Tag Archives: The Quotable Coach

Defining a Friend

Posted on by

“A friend is a person before whom I may think aloud.”

—Ralph Waldo Emerson, 19th Century American Essayist

Image of fingers with faces painted on

Image from www.lesaviezvous.net

How many true friends do you have?

I recently had a coaching session with a new client. He expressed a sense of emptiness due to a lack of true friends in his life, the surface nature of many of his relationships, and the significant lack of depth in his professional and personal discussions.

He also noted the need for greater courage and vulnerability, should he choose to open himself up and chance the risk of being judged.

EXERCISE:

Examine your own risk/reward ratio of thinking aloud more often, to develop and expand the friendships that can enhance your life.

Quotes on Patience

Posted on by

FRIDAY REVIEW:  Patience

How patient are you on an average day? Here are a few patience-related posts you may have missed. Click on the link to read the full message.

qc-1155a

 

“Your mind will answer most questions if you learn to relax and wait for the answer.”

 

 

 

qc-1155b

 

“Patience is also a form of action.”

 

 

 

qc-1155c

 

“If you want to gather honey, don’t kick over the beehive.”

 

 

 

 

 

A committee of one gets things done

Posted on by

“A committee of one gets things done.”

—Joe Ryan, Author of Breaking Limits

Image from picturequotes.com

Much of my coaching involves supporting my clients in developing and expanding their leadership, management, coaching, and relationship skills. Mastering these skills helps them produce far greater results with and through others.

One consideration is the time it actually takes to reach their goals.

Today’s quote points to the speed and efficiency of leading oneself to a better future, managing our own efforts and resources, and adjusting our course for optimal results. Regarding relationship skills, rarely do we ever disagree with our own thinking!

EXERCISE:

There is an African saying, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

Where and on what personal or professional priority is it appropriate to use your “committee of one” to get something done?

The Future is Purchased by the Present

Posted on by

“The future is purchased by the present.”

—Dr. Samuel Johnson, 18th Century English Poet

Image of hourglass

Image from specialneedsparenting.net

Evidence has shown that there is a high correlation between an individual’s ability to delay gratification, and their long-term level of achievement.

All one need do is examine masters in almost any endeavor to see the level of effort and amount of time it took for them to achieve what they desired. Some traded large pieces of their lives for a potential pot of gold at the end of the line. This can often be the case when people work tirelessly in vocations and careers they don’t enjoy.

Those who are attuned to their vision and value often find the courage to take bold actions. Their efforts in pursuing their dream becomes like compound interest on the daily investments they make.

EXERCISE:

How can you lead an even more fulfilling life by having your present professional and personal efforts be their own reward, and not just a means to a future you hope for some day?

“The fire which seems extinguished…”

Posted on by

“The fire which seems extinguished often slumbers beneath the ashes.”

—Pierre Corneille, 17th Century French Dramatist

Image of Smokey the Bear

Image from smokeybear.com

Smokey the Bear is an American advertising mascot, created to educate the public about the dangers of forest fires. His famous slogan, “Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires” has been revised with the recent wildfires that burned across California.

Today’s quote relates to the flames of our personal or professional lives, and how many people appear to have had their “fire” extinguished.

Coaches and other supportive people often help these individuals discover the slumbering embers below layers of ash. They help find the kindling and fuel action to get the flame burning brightly again.

EXERCISE:

What fires are smoldering beneath the ashes of your life? How can you find the people and resources to make them burst into the flames of a more fulfilling and accomplished life?

Happy Halloween

Posted on by

Happy Halloween!

Image of kids in Halloween Costumes

Image from www.theodysseyonline.com

October 31 marks the ancient Celtic Holiday of Halloween, which later became All Soul’s Day in the Roman Catholic tradition.

For us it marks the final turn from summer to deep autumn, when pumpkins are ripe, trees are colorful, and some folks are full of mischief.

EXERCISE:

Consider taking on a new goal that scares you just a bit.

Friday Review: Excellence

Posted on by

FRIDAY REVIEW:  Excellence

Do you strive for excellence, or accept average? Here are a few excellence-related posts you may have missed. Click on the link to read the full message.

qc-1150a

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is a habit.”

 

 

 

 

qc-1150b

 

“It’s what you learn after you know it all, that counts.”

 

 

 

qc-1150c

 

“Do more of what makes you awesome.”

 

 

 

 

Doors Don’t Slam Open

Posted on by

“Doors don’t slam open.”

—John Shanahan, Director for Defense Intelligence, The Pentagon

Image of an open door in a field

Image from Flickr by My Wave Pictures

When was the last time you heard a door slam shut? What was the cause for this abrupt action? Did it involve you and others in your life?

What relationships or opportunities were perhaps damaged or lost due to this occurrence?

Without question, closed doors and slammed doors are commonplace for people who have a “go for it” approach to life. It can be as simple as someone in your personal or professional world saying “NO” to something you want or desire.

People of courage, initiative, and grit always find new and better doors to open, thus creating their own “YES” and the lives they desire.

EXERCISE:

In what ways can you open more doors and realize the greater possibilities that lie on the other side?

The Road Up and The Road Down are one and the Same

Posted on by

“The road up and the road down are one and the same.”

—Heraclitus, pre-Socratic Greek Philosopher

Image of Mayan Ruin

Image from Flickr by Ryan Jones

When was the last time you took a hike up a steep hill or even a mountain? If you can’t recall, imagine climbing the tallest set of stairs you have ever faced.

What was the journey like going up? What was your level of anticipation of reaching the top, and what amount of effort was required?

What was your experience of going down? What was the level of effort required, given the assist from good old gravity?

Avoiding the “what goes up must come down” effect requires far more effort and energy in virtually all areas of life. Knowing what is important in your personal and professional worlds helps you maintain the steady climb that can take you to new heights of excellence.

EXERCISE:

Examine where you are on the roads of life in areas such as health, relationships, career, family, and faith. How will you continue the climb upward and avoid the factors that can easily take you in the other direction?

Never Ruin an Apology

Posted on by

“Never ruin an apology with an excuse.”

—Ben Franklin, American Founding Father

Cartoon saying "I'm so so so sorry!"

Image from LinkedIN

Don’t ever add the word “But” to an apology. The act of making excuses or justifying your actions has you actually blaming the other person for your poor behavior rather than offering a genuine apology.

Here are a few suggestions to consider when apologizing:

  • Beginning your apology with the words, “I’m Sorry,” or “I Apologize” expresses genuine remorse. Make sure you do this as soon as possible.
  • Put yourself in the other person’s shoes and imagine how they felt. The ability to empathize with others makes it far easier to admit responsibility.
  • Take action to make the situation right. You can ask the person you wronged what you could do, beyond your apology, to make things right.
  • Promising that you won’t repeat the action or behavior helps rebuild trust in the relationship.

EXERCISE:

Examine a situation in which you can summon the courage to offer a sincere apology to someone who matters in your life, personally or professionally.

Feel free to reply to this post and let me know what happens.