Friday Review: Coach-ability
How “Coach-Able” are you? Here are a few related posts you may have missed.
How do the good and bad examples set by others offer you lessons on how to live?
Tag Archives: Barry Demp
The list of things we care about is long
“The list of things we care about is long. The list of things we can care for is short. Don’t confuse the two lists.”
—Gabe Anderson, Musician
Image from Unsplash by Brett Jordan
In today’s fast-paced world it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the endless list of things we care about— causes, people, hobbies, and issues — pulling at our attention.
Yet, the list of things we can truly care for, in terms of deep commitment and responsible action, is much shorter.
Caring deeply requires time, energy, and emotional investment — resources that are limited.
Confusing these two lists can lead to burnout and shallow involvement that doesn’t serve anyone well.
Instead, focusing on a smaller number of things to genuinely care for allows us to make a meaningful difference.
Let’s be mindful of where we place our care, ensuring it is purposeful and sustainable, rather than scattered and exhausted.
EXERCISE:
Make a list of all the causes, people, and projects you care about.
This may take some time.
Narrow the list down to those you can realistically support and invest in deeply.
Prioritize this second list and evaluate your capacities before working through the items.
Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness
“Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.”
—Brené Brown, researcher, professor, author
Image from Unsplash by William Carlson
Sometimes life’s darkness feels overwhelming: a tough loss, a setback, or a season of doubt.
Yet, it’s in these very moments — the valleys, the shadows — where our true light emerges. Only in darkness do we discover our innate strength, resilience and hope.
Like stars shinning brightly against a midnight sky, your inner light may only become visible in your darkest times.
It’s not the absences of hardship that makes us durable, but our ability to find courage and purpose within it.
When shadows fall, trust that you have a radiant spark waiting to break through. Let these challenges be invitations to ignite your own light, leading you more brightly and more boldly towards new horizons.
EXERCISE:
Perform small kindnesses for others when you feel down or challenged.
Helping others shifts focus away from your struggles and creates positive energy, illuminating your own light through compassion.
Which belief once protected you, but now confines you
“Which belief once protected you, but now confines you?”
—James Clear, American Writer and Speaker
Image from Unsplash by Rahul Saraf
It’s unsettling to realize your safety net has become your cage.
Maybe you once clung to “I must not stand out,” shielding yourself from criticism.
Now, as opportunities pass, you wonder who you could be — if you dared to show up boldly.
Or perhaps your old faith in “hard work above all else” built your career, but left you isolated and exhausted.
The beliefs that shielded us as children can become the walls that box us in as adults.
What armor did you put on that is now rusted and weighing you down?
Isn’t it time to peel off what no longer serves you and stand exposed, courageously ready for something new, something better?
EXERCISE:
After identifying a limited belief, deliberately write its opposite or a positive reframe.
Repeat and embody this new statement, both in written form and by saying it aloud regularly.
This can help reinforce a more empowering perspective and loosen the old belief’s grip.
Friday Review: Choices
Friday Review: CHOICES
What important choices have you made this year? Here are a few related posts you may have missed.
“Don’t ever work for someone you don’t want to become.”
Three secrets to success Be willing to learn
“Three secrets to success: Be willing to learn new things. Be able to assimilate new information quickly. Be able to get along and work with other people.”
—Sally Ride, Late American Astronaut and Physicist
Image from nasa.gov
The late trailblazing astronaut Sally Ride offers three timeless keys to success:
- Be willing to learn new things. Curiosity keeps us vital and ahead of the curve.
- Be able to assimilate new information quickly. The world moves fast: adapt or be left behind.
- Be able to get along with and work with other people. No breakthrough happens in a vacuum; relationships fuel greatness.
EXERCISE:
How can you more fully embrace learning new things, assimilate new information quickly, and nurture teamwork in your world, to rocket your life to new heights?
As far as I can tell, every great advance
“As far as I can tell, every great advance — whether in an individual life or the world at large — has come from dreams and attempts. Devise more dreams. Make more attempts.”
—James Clear, American writer and speaker
Image from Unsplash by Carolyn Christine
Our nugget of wisdom today is a powerful reminder that progress starts with sparks of imagination and committed action.
Every breakthrough, from personal growth to global innovation, begins as a vision in someone’s mind — followed by the courage to try, even in the face of uncertainty.
We all have dreams — big or small — that often stay hidden because we fear failure.
Clear encourages us to not only dream more, but to take the crucial next step: attempt.
When we dare to pursue new ideas and opportunities, we open the door to growth, discovery, and lasting change.
Let’s give ourselves permission to dream boldly, and act bravely!
EXERCISE:
Commit to trying one new thing or taking one bold step toward a goal each week.
Track your attempts, regardless of the outcome, and reflect on what you learned from each experience.
When you’re good at something
“When you’re good at something, you’ll tell everyone. When you’re great at something, they’ll tell you.”
—Walter Payton, 20th Century American Football Pro
Image from Unsplash by Jimmy Conover
Our quote today deeply resonates with anyone striving for excellence — in business, sports, or personal growth.
True expertise speaks for itself, transcending the need for self-promotion.
As a coach, I’ve seen how genuine confidence comes not from boasting, but from consistent quality work.
It’s the difference between fleeting bravado and lasting impact.
In a world quick to celebrate overt achievement, Payton’s words remind us to pursue mastery with humility and persistence.
Let your actions elevate you above the noise, and trust that others will recognize excellence on its own terms.
That’s a lesson beyond performance — it’s about character, integrity, and the quiet power of being truly great.
EXERCISE:
In what ways do you demonstrate the character and integrity to let your actions speak louder than words?
What people in your world set a great example of these qualities, to guide and coach you to be an even better version of yourself?
Working with your hands nourishes your mind and your mood
Working with your hands nourishes your mind and your mood
—Calm App Reflection
Image from Unsplash by Nadya Spetnitskaya
Engaging in hands-on activities — whether woodworking, gardening, baking, or even simple repairs — provides real and measurable benefits for both mind and mood.
Research shows that working with your hands can reduce anxiety and lower cortisol levels, the body’s stress hormone. Manual work often creates a state of “flow” where hours can pass without notice, offering nourishing mental breaks from screens and notifications.
It also fosters a sense of accomplishment, as you see and hold what you’ve created. Moreover, the tactical experience can uplift spirits and spark creativity, offering an accessible way to unwind and reset.
EXERCISE:
What are some practical ways you can incorporates manual tasks into your daily routines?
What are some creative activities that connect your hands to your heart that you can pursue to further nourish your life?
Friday Review: CHARACTER
Friday Review: CHARACTER
What is your definition of character? Here are a few related posts you may have missed.
“People hear what we say but they see what we do and seeing is believing.”
“Mystery reveals itself to those who maintain an openness of character.”