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Today is Labor Day in the United States, a federal holiday dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers.
Wherever you live on this big beautiful planet, take a moment today to honor those who have labored for you.
Are you learning something new or better every day? Here are a few learning-related posts you may have missed. Click on the link to read the full message.
“Education is not something to prepare you for life; it is a continuous part of life.”
“Don’t think of it as failure. Think of it as time-released success.”
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There is, perhaps, no greater destructive force in relationships than that of belittling and diminishing others. Eleanor Roosevelt gave us a bit of coaching with her famous quote, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”
Today’s quote points to the not always recognized inner critic and the things we say about ourselves. How often do you chastise, berate, belittle, and judge yourself, personally or professionally?
What alternative “Be-Bigging” messages can you use now and in the future to build, empower, and support your own self-confidence and self-worth?
Consider enlisting the help and coaching of others when you aren’t aware of these often hidden attempts to bring yourself down.
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I have always been a big fan of Oprah Winfrey. Before, during, and after her highly successful television show, she fully demonstrated a passion for excellence in her own life.
During one particular episode about health and fitness, she described her own battle with weight. She viewed the occasional growling of her stomach and the slight feeling of emptiness as a sign of her commitment to eating less than was normally comfortable.
This discomfort was a demonstration of her commitment, which empowered her to continue her efforts to live a healthier life.
How and in what ways can you embrace various levels of discomfort in your life, as a sign of progress toward one or more of your most deeply desired goals?
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Though hope may seem like a soft concept, it has hard edges and bottom line implications in the world of professional and personal achievement. Shane Lopez Ph.D., a professor at The University of Kansas School of Business, and a Gallup Senior Scientist, points to the following “Bottom Line” benefits of hope:
What are the personal or professional projects you are working on that require a booster shot of hope to help them become realized?
Consider checking out Shane Lopez’s Book Making Hope Happen if you would like to learn more.
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The world came together in Rio for two weeks earlier this month, to marvel at and celebrate the performance of 10,500 athletes from over 200 countries.
I particularly enjoy the back stories of these remarkable people. How they came to pursue their dream of becoming an Olympian, regardless of whether they make it to the podium, is often inspiring.
With the 2016 Olympics now behind us, how many of us will fall back into the undesirable habit of looking for the dirt in one another? This is a habit that undermines the fabric of the caring relationships and close-working communities we all desire.
How and in what ways can you permanently retain and maintain the “Midas Touch” to continuously find the gold in the people in your professional and personal worlds?
Are you a risk-taker or a risk-avoider? Here are a few risk-related posts you may have missed. Click on the link to read the full message.
“The world will never discover a person who is hiding in the crowd.”
“Those who will not take a chance seldom have one thrust upon them.”
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Being a coach is an extraordinarily rewarding profession. Each day I have the opportunity to encourage and support the greatness of others, personally and professionally.
I find helping those I work with do the same in their communities a tremendously satisfying way of living and working.
As more members of our communities operate this way, we generate a “coaching culture” in which individuals and organizations thrive.
Where and in what ways can you more fully experience your own greatness through the generous and passionate support of others in your worlds?
Feel free to reach out to me directly if you would like some assistance in this effort.
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Samuel Goldwyn’s famous statement, “The harder I work the luckier I get,” points to our ability to create our own luck, or at least become more successful through our own committed efforts.
Examine your good habits, and those of people you admire, to see what positive and favorable outcomes result.
Rate your habits in the following areas on a scale of one to five, with one being poor and five being high. What efforts might be required on your part to be the one that people admire?
| Relationship Management | Health and Fitness | Personal Development |
| Community Involvement | Spiritual Growth | Work Ethic |
| Avocations and Hobbies | Financial Freedom | Family |
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About five years ago, Warren Buffett teamed up with Bill and Melinda Gates in a campaign called Giving Pledge, which has billionaires give away the bulk of their wealth.
Today, more than 130 individuals and couples from over 14 countries have pledged to give at least half of their fortunes to charities and philanthropic causes, either during their lifetimes or in their wills.
Beyond the monetary gifts, many are also giving away the precious offering of valuable time – which is something we can all consider as we pursue lives of passion and purpose.
If time is the coin of life, where and with whom might you spend it more generously, to make a bigger difference in your communities?
Be sure to make time for yourself as well.