another mind in your hands

“When you read a book, you hold another’s mind in your hands.”

-James Burke, British broadcaster and author

image from cntraveler.com

image from cntraveler.com

Throughout my childhood and into my early adult years it was rare for me to read anything but an occasional comic book. My mother, Rose, meanwhile, was a voracious reader, often consuming 10-12 books every three weeks—the maximum allowed by our local library.

Although her formal education ended when she graduated from high school, she was more highly intelligent, articulate, and “in the know” than most college graduates. I greatly admired this quality in her and adopted her practices to a good degree throughout my various careers. This is especially true in my work as a Coach, in which I often get to share the minds of others through their wonderful, world-expanding books.

EXERCISE:

How would a good book related to your existing interests, challenges, or priorities provide a mind-expanding contribution to your world?

Consider the practice of always having a good book handy, so your mind is always expanding.

Click THIS LINK to see some of the world’s most amazing and beautiful libraries. They clearly demonstrate the honor given to books and learning.

Values Unite Us

“Beliefs divide us, values unite us.”

-Jeff Rasley, Himalayan Trek Organizer & Author

QC #1014

As a student of leadership I have always been interested in what brings communities and organizations together, and what tears them apart. Prior to writing his classic book Good To Great, Jim Collins wrote a well-researched book titled Built to Last. He had studied many organizations in many industries and found that what today’s quote states is true, and highly valuable.

There is no question that values, beliefs, behaviors, norms, and attitudes shared and exemplified within organizations create the culture, and literally attract or repel staff and customers.

Stated simply: United we Stand, Divided we Fall.

EXERCISE:

How can you use the simple insight from today’s quote to help support and strengthen the personal and professional communities you care about the most?

Greatness is Within You

“Greatness is within you!”

-Author Unknown

Image from conversationswithdoggy-lama.com

Image from conversationswithdoggy-lama.com

Many of us have been told, throughout our lives, that humility is a sign of high character—we should not brag or call excessive attention to ourselves. Many of the Quotable Coach posts point out that focusing on others is a key to success.

Today’s quote, however, is more about your journey to pursue, achieve, and contribute your gifts, talents, and unique abilities—your greatness. Pursuing all that we can be is something we can all do with great passion and purpose. Our efforts contribute and build our characters even more.

EXERCISE:

Request a bit of feedback from those who know you best in your personal and professional worlds.

What good and great qualities and abilities do they say you currently possess that could be even greater if you put your everything into the effort?

The Seed of Triumph

“Always seek out the seed of triumph in every adversity.”

-Og Mandino, Author of “The Greatest Salesman in the World”

Image from wonderopolis.org

Image from wonderopolis.org

When was the last time you ate watermelon? Years ago every mouthful came with at least a few seeds. Back then, we would chew carefully and spit out the seeds. Clearly, some clever person disliked that process and found a way to create the seedless varieties we have today.

What if, instead of an undesirable, adverse barrier to your fullest enjoyment, the seeds were actually a more tasty component of the fruit? Perhaps we would all seek out the seeds as a more desirable part of our fruit-munching experience!

EXERCISE:

Where can you more fully examine and realize the growth potential and the seeds of triumph in some or perhaps all of the adversities you may be facing?

Friday Review: Effort

Friday Review: EFFORT

How much effort do you put into your life or business? Here are a few effort-related posts you may have missed. Click on the Quote to read the full message:
PROGRESS 1

“The highest reward for a person’s toil is not what they get for it, but what they become by it.”

 

 

QC #1011b

 

“The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it.”

 

 

QC #1011c

“You can either throw in the towel, or use it to wipe your sweat.”

“You are my sun, my moon…”

“You are my sun, my moon, and all my stars.”

-E.E. Cummings, American poet, painter, essayist & playwright

Image from ark.ie

Image from ark.ie

The sun, the moon, and the stars emit or reflect light. When light shines upon and around us, we can see and better understand things.

The people closest to us that care the most offer us this opportunity every day, particularly when our eyes are wide open with receptivity and gratitude. It is at these times we discover more about ourselves and can become even more of what is possible for us.

EXERCISE:

Who are the sun, moon, and stars that have made and continue to make a difference in your life? How will you thank them, illuminate their lives, or the lives of others in the same way?

Don’t Give up Now

“Don’t Give Up Now!”

-Author Unknown

Image from pinspopulars.com

Image from pinspopulars.com

When was the last time you stopped trying, gave up, threw in the towel, or outright quit something? Look deeply at your reasoning, or perhaps your gut-or-heart-based perspectives, on the matter.

If giving up freed you up and relinquished a burden that didn’t fit your life direction, good work! If you experienced regret or an aching soul, perhaps sticking things out may have been a better choice in the long run.

EXERCISE:

Are you at a critical juncture on an important personal or professional matter? How would coaching, or another form of support in not giving up, make a big difference? Sharing your thoughts and feelings on such issues will often provide the added social support that can be so helpful at these critical times.

Illegitimi Non Carborundum

“Illegitimi Non Carborundum”

Image from pinterest.com

Image from pinterest.com

 

The mock-Latin aphorism, illegitimi non carborundum, means “Don’t let the bastards grind you down.”

It was first brought to my attention years ago by Stan Ershler, my District Sales Manager when I was a rookie pharmaceutical representative for the Upjohn Company.

Stan shared this pearl of wisdom one day following a very unpleasant interaction with an arrogant, condescending physician. This doctor saw himself as God’s gift to medicine and wanted to be sure I knew my place—which of course, was well beneath him.

EXERCISE:

Where and with whom in your personal or professional life would reciting this catchy phrase provide you a booster shot of dignity when the “bastards” try to grind you down?

A Strong Person

“A strong person looks a challenge dead in the eye and gives it a wink.”

-Adapted from Gina Carey, musical artist

Image from shopwood.com

Image from shopwood.com

If you are a fan of old John Wayne movies, you may have seen the 1969 film, True Grit. The word “grit” is used a good deal these days, to point out the value and need for greater courage, bravery, determination, and personal fortitude in a world many believe is getting soft.

Far too many people want to take an elevator to the top rather than climbing the stairs to reach their most cherished and valued goals.

EXERCISE:

Where  is it appropriate—or better yet, necessary—to demonstrate your personal strength and grit, by winking at the challenges you face?

Friday Review: Adaptation

Friday Review: Adaptation

How adaptable are you as you go about your day? Here are a few adaptation-related posts you may have missed. Click on the Quote to read the full message:

QC #1006a

 

“Beware of all enterprises that require a new set of clothes.”

 

 

QC #1006b

“A wise man adapts himself to circumstances, as water shapes itself to the vessel that contains it.”

 

 

 

QC #1006c

“The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.”