Tag Archives: The Quotable Coach

“Sometimes in the winds of change we find our true direction.”

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“Sometimes in the winds of change we find our true direction.”

—Author Unknown

Image from Unsplash by Eunice Stahl

Few of us are sailing the high seas or doing much boating these days. All of us, however, have seen dramatic climate changes in the weather, and in society. To what degree are you being buffeted or pushed around by the winds of change?

Alternatively, how are you learning to adjust your personal and professional sails and rudders to navigate toward safer harbors and a better world?

How is a meteorologist different from a sailor? Which of these professions reports and forecasts the changes occurring — and which uses that information to direct and adjust their efforts towards desired destinations?

EXERCISE:

How can and will you take more mindful moments during these dynamically changing times to clarify and pursue your path?

“Go beyond the expected.”

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“Go beyond the expected.”

—Author Unknown

Image from EmpireOnLIne

 

One of our family’s most beloved film series is Toy Story. We have seen most of the films multiple times. Now with our two-and-a-half-year-old grandson Weston we have many more exposures, including action figures and his Woody and Buzz Lightyear pajamas.

When asked to describe Buzz, virtually everyone can repeat his famous “To infinity and beyond” phrase with bold enthusiasm. It uplifts and motivates all of us to channel our own superpowers, do great things, and exceed our own current potential.

EXERCISE:

Where and in what ways can you go well beyond the expectations others have for you in your personal or professional communities? What bold and significant actions can and will you take today to reach beyond your own perceived limits and exceed your own expectations?

FRIDAY REVIEW: STILLNESS

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FRIDAY REVIEW: STILLNESS

When and in what way do you bring stillness into your day? Here are a few stillness-related posts you may have missed.

 

“Within you there is a stillness and a sanctuary to which you can retreat any time, and be yourself.”

 

 

 

“Stillness is where creativity and solutions to problems are found.”

 

 

 

 

“If you add a little to a little, and then do it again, soon that little shall be much.”

 

 

 

 

“Find the Energizers.”

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“Find the Energizers.”

—Erika James, Dean at the Wharton School

Image from Unsplash by Federico Beccari

What comes to mind when you think about energy?

Where do you look when it comes to outside sources?

The source at the top of my list is our sun, which makes life possible for many reasons. Beyond its miraculous properties which include supporting photosynthesis, powering our weather, and helping us produce vitamin D, its mere presence each morning is often the starter gun that kicks off our days.

As we head into winter in the northern hemisphere, the levels and duration of sunshine decrease, which can frequently reduce our own levels of energy and vitality. What do you do to remain fully charged and energized?

EXERCISE:

Make a list of all the energizing strategies you can think of. Talk with friends, family members, and others in your personal and professional communities about their best ideas.

Take particular note of which of these special people energize your world the most with their sunny personalities.

“Both faith and fear may sail into your harbor. But allow only faith to drop anchor.”

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“Both faith and fear may sail into your harbor. But allow only faith to drop anchor.”

—Author Unknown

Image from Unsplash by Matthew Wheeler

When was the last time you went boating?

What is it like to watch the comings and goings of vessels as they enter and leave their assigned marina slips?

What is a typical speed during these maneuvers? What happens to the boats and the passengers when someone exceeds the limit?

EXERCISE:

To what degree are you experiencing the wake and excessive wave action of fear in your life and in your communities?

Where would the slow, stabilizing attribute of greater faith calm the seas of this world and make for safer harbors?

“Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.”

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“Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.”

—Jessica Howell, American actress and producer

Image from Unsplash by Zdeněk Macháček

Consider the concepts of entropy and order.

The first is about how things pursue a random path of coming apart. The second pertains to things coming together in a more organized state.

Where have some of the good things in your life and our world fallen apart? How many of these issues are related to entropy, bad luck, or perhaps our lack of attention and effort to bring order to these matters?

Where are things beginning to fall together—not by chance, but by individuals and communities of shared vision and values choosing to create their own good once again?

EXERCISE:

Where and how can you play a bigger, more positive role in your world so that better things will fall together? Consider placing the following quote by Desmond Tutu somewhere you will see it often—and consider reading my post about it from a few years ago.

“Do your little bit of good whoever you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.”

“How are you doing at keeping up with yourself?”

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“How are you doing at keeping up with yourself?”

—Author Unknown

When someone asks How are you doing?, where do you go to look for your answer?

Far too often, many of us look to compare our lots in life with those displayed in the media. This comparison with others can be a slippery slope, often leaving many feeling stressed, anxious, and even depressed.

Many authorities suggest that a more empowering and positive approach is to focus primarily on bettering oneself and only competing with the person you were yesterday.

EXERCISE:

What actions and efforts are you taking these days to not only keep up but exceed your previous self?

Consider engaging the support of a coach, mentor, friend, or family member to increase the likelihood of success.

Friday Review: Waiting

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FRIDAY REVIEW: WAITING

What are you waiting for? Here are a few waiting-related posts you may have missed. Click the links to read the full message.

 

“Life lived for tomorrow will always be just a day away from being realized.”

 

 

 

 

“The work will wait while you show the child the rainbow, but the rainbow won’t wait while you finish the work.”

 

 

 

 

“It’s better to bite your tongue than to eat your words.”

 

 

 

 

“Following the crowd never gets you very far.”

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“Following the crowd never gets you very far.”

—Robin Sharma, Canadian Author of The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari

Image from Unsplash by Chuttersnap

It is human nature to want to belong to our professional and personal communities. We tend to thrive and live longer, happier lives due to the supportive relationships around us.

Following the crowd and group think, however, is rarely associated with extraordinary levels of achievement and excellence. When one looks at the subject of personal mastery, important relationships with role models, mentors, teachers, and coaches are always involved. And yet, they evolve and change over time, to propel people forward, often leaving once valued relationships behind.

EXERCISE:

Where in your life have you and are you following the crowd? How has doing so held you back from going even further in either your personal or professional life?

What bolder, more courageous actions can and will you take to realize even more of your fullest potential?

“Keeping a journal is praying on paper.”

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“Keeping a journal is praying on paper.”

—Robin Sharma, Canadian Author of The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari

Image from Unsplash by Brad Neathery

A few months ago, I began journaling again for the umpteenth time. Sitting on my desk are four journals from previous attempts. I started with great enthusiasm, then lost interest and momentum after only a few dozen pages.

Things seem different now. I somehow have become more patient and reflective. Taking time to capture my thoughts, feelings, and emotions appears more important than ever. With the perfect storm of current events, this is clearly a great time to pray and take action together to better our world.

EXERCISE:

How can more prayer, written or spoken, alone or with others, be a source of healing and strength for you and all of your communities?