Tag Archives: Relationships

Motivation comes from working on things we care about

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“Motivation comes from working on things we care about. It also comes from working with people we care about.”

—Laura Berman Fortgang, Coach and Leadership Author

Image from Unsplash by Mika Baumeister

True motivation springs from the heart — when we engage in work that truly matters to us and collaborate with people we respect and care about.

This powerful combination fuels passion, persistence, and joy in what we do. When tasks align with our values and we share the journey with supportive colleagues or friends, motivation becomes an unstoppable force, making challenges feel like opportunities rather than obstacles.

To cultivate this energy, seek projects that resonate deeply and nurture relationships built on trust and encouragement.

By focusing on meaningful work and authentic connections, motivation naturally follows, inspiring us to reach higher and sustain our efforts. Ultimately, caring transforms work from a chore into a fulfilling and energizing experience.

EXERCISE:

Laura Berman Fortgang is a well-respected coach and author specializing in leadership, career development, and personal growth. You can learn more about her and her work at www.laurabermanfortgang.com

One of the most effective strategies for better communication

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One of the most effective strategies for better communication is the search for common ground.

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Lyle Hastie

When we approach conversations with curiosity rather than judgement, we discover shared values hidden beneath surface differences.

Common ground does not mean total agreement. Instead, it creates a bridge where respect can travel in both directions.

Listening for what unites us — family, hopes, or challenges — turns tense moments into opportunities for connection. This mindset invites collaboration, clarity, and trust.

When we stop competing to be “right,” and start seeking to understand, communication transforms from a battle into a dialogue.

The gift of common ground is simple: it reminds us that, despite our differences, we are all part of the same human story.

EXERCISE:

Where in your life can you look for more connection and less conflict? Try listening to others for shared hopes and respond with greater empathy.

Note how every step toward common ground becomes a victory for better relationships, deeper trust, and a more united human experience.

Three secrets to success Be willing to learn

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“Three secrets to success: Be willing to learn new things. Be able to assimilate new information quickly. Be able to get along and work with other people.”

—Sally Ride, Late American Astronaut and Physicist

Image from nasa.gov

The late trailblazing astronaut Sally Ride offers three timeless keys to success:

  1. Be willing to learn new things. Curiosity keeps us vital and ahead of the curve.
  2. Be able to assimilate new information quickly. The world moves fast: adapt or be left behind.
  3. Be able to get along with and work with other people. No breakthrough happens in a vacuum; relationships fuel greatness.

EXERCISE:

How can you more fully embrace learning new things, assimilate new information quickly, and nurture teamwork in your world, to rocket your life to new heights?

There is a difference between knowing the path and walking the path

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“There is a difference between knowing the path and walking the path.”

—Morpheus, in The Matrix

Image from Unsplash by Emma Simpson

Our quote today — from Morpheus in The Matrix — reminds us that understanding what needs to be done is not the same as actually doing it.

In life, we often gather knowledge, read books, and plan our journeys, but true growth comes from action.

Walking the path means embracing challenges, making mistakes, and learning through experience. It’s about courage and commitment, not just intention.

Whether it’s improving your health, growing your business, or deepening relationships, real change happens when you step forward and live your values.

Don’t just know your path — walk it, one step at a time, and watch your life blossom along your way.

EXERCISE:

In what ways does today’s quote challenge your approach to overcoming obstacles?

How can and will you use this insight to stay motivated and in action during difficult times?

Who are the people who are always around

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Who are the people who are always around and who are the ones that are always there for you?

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Windows

The people always around might be colleagues, acquaintances, or neighbors — those who cross your path in daily life. They fill the spaces, but don’t always fill your heart.

The ones always there for you, however, are your true support. They show up in moments of joy and challenge, offering encouragement, a listening ear, or a helping hand.

These are the friends, family members, and mentors who invest in your well-being. Nurture these relationships, and be that steadfast presence for them in return.

EXERCISE:

Reflect on the people in your life that are always there for you. How many of these people — or others in your communities — would put you on their list?

Learning to ask the right questions

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Learning to ask yourself and others the right questions is useful in many ways. Using “what” before “why” is a great place to start.

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Vadim Bogulov

Learning to ask yourself and others the right questions is a powerful skill that can transform your thinking, relationships, and problem-solving abilities.

One effective approach is to start with “what” questions before jumping to “why.”

Asking What happened? or What can I do differently? encourages open-minded exploration and practical solutions.

“Why” questions, while sometimes useful, can feel accusatory or lead to defensiveness.

“What” questions, on the other hand, foster curiosity and clarity, helping you understand situations more deeply and objectively. Whether you’re reflecting on your own actions or working with a team, starting with “What” sets a constructive tone for growth and progress.

EXERCISE:

How can asking better questions improve your relationships and decision-making skills? How would mastering the art of questioning unlock new opportunities and insights in your life?

Two of my favorite books on this subject are “A More Beautiful Question” by Warren Berger, and “The Coaching Habit” by Michael Bungay Stanier.

Family, friends, or phone. Which one is your top priority?

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Family, friends, or phone. Which one is your top priority?

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Slavcho Malezan

Today’s quote challenges us to reflect on our true connections.

While our smartphones seem to keep us constantly connected, they can often create distance from the people who matter most.

Prioritizing meaningful relationships over screen time fosters deeper bonds, emotional support, and lasting memories.

It’s easy to be distracted by notifications, but real-life interactions nourish our well-being in ways a phone never can.

EXERCISE:

To what degree are you hugging your phone more often than family and friends?

What strategies can and will you put in place to show these important people that they come first?

“Helping is the sunny side of control.”

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“Helping is the sunny side of control.”

—Anne Lamott, American novelist, essayist, and political activist

Image from Unsplash by Thomas Gaertner

Offering help can seem positive, but when it’s used as a subtle form of control, it brings real risk.

Over-helping can undermine a person’s autonomy, robbing them of the chance to learn and grow through their own experiences. This can foster dependency, making it harder for people to solve problems on their own and eroding their confidence.

Relationships may suffer too, as recipients feel patronized or resentful, while “helpers” risk burnout and can lose their sense of self.

Blurred boundaries often follow, making it tough to tell genuine support from intrusive interference.

Ultimately, even well-intended help can harm both giver and receiver if it crosses the line.

EXERCISE:

Where in your world do you notice the not so sunny side of helping others?

How can you make sure your assistance empowers instead of controls others in your personal and professional communities?

“Being in the same room with people and creating something together is a good thing.”

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“Being in the same room with people and creating something together is a good thing.”

—Robin Williams, late American actor and comedian

Image from Unsplash by Clay Banks

In today’s digital age, remote collaboration is common, but nothing quite matches the energy of being in the same room with others.

When people gather physically, ideas flow more freely, creativity sparks, and connections deepen.

Shared spaces foster spontaneous conversations, rapid problem solving, and genuine teamwork that virtual meetings often lack.

Being together allows for immediate feedback, body language cues, and a sense of camaraderie that fuels motivation.

Handshakes, knowing smiles, and embraces to celebrate successes also do much to build and keep our tribes working together.

EXERCISE:

Consider reading The Culture Code: The Secrets of Highly Successful Groups by Daniel Coyle to enhance group collaboration and create more good things in your communities.

“You are under no obligation to be the same person you were five minutes ago.”

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“You are under no obligation to be the same person you were five minutes ago.”

—Alan Watts, 20th Century British/American writer, speaker, philosopher

Image from Unsplash by Richard Burton

We recently attended a good friend’s 90th birthday party. The big event included about 75 close friends and family from far and wide. Besides children, grandchildren, and a few members of the younger generation, the majority of attendees were well into their senior years.

Along with a delicious buffet, they had a DJ playing tunes from the past, and a photo montage of our friend from the days of his youth until today.  It was remarkable to see how he and most of the audience remembered every word to these songs and to see how in many ways he continued to evolve during the milestone moments of his life. We have already been invited to his 100th celebration, in which — I am sure — he will be an even more remarkable guy than today!

EXERCISE:

In what ways do you continue to learn, grow, and evolve with each passing day? How can you be an even more intentional work in progress as you step into the future you?