FRIDAY REVIEW: CRITICISM
How critical are you? How do you react to criticism from others? Here are a few criticism-related posts you may have missed.
“Praise does wonders for our sense of hearing.”
“Dogs bark at those they do not know.”
Tag Archives: motivationalquotes
“Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old.”
“Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old.”
—Franz Kafka, 20th Century German-speaking Bohemian novelist
Image from Unsplash by Mitchell Maglio
The phrase Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder can only take us so far in life. Given the increasing pace of our lives, many of us struggle with even taking the time to perceive and fully appreciate the beauty around and within our world.
Considering beauty as a fountain of youth may cause all of us to take a far more comprehensive look at this skill, much like our current efforts to eat better, exercise more, and get the rest we need to be our best, for ourselves and those we love.
EXERCISE:
Where and in what ways can and will you more fully experience and delight in all the miraculous beauty around and within you?
Hopefully, just the anticipation of doing so will put a lot more youthful pep in your step!
“A surplus of effort could overcome a deficit of confidence.”
“A surplus of effort could overcome a deficit of confidence.”
—Sonia Sotomayor, U.S. Supreme Court Justice
Take a few minutes to reflect on your level of confidence regarding your personal and professional skills, abilities, and talents.
In which areas are you most or least confident?
Examine the levels of effort, practice, and overall experience you have put forth in each of these areas.
What factors seem to be most associated with higher versus lower confidence?
EXERCISE:
Where and on what personal or professional matter would a surplus of effort increase your effectiveness and your confidence?
What actions can and will you take to do just that?
“The next move is yours.”
“The next move is yours.”
—Author Unknown
Image from Unsplash by Robert Coelho
Imagine your life as a board game that involves successfully navigating different frontiers or territories in order to win.
The frontiers are:
- Optimal health
- Quality relationships
- Professional achievement
- Contributions to your community
- Spirituality, faith, religion
- Family
- Life balance and peace of mind
EXERCISE:
Where are you falling behind, keeping up, or ahead of your current expectation for yourself?
What is your next move in these and other priority areas of your life?
Consider picking up a copy of Seth Godin’s book What to Do When it’s Your Turn to help you see and pursue your next move.
Conflict is essential to progress
“Conflict is essential to progress. No matter how much the engine revs, without friction the wheels cannot move forward.”
—Rob Reinalda, Executive Editor at Lawrence Ragan Communications
Image from Unsplash by Simon English
Here in Michigan, especially around the Detroit area, the Car/SUV/Truck is still king of the road. Toward the end of January, we had a bit of foul, frigid weather, including one particular morning in which my driveway was a sheet of black ice.
Without the expected traction from the driveway, I struggled to make it to my car and barely avoided falling, which was probably a comical sight to neighbors who may have been watching!
EXERCISE:
Where are you experiencing a lack of traction, or feel you are spinning your wheels?
Where do you notice conflict or areas of friction related to an important relationship or project?
How might this gritty or challenging situation actually be the source of friction that helps you move things forward?