Tag Archives: change

If you do not change direction

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“If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading.”

—Lao Tzu, 1st Century Chinese Philosopher

Image from Unsplash by Possessed Photography

To what degree are you living life on autopilot?

We often set a course early — in our careers, habits, even our mindset — and forget to check our compass.

But what if our path leads to burnout instead of fulfillment? Stagnation instead of growth?

Small course corrections today can lead to wildly different destinations tomorrow.

Momentum is powerful but it’s direction that determines destiny.

Take the wheel, check your maps, and don’t be afraid to turn around. Sometimes, the most successful journeys begin with a U-turn.

EXERCISE:

Where is the momentum of life taking you in the wrong direction?

Where can you hit the brakes and turn the wheel to travel a road far better suited for you?

“Change is the end result of all true learning.”

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“Change is the end result of all true learning.”

—Leo Buscaglia, 20th Century American author, motivational speaker, professor

Image from Unsplash by Nick Fewings

Today’s quote does an efficient job of encapsulating the transformative power of knowledge.

It reminds us that genuine learning goes beyond mere information acquisition — it fundamentally alters our perspectives and behaviors.

When we truly internalize new ideas, we can’t help but evolve. Whether it’s shifting our worldview, adopting new habits, or refining our skills, authentic learning inevitably leads to personal growth.

EXERCISE:

In what ways do you view change as a positive indicator or learning?

To what degree do you remain open and receptive to new ideas and change given our rapidly evolving world?

 

There is no power for change greater than

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“There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about.”

—Margaret Wheatley, American writer, speaker, and management consultant

Image from Unsplash by Chase Clark

About three and a half years ago we moved from our home in SE Michigan to be closer to our family in and around Philadelphia. Although we moved a few times related to my career in prior years, this move was the most challenging.

After more than 30 years in the same location, moving required more than a bit of uprooting.

We were no longer young with boundless energy, and the release of so much history and “stuff” were daunting and liberating at the same time.

EXERCISE:

What issues and communities do you care about deeply?

How have you and can you embrace these commitments to help make the necessary changes to live an even more meaningful and wonderful life?

During times of change it is common to look for things we might lose or gain

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“During times of change it is common to look for things we might lose or gain. Considering what will actually stay the same can steady your ship in the frequent rough seas of life.”

Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Torsten Dederichs

How has your life changed in the past few years?

To what degree have you experienced a wild ride of ups and downs?

When this happens on an ocean voyage, sea sickness is often the outcome. It is for this reason modern ships —especially the popular cruise lines — have a variety of stabilizers to help everyone maintain their footing and their meals.

EXERCISE:
What areas of your life seem the most steady and stable?

How do these areas offer you a sense of grounding and centeredness when other parts of your lifeboat may be rocking?

“If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving a new one.”

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“If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving a new one.”

—Dolly Parton, American singer-songwriter and actress

Image from Unsplash by Greg Shield

Take two minutes to complain to yourself about your life.

If you are like most people, this short time interval may only get the ball rolling.

Now that you vocalized these items, capture them on paper or a device of your choice to work on in the coming days.

Unlike the unattended potholed roads we often travel during winter, you get to be your own paving crew to smooth out the roads of life that lead to a better future.

EXERCISE:

What areas of your life need some resurfacing?

Who are the people, and what resources will be necessary, to create an autobahn of life to get you where you want to go?

“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.”

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“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.”

—Anne Frank, celebrated diarist

Image from Unsplash by Brett Jordan

Today’s quote is one of my favorites.

It is all too easy these days to be discouraged by the troubling issues facing the world, given our instant access to current events. If it bleeds it leads has never been more prominent in our society.

There is, however, an abundance of good news out there if we look for it — or better yet, if we create it.

Although we can be overwhelmed and daunted by many challenges, we can also channel our inner Anne Frank as we rise each day to improve our part of this precious world.

Changing up your news feed habits may also be worth a go!

EXERCISE:

Where are you waiting and holding back on your best efforts to improve the world?

What are some steps you can and will take now and throughout 2024 to make your life and that of others more wonderful?

“It is not too late to do what you want to do — If you stop waiting for the time to be right.”

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“It is not too late to do what you want to do — If you stop waiting for the time to be right.”

—James Clear, Author of Atomic Habits

Image from Unsplash by Angelina Litvin

A major focus of many of my coaching engagements is assisting people in professional and personal transitions. Many are highly accomplished, and yet never feel ready to step into the unknown.

The need for one more seminar, degree, or other form of outside acknowledgement rarely quells the not-ready-for-prime-time player in them.

Perhaps readiness is simply a myth that we only discover once we begin.

EXERCISE:

In what area of your life are you fearful that it is too late to do what you want to do?

How will you summon the courage to step into the unknown and discover your readiness once you begin?

Friday Review: Change

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Friday Review: Change

One thing we know for sure: change is inevitable. Here are a few related posts you may have missed.

“We live in an ocean of opportunity. Being mindful of which waves to take will give you the ride of your life.”

 

 

 

“The glassblower knows: While in the heat of beginnings any shape is possible. Once hardened, the only way to change is to break.”

 

 

 

“No man steps in the same river twice.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

“It’s worth remembering that it is often the small steps, not the giant leaps, that bring about the most lasting change.”

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“It’s worth remembering that it is often the small steps, not the giant leaps, that bring about the most lasting change.”

—Queen Elizabeth II, who ruled The United Kingdom for 70+ years

Image from Unsplash by Caroline Hernandez

Leaping tall buildings in a single bound is the stuff of superman comics.

Although we all want to make a dent in the universe, we so often see only our human limits and often avoid the little steps forward because they appear too small.

We’ve heard time and time again that all great journeys begin with that first step, yet we often forget that it is the second and third that create the momentum to stay the course.

It is also when we step together within our communities that mountains are moved as we shape and reshape our world.

EXERCISE:

Where in your personal or professional life are you reluctant to step forward?

How can and will you partner with others to produce the lasting changes you desire?

“What is a learning that has changed your perspective or how you operate?”

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“What is a learning that has changed your perspective or how you operate?”

—Rohan Rajiv, author of A Learning a Day blog

Image from Unsplash by Ruffa Jane Reyes

One lesson I’ve learned over the years is to play with a contrarian perspective on things. This often entails doing things in new and different ways, and at times when other folks don’t or won’t.

This has come in handy when it comes to shopping.

This past weekend it wasn’t possible to beat the crowds with my usual early morning shopping adventure.

I found myself faced with a packed parking lot. Instead of circling and circling looking for those elusive open spots I used another learning of looking for people who were walking to their vehicles so I could take their spot once they’d left.

EXERCISE:

Please reply to this post with a learning that has changed your perspective or how you operate in life.