Friday Review: BLAME

Friday Review: BLAME

Where does the blame belong? Here are a few related posts you may have missed.

“There are two primary choices in life: to accept conditions as they exist, or accept the responsibility for changing them.”

 

 

 

 

“If you blame it on someone else, don’t expect it to get better.”

 

 

 

 

“Wanting tells the lie that having will fill every void. It does not.”

 

 

 

 

“Don’t let one cloud obliterate the whole sky.”

“Don’t let one cloud obliterate the whole sky.”

Anaïs Nin, 20th Century French-American diarist & novelist

Image from Unsplash by C Dustin

Our quote today encourages us not to let any single problem overshadow all the good in our lives.

Just as one cloud cannot cover the vastness of the sky, one setback shouldn’t eclipse our happiness or hope.

Life is filled with moments of beauty, joy, and opportunity.

When difficulties arise, acknowledge them, but don’t lose sight of the bigger picture.

Keep your focus on the bright spots and remember that clouds pass, revealing clear skies once again.

EXERCISE:

Where in your personal or professional world can you apply the idea of not letting one cloud block your entire outlook?

What strategies help you stay positive during these dark and difficult time?

“Your best teacher is your last mistake.”

“Your best teacher is your last mistake.”

Ralph Nader, American lawyer & political activist

Image from Unsplash by Chuttersnap

Mistakes sting, but they’re the most honest instructors we’ll ever have.

Unlike a textbook, a mistake doesn’t sugarcoat the lesson — it delivers it with clarity and impact.

When we stumble, we’re forced to pause, reflect, and adapt. That last blunder is a personalized curriculum, tailored to expose our blind spots and spark growth.

What if we welcomed errors as mentors instead of hiding from them?

Each misstep is an invitation to get better, not bitter.

The key is to analyze, not agonize.

Ask: What went wrong? What can I change next time?

Success isn’t about avoiding mistakes — it’s about learning from them.

EXERCISE:

How can you use your last mistake to improve your future decisions?

How can you turn more of life’s setbacks into stepping stones for success?

Discover and embrace the vital elements of the world

Discover and embrace the vital elements of the world and through diligent focus build a good and meaningful life.

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Brett Jordan

Discovering and embracing the vital elements of the world is a cornerstone of a meaningful life. Nature, relationships, knowledge, and purpose are all around us, waiting to be recognized and appreciated.

When we open our eyes and hearts to these essentials, we unlock new perspectives and opportunities for growth.

Discovery alone, however, is not enough. It is through diligent, focused effort that we truly build something lasting.

By consistently dedicating ourselves to our values and goals, we share our lives with intention and resilience. In this journey, every small step counts!

Embrace what matters, work diligently, and watch your life transform into one of depth, fulfillment, and genuine happiness.

EXERCISE:

What are some key elements in your world that can help you build a more meaningful life?

How can and will you apply them with greater intention and diligence in your daily efforts?

You can dramatically extend life

“You can dramatically extend life — not by multiplying the number of years, but by expanding the fullness of your moments.”

Shinzen Young, American Meditation Teacher

Image from Unsplash by Simon Berger

We often dream of extending our lives, wishing for more trips around the sun. But what if true longevity isn’t about adding time, but about deepening our experience of each moment?

Life’s richness isn’t measured in years alone, but in the fullness with which we live. By being present and embracing each moment wholeheartedly, we dramatically expand our lives — not in length, but in depth.

So, seek meaning in the Now. In doing so, you’ll discover a life that feels not just longer, but in many ways, limitless.

EXERCISE:

In what ways can mindfulness help you live more fully?

What practical steps can you take to make your daily experiences more meaningful?

Consider reading “How Will you Measure your Life” by Clay Christensen for ideas to put more life into your years.
You can also view his TED talk from 2012 on this subject

If you’re having a hard time finding the passion within yourself

“If you’re having a hard time finding the passion within yourself, a closely related idea is caring and then putting action into that care. Care and action are the shovels that uncover passion.”

Gabe Anderson, Musician

Image from Unsplash by Wisely Woven

If you’re struggling to find passion within yourself, consider shifting your focus to something closely related: Caring.

Sometimes, the pressure to feel passionate can be overwhelming, making it seem elusive or out of reach.

Instead, ask yourself what you care about — even in small ways.

Caring is powerful. It’s a seed from which passion often grows.

But caring alone isn’t enough.

When you put action behind your care — volunteering, learning, helping, or simply showing up — you uncover deeper feelings and interests.

Over time, these actions can ignite a genuine passion you never expected.

Think of care and action as shovels, digging beneath the surface to reveal what truly excites you and watch your passions bloom.

EXERCISE:

How can you start small to transform your caring feelings into passionate pursuits?

What are some simple steps you can take today to connect your care with meaningful actions?

Since you cannot do good to all, you are to pay special attention to

“Since you cannot do good to all, you are to pay special attention to those who, by the accidents of time, or place, or circumstances, are brought into closer connection with you.”

Saint Augustine of Hippo, Ancient Roman theologian and philosopher

Image from Unsplash by Jeremy

Saint Augustine’s wisdom reminds us of the limits of our reach and our presence.

We often wish to help everyone, but our capacity is finite.

Instead of feeling overwhelmed, we are encouraged to focus on those who cross our paths — neighbors, colleagues, friends, even strangers. Every encounter is an opportunity for kindness.

By being present and attentive to those around us, we create ripples of goodness that often extend far beyond our immediate circle.

EXERCISE:

In what ways does today’s quote challenge you to rethink your approach to doing good?

How can focusing on the people around you enhance your sense of community and purpose?

 

Learning to ask the right questions

Learning to ask yourself and others the right questions is useful in many ways. Using “what” before “why” is a great place to start.

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Vadim Bogulov

Learning to ask yourself and others the right questions is a powerful skill that can transform your thinking, relationships, and problem-solving abilities.

One effective approach is to start with “what” questions before jumping to “why.”

Asking What happened? or What can I do differently? encourages open-minded exploration and practical solutions.

“Why” questions, while sometimes useful, can feel accusatory or lead to defensiveness.

“What” questions, on the other hand, foster curiosity and clarity, helping you understand situations more deeply and objectively. Whether you’re reflecting on your own actions or working with a team, starting with “What” sets a constructive tone for growth and progress.

EXERCISE:

How can asking better questions improve your relationships and decision-making skills? How would mastering the art of questioning unlock new opportunities and insights in your life?

Two of my favorite books on this subject are “A More Beautiful Question” by Warren Berger, and “The Coaching Habit” by Michael Bungay Stanier.

Friday Review: BEHAVIOR

Friday Review: BEHAVIOR

What do your behaviors say about you? Here are a few related posts you may have missed.

“Habits are first cobwebs, then cables.”

 

 

 

 

 

“Before you try to increase your willpower, try decreasing the friction in your environment.”

 

 

 

 

“When elephants fight, it’s the grass that suffers.”