Tag Archives: The Quotable Coach

The ultimate test of man’s conscience

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“The ultimate test of man’s conscience may be his willingness to sacrifice something today for future generations whose words of thanks will not be heard.”

—Gaylord Nelson, Founder of Earth Day

Image from Unsplash by Photo Boards

Gaylord Nelson (1916-2005) was an American politician and environmentalist best known as the founder of Earth Day.

A pioneering advocate for environmental conservation, as Governor of Wisconsin he initiated the Outdoor Recreation Acquisition Program, which funded the purchase of over one million acres for parks and wildlife through a tax on cigarettes.

In the Senate, he championed landmark legislation such as the Wilderness Act, Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and bans on harmful substances like DDT.

The first Earth Day on April 22, 1970 mobilized 20 million Americans and marked the beginning of what is now called the “Environmental Decade” leading to numerous legislative reforms. Nelson believed that environmental protection was interconnected with social justice and economic prosperity.

EXERCISE:

In what ways do you and can you become a better steward of our beautiful and precious Earth? How are you making big and small sacrifices for the people you love and future generation?

Tune into your energy level and recharge yourself

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Tune into your energy level and recharge yourself well before your battery is exhausted.

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Nakie Hammock

Tuning into your energy levels is crucial for maintaining productivity and well-being. Just like a battery, we have limited capacity before we exhaust ourselves.

Recognizing when your energy level is dwindling allows you to take proactive steps to recharge. Engaging in activities that rejuvenate you can help — whether it’s meditation, exercise, spending time in nature, or a good old fashioned nap.

By prioritizing self-care and taking breaks, you can avoid burnout and maintain a consistent flow of energy.

Stay attuned to your body’s signals and recharge regularly to ensure you’re always performing at your best. This mindful approach will keep your energy levels balance and thriving.

EXERCISE:

The Power of Full Engagement by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz is one of my favorite resources on energy management.

Here is an excellent nine-minute animated video of its core message, by Productivity Game in February 2018.

When we lack real problems, we create imaginary ones

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“When we lack real problems, we create imaginary ones. When we lack meaningful work, we perfect the unimportant.”

—Shane Parrish, Creator of the Farnam Street blog

Image from Unsplash by Roman Melnychuk

Human nature thrives on purpose and challenge.

When we lack real problems to solve, our minds often fill the void by creating imaginary ones — this phenomenon can lead to unnecessary stress and distractions, as we fixate on trivial issues that don’t truly matter.

Similarly, when we lack meaningful work, we tend to perfect the unimportant — spending excessive time refining details that add little value, simply to feel productive.

EXERCISE:

Where in your world are you majoring in the minors of life?

How would greater focus on real issues and meaningful work provide you the results and fulfillment you desire?

“A brand is a promise of what you can expect.”

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“A brand is a promise of what you can expect.”

—Author unknown (sometimes attributed to Seth Godin)

Image from Unsplash by Patrik Michalicka

In my work as a coach, we often discuss the importance of authenticity and delivering value. At its core, a brand is precisely that — a promise of what you can expect.

It’s not just a logo or a catchy slogan. It’s the sum total of experiences and perceptions associated with a product, service, or individual.

When you encounter a brand, whether it’s a company or a personal brand, you’re being made a promise.

This promise encompasses quality, reliability, and a specific set of values.

For businesses, it’s crucial to align their brand promise with their actual delivery.

For individuals — especially in coaching and leadership roles — your personal brand is your commitment to how you’ll show up and the value you’ll provide.

Ultimately, a strong brand builds trust and loyalty by consistently meeting or exceeding expectations.

As individuals of integrity, we must remember that our brand is our bond — a promise we make and keep with each interaction.

EXERCISE:

What is your personal brand? How do you communicate it in your words and actions?

If you require clarification on this subject, consider asking members of your family, friends, and professional colleagues for some feedback.

“Don’t let yesterday use up too much of today.”

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“Don’t let yesterday use up too much of today.”

—Will Rogers, 20th Century Cherokee-American actor & social commentator

Image from Unsplash by Kaja Kadlecova

In our journey of personal and professional excellence, it’s easy to get caught up in past experiences, whether positive or negative.

While reflection is valuable, dwelling excessively on yesterday can rob us of the precious moments we have right now.

Today is a gift, brimming with new opportunities for learning, growth, and positive change. By focusing on the present, we open ourselves to fresh perspectives and innovative solutions.

As we navigate life’s challenges, let’s remember to honor our past without being anchored by it. Instead, Let’s channel our energy into making the most of today to create even better tomorrows.

EXERCISE:

How much of your today’s are used up by your yesterdays?

How would a clean slate for each new day help you realize far more of your potential for growth and achievement?

For creativity to flourish you need to allow yourself-to

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

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Glenn Diaz

In the world of creativity, rules are meant to be broken — or at least bent into a pretzel!

Think of Picasso painting with his feet, or Einstein solving math problems in his pajamas.

To be truly innovate, you need to defy convention and color outside the lines. So, ditch the coloring book and grab some crayons!

Draw on the walls, write with your non-dominant hand, or compose music with kitchen utensils. Many of the most brilliant ideas often come from the most unlikely places — and a few scribbles outside the box.

EXERCISE:

Check out Josh Linkner’s book Big Little Breakthroughs: How Small Everyday Innovations Drive Oversize Results.

 

Friday Review: TRUST

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Friday Review: TRUST

How trusting are you? How trust-worthy are you? Here are a few related posts you may have missed.

“Trust is earned when actions meet words.”

 

 

 

 

 

Explore your trustworthiness. From there look for this and other similar qualities in yourself and others.

 

 

 

 

 

“It’s a real pleasure to earn the trust of your customers slowly over time by doing what’s right.”

 

 

 

 

“Never make a big decision without sleeping on it.”

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“Never make a big decision without sleeping on it.”

—Martha Stewart, TV personality, entrepreneur, author, and businesswoman

Image from Unsplash by Sabri Tuzcu

When faced with a big decision, it’s tempting to act impulsively.

However, taking a step back and sleeping on it can be incredibly beneficial.

A night’s rest allows emotions to settle and rational thinking to prevail. This pause gives us time to reflect on potential outcomes and consider different perspectives.

This simple practice can lead to greater clarity and confidence in our choices, ultimately guiding us to more fulfilling and successful lives.

EXERCISE:

Two books that can help you make better personal and professional decisions, especially with a good night’s sleep are:

Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
Decisive: How to make Better Choices in Life and Work by Chip and Dan Heath

Our senses help us escape the ghettos of our mind

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“Our senses help us escape the ghettos of our mind.”

—Author Unknown

Image from Unsplash by Alexander Grey

Our five senses serve as a gateway, liberating us from the confines of our mental ghettos:

  1. Sight paints the world in vibrant hues, breaking through the monochrome of introspection.
  2. Sound orchestrates a symphony of life, drowning out the echoes of our inner critic.
  3. Taste awakens primal pleasures, reminding us of life’s simple joys amidst complex ruminations.
  4. Smell, with its power to evoke memories, transports us beyond the boundaries of our current mental state.
  5. Touch connects us to everything and especially to one another to feel a sense of belonging within our world.

Together, these sensory experiences form a bridge between our inner world and the rich tapestry of reality, offering escape routes from the labyrinth of our minds.

EXERCISE:

Consider reading Gretchen Rubin’s book Life in Five Senses: How Exploring the Senses Got Me Out of My Head and Into the World to live a fuller richer life.

Success is no Hocus-Pocus

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“Success is no Hocus-Pocus. Success is Focus-Focus.”

—Author Unknown

Image from Unsplash by Stephen Kraakmo

Focus is the cornerstone of both personal and professional success.

By concentrating on specific goals, individuals and groups can achieve clarity and direction, leading to more efficient use of time and resources.

A focused mindset helps prioritize tasks, overcome distractions, and maintain motivation.

In a world with constant distractions, cultivating focus allows you to stay on track and make meaningful progress.

Whether in career achievement or personal growth, maintaining focus is essential for realizing ambitions and reaching our full potential.

It’s a key that unlocks the doors to our dreams and can help makes them a reality.

EXERCISE:

To help you discover the magic of this important skill, please check out the book The Power of Focus written by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, and Les Hewitt.