasm is the yeast that makes your hope rise to the stars.”

 

 

 

“Experience and enthusiasm are two fine business attributes seldom found in one individual.”

 

 

 

“What would have drawn a ‘WOW’ fifteen years ago won’t draw a yawn today.”

 

 

 

 

 

“Electricity is really just organized lightning.”

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“Electricity is really just organized lightning.”

—George Carlin, 20th Century American comedian

Image from Unsplash by Lucien Kolly

Imagine early man looking to the night sky during a storm, with all those thunderous bursts of lightning. What wondrous, frightening, and awesome source could generate such power?

As time progressed, great thinkers and scientists saw the potential to harness this power for the benefit of man.

Consider that you, too, are a source of lightning, given your numerous gifts, talents, ideas, and the contributions you’ve made at various points in your life.

How consistently or inconsistently do you experience the flow of energetic expressions of yourself?

EXERCISE:

In what ways can you more fully harness and express your energy and brilliance, to lead a more powerful and electrifying life?

“Laugh and world laughs with you. Snore and you sleep alone.”

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“Laugh and world laughs with you. Snore and you sleep alone.”

—Anthony Burgess, English author of A Clockwork Orange

Image from stopsnoring.com

Do you or your life partner snore? How often do you give or receive a nudge or a comment to shift your position and silence the racket emanating from your nose or mouth?

Today’s technology has come to the rescue with all sorts of gadgets, including noise-cancelling ear plugs, mouth guards, and of course, the ever popular c-pap machine.

It turns out snoring is often a symptom of a partially or completely closed airway during sleep, which can potentially create serious health consequences, including pulmonary hypertension.

EXERCISE:

If you or others in your life shake the airwaves and wake those around you, please consider discussing it with your physician. A more peaceful and potentially healthier night’s sleep awaits you!

“Give every day the chance to become the most beautiful day of your life.”

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“Give every day the chance to become the most beautiful day of your life.”

—Mark Twain, pen name of Samuel Clemens

Image from Unsplash by Fikri Rasyid

Consider your life as a roll of bathroom tissue.

When you are born you have 1,000 sheets to use. As the days, weeks, months and years pass, you begin to notice the roll is spinning faster. Perhaps you are now closer to the end of the roll than the beginning.

Consider the idea that rather than fretting that some or even many of those sheets have been wasted or lost, you still have the opportunity to make each moment of every day something to joyfully enjoy and celebrate.

EXERCISE:

How can and will you be far more intentional about making the most of each precious and beautiful day ahead?