Tag Archives: caring

The list of things we care about is long

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“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.

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

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“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?

“Live so that when your children think of fairness, caring, and integrity, they think of you.”

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“Live so that when your children think of fairness, caring, and integrity, they think of you.”

—H. Jackson Brown Jr., Author of Life’s Little Instruction Book

Image from Unsplash by Edi Libedinsky

Everyone is watching! Your friends, colleagues, and especially your children are always keeping tabs on you. They don’t miss a trick.

What do they see and hear? How pleased would you be if you were forced to binge watch the last 24 hours of your life?

Over the past few months our two adult children have been our coaches and partners as we prepare to move from Michigan to Pennsylvania to be closer to family and friends. It is very gratifying to quietly sit back and see their generous examples of fairness, caring, and integrity coming back full circle.

EXERCISE:

How and in what ways is your own good example the best coaching you can offer your children and others in your personal and professional communities?

“Care and Diligence bring luck.”

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“Care and Diligence bring luck.”

—Thomas Fuller, 17th Century English historian

We have all heard the phrase, The harder you work the luckier you get.

A question to consider related to this premise is: What causes some of us to work with such diligence?

Perhaps it is the idea of truly caring for something or someone that brings forth our very best and most determined efforts.

Research stated in Dan Pink’s book, Drive, confirms the importance of purpose and meaning as fundamental to what literally drives us forward.

EXERCISE:

How can you dramatically increase you own luck by bringing forth your most caring and diligent efforts in your personal and professional worlds?