Tag Archives: change

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.

“When you change direction radically, the loads can shift, and it can throw you off balance.”

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“When you change direction radically, the loads can shift, and it can throw you off balance.”

—Stephen St. Amant, author of the Savenwood Blog

Image from Unsplash by Mitchell Lou

Think of the many times you have been a passenger.

Include all forms of transportation, from the time you were a kid and went to an amusement park to the planes, trains, and automobiles we use today.

Recall some of the times when you experienced a radical change in direction in which the laws of physics jolted you and the things around you away from your previous trajectory.

How many spilled beverages and other unsecured items found a new home on your lap or the floor? Perhaps you even experienced a deployed airbag or a case of whiplash.

EXERCISE:

In what ways can you navigate the changes in the direction of your life more smoothly? How can you secure the things you value the most to not lose your balance when things begin to shift?

It is easier to course correct once we’re on our way

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“It is easier to course correct once we’re on our way. When in doubt, focus on getting started. Momentum will make subsequent moves significantly easier.”

—Rohan Rajiv, Author of the A Learning a Day Blog

Image from Unsplash by Brett Jordan

If you drove a car or a truck in the 1950’s you needed a good bit of upper body strength to turn the wheel.

Before the advent of power steering in the 1960’s, moving from ten to two had many folks break a sweat, especially if the vehicle was at a complete stop.

If you were moving and had some momentum, actions such as changing lanes and going around curves was considerably easier.

EXERCISE:

Where in your life do you need to course correct and change lanes?

Where do you want to take your life out of park, put things in gear and step on the gas to build the momentum you need to get where you’re going?

 

“Work hard in silence and let success make the noise.”

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“Work hard in silence and let success make the noise.”

—Anonymous

Image from Unsplash by Do Nhu

Prior to starting my coaching career over 30 years ago, I had a difficult time at my previous company. The organization was having financial challenges and realigning its workforce.

My marketing role at the home office was no longer secure, and I was left with the difficult decision to accept a demoted field assignment, requiring me to uproot my family in order to keep my employment.

With considerable soul searching and wound-licking, I was determined to put my head down and “Show Them” I still had it when many of my colleagues saw me as someone who didn’t make the grade.

With this resolve and grit, I silently went about my new job and became an acknowledged great performer, regaining my coworkers respect, and receiving an award voted on by my division.

Two months later I accepted a voluntary buyout, and the rest is history.

EXERCISE:

What are examples in your life in which you let your hard work and good results do the talking?

Where in your worlds would this approach be the way to proceed on an important issue today?