Tag Archives: The Quotable Coach

Take perfection off its pedestal

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Take perfection off its pedestal and focus on getting good at making repairs when things go wrong or break.

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Ricardo Viana

We’ve all been taught to bow at the altar of perfection — flawless performances, impeccable resumes, and gourmet meals without a burnt edge.

But what if our obsession with perfection is costing us more than we gain?

The truth is, perfection is fragile, distant, and downright unattainable. Every misstep feels catastrophic, every scar a failure.

Life is messy. Things crack, plans unravel, mistakes happen.

The real skill isn’t preventing these inevitabilities, but embracing the art of repair. Get good at mending what’s broken — your projects, your relationships, even you own confidence. The world rewards those who adapt, not those who freeze in fear of imperfection.

Perfection is a myth; resilience is real. Embrace and pursue your ability to fix what breaks, and watch your world become less fragile and far more interesting.

EXERCISE:

Choose a current project, relationship, or habit that feels flawed and “broken.” Instead of starting over or giving up, commit to one intentional act of repair, such as a clarifying conversation, a small course correction, or a gesture of kindness.

Friday Review: Career

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Friday Review: Career

Consider your career thus far. Here are a few related posts you may have missed.

“We have never arrived. We are in a constant state of becoming.”

 

 

 

 

“Instead of wondering when your next vacation is, maybe you should set up a life you don’t need to escape from.”

 

 

 

 

 

“All the arts are apprenticeship. The big art is our life.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

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?

The way to right wrongs

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“The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.”

—Ida B. Wells-Barnett, 20th Century American investigative journalist/sociologist

Image from Unsplash by Alex Shute

The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them are powerful words that scream with urgency today more than ever.

In a world full of spin, silence, and selective truths, we often forget that real change starts with a courageous spotlight.

Whether in our relationships, workplaces, or social systems, truth is the foundation of transformation.

But here’s the catch: shinning that light often makes people uncomfortable. It disturbs the status quo. It demands accountability.

But without truth, wrongs remain hidden, and healing never begins.

EXERCISE:

Where in your life are you being called to speak the truth, even when it’s hard?

Where can and will you shine the light of truth to illuminate the darkness in your world?

If you go deeper and deeper into your own heart, you’ll be living in

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“If you go deeper and deeper into your own heart, you’ll be living in a world with less fear, isolation and loneliness.”

—Sharon Salzberg, Buddhist meditation teacher and author

Image from Unsplash by Ryan O’Niel

Our quote today invites us on an inner journey — a gentle nudge toward self-discovery and self-compassion.

Our fast-paced world often disconnects us from our own hearts, feeding fear and loneliness. But when we pause, reflect, and truly listen to ourselves, something shifts.

We uncover courage, warmth, and a sense of belonging that radiates outward.

By embracing our vulnerabilities rather that running from them, we connect more authentically with ourselves and others. The results? Less fear, more connection, and a life rooted in meaning.

Dive into your heart. It’s not just self-care — it’s the path to a more compassionate and connected world.

EXERCISE:

In what ways can you explore your own heart more deeply to live a life with far less fear, isolation, and loneliness?

Consider discussing this topic with friends and family to take your exploration even further.

We often think that the game of life is all about winning

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We often think that the game of life is all about winning. Actually, it’s about continuing to play and learning along the way.

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Giorgio Trovato

We often believe that life is all about winning — chasing success, trophies, or the next milestone. But what if the real joy comes from not from the finish line, but from staying in the game?

Life isn’t a race with just one winner — it’s a journey meant for persistent participation and growth.

Every day brings a new opportunity to learn, adapt, and evolve.

Setbacks aren’t signs of defeat — they’re chances to reflect and refine our approach. When we focus on continuing to play, rather than solely on winning, we open ourselves to deeper connections, personal growth, and lasting fulfillment.

So celebrate the process, embrace the lessons, and remember: the true victory is found in playing, learning, and growing — again and again.

EXERCISE:

Consider reading “Finite and Infinite Games” by James P. Carse to explore a vision of life as play and possibility.

 

Friday Review: Breakthroughs

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Friday Review: Breakthroughs

Breakthroughs can be exciting or frightening. Here are a few breakthrough-related posts you may have missed.

Optimism is a performance enhancing drug that’s both legal and free

 

 

 

The reinvention of daily life means marching off the edge of our maps

 

 

 

For creativity to flourish, you need to allow yourself to break rules, defy convention, and color outside the lines.

 

 

 

Being a team player comes with trade-offs

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“Being a team player comes with trade-offs.”

—Author Unknown

Image from Unsplash by Lars Bo Nielsen

Being a team player is often celebrated, but let’s not overlook the trade-offs it brings!

Every “yes” to others is a “no” to something else.

Teamwork means putting collective goals ahead of personal preferences, sometimes shelving your own ideas for the good of the group.

The upside? synergy, support, and shared wins.

The costs? less autonomy and the need to compromise.

The secret is awareness: Know what you’re giving up, and do it consciously and willingly.

True team players don’t lose themselves — they bring their best to the table while honoring the team’s shared purpose.

EXERCISE:

What trade-offs do you experience when prioritizing team success over your individual preferences and objectives?

How can you stay motivated when teamwork requires you to compromise on your personal ideas and goals?

 

Don’t let the fear of striking out stop you from playing the game

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“Don’t let the fear of striking out stop you from playing the game.”

—Babe Ruth, 20th Century American Baseball Player

Image from Unsplash by Josh Hensley

Babe Ruth’s word reminds us that fear is often our biggest obstacle to achieving our dreams.

Whether in business, relationships, or personal growth, the possibility of failure can paralyze us. But true success comes from stepping up to the plate, even when the outcome is uncertain.

Every strikeout is a lesson, not a defeat. By embracing risks and learning from setbacks, we open ourselves to growth, new experiences, and unexpected victories.

Don’t let fear hold you back. Play the game, give it your all, and remember: you miss 100% of the opportunities you never take. Life’s greatest rewards come to those who dare to swing.

EXERCISE:

How does embracing risk improve your chances of success in the game of life?

In what ways can you build the confidence to face challenges with much less fear of striking out?

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?