Tag Archives: The Quotable Coach

Without question, the material world and your everyday needs distract you from living meaningfully.”

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“Without question, the material world and your everyday needs distract you from living meaningfully.”

—Menachem Mendel Schneerson, 20th Century American Orthodox Rabbi

Image from Unsplash by Paul Schafer

In our pursuit of possessions and daily comforts, we often lose sight of deeper purpose and fulfillment.

The constant chase for material success can cloud our awareness of what truly matters — relationships, personal growth, and inner peace.

While meeting basic needs is essential, allowing them to dominate our focus risks turning life into a routine of consumption rather than a meaningful experience.

To live fully, it helps to consciously step back from distractions, reflect on our values, and prioritize experiences that nourish the soul.

True meaning emerges not from what we own, but from how we connect, create, and contribute.

EXERCISE:

What are you doing to connect, create, and contribute to live a more meaningful life?

Consider picking up a copy of Toward a Meaningful Life by Simon Jacobson which includes more wisdom from The Rebbe-Menachem Mendel Schneerson.

Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see

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“Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.”

—Christian Nestell Bovee, 19th Century epigrammatic writer

Image from Unsplash by Ditto Bowo

Kindness is a universal form of communication that transcends physical limitations.

It speaks directly to the heart and can be felt and perceived even without sight or sound.

The impact of compassionate actions can be recognized and appreciated by everyone, regardless of their abilities.

Kindness connects us all on a deeply human level, making the world a better place through simple, genuine gestures.

EXERCISE:

What are some examples of kindness being used as a universal language within your communities?

No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.

Enjoy your precious time while you’re here

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Enjoy your precious time while you’re here.

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Luke Chesser

Today’s quote is a simple yet profound reminder that captures the essence of living fully in the moment.

It emphasizes that life is not just about achieving goals but embracing the journey with purpose and presence.

Time — our most valuable asset — once spent cannot be reclaimed. To truly thrive, we must align our daily actions with what matters most, cultivating meaning and significance beyond fleeting success.

Coaching is about breaking patterns and creating new worlds where you deepen learning and enhance your quality of life. We do this by honoring our time, by being fully engaged, appreciating the now, and investing in what truly enriches our life and the lives of others.

EXERCISE:

Consider exploring The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin as a personal experiment in applying happiness research to everyday life.

“It’s amazing how often the act of aligning on the problem untangles the messiest of knots.”

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“It’s amazing how often the act of aligning on the problem untangles the messiest of knots.”

—Rohan Rajiv, author of A Learning a Day Blog

Image from Unsplash by Parker Sturdivant

When we take the time to clearly define and agree on the core issue, confusion dissipates, and solutions become visible.

Too often, teams or individuals get tangled in assumptions, distractions, or conflicting agendas. By aligning perspectives on the real problem, we create a shared focus that simplifies complexity and opens the path forward.

As a coach, I’ve seen this alignment unlock breakthroughs, enabling people to move past obstacles with clarity and confidence.

Untangling isn’t about forcing a solution — it’s about understanding the knot so well that the right moves become obvious.

EXERCISE:

How often do you and your teams focus on solutions before you fully clarify and align on the actual problem?

How would taking this foundational step put you on the road to far better outcomes in your personal and professional communities?

“Worry often gives a small thing a big shadow.”

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“Worry often gives a small thing a big shadow.”

—Swedish Proverb

Image from Unsplash by Tom Barrett

Worry has a sneaky way of turning tiny problems into towering obstacles.

When we fixate on small issues, our minds often blow them out of proportion, casting long shadows that darken our perspective.

A minor mistake at work or a brief misunderstanding with a friend can feel overwhelming, simply because worry magnifies them.

This mental distortion drains our energy and clouds our judgment, making constructive solutions harder to find.

EXERCISE:

Consider setting aside “worry time” by scheduling specific times to process your concerns to prevent them from taking over your day.

Try including a friend, colleague, or coach in these sessions to gain greater perspective and better solutions to help you move past or work through your worries.

To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you

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“To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.”

—Lewis B. Smedes, 20th Century Christian author, ethicist, theologian

Image from Unsplash by Alex Shute

Today’s quote reminds us that holding on to anger and resentment traps us in a cycle of pain.

Forgiveness isn’t about excusing the wrongdoing or forgetting the hurt.

It’s about releasing the heavy burden that weighs down our hearts and minds.

When we forgive, we break free from the chains of bitterness, allowing ourselves to heal and grow. It’s a gift not only to others but, most importantly, to ourselves.

EXERCISE:

In what areas of your life can you tap into the power of forgiveness?

What actions can and will you take today to open the doors to greater peace, happiness and personal freedom?

 

Gratitude wakes us up to the beauty and good things in life

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Gratitude wakes us up to the beauty and good things in life. We need to choose its light over and over again especially when things seem dark.

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Donald Giannatti

Focusing on the good things in life offers numerous benefits for mental, emotional and physical health.

Gratitude and positive thinking are linked to lower rates of depression, reduced stress, and greater resistance to illness, contributing to our overall well-being.

They enhance resilience and coping strategies during hardships, improving mood and reducing toxic thoughts.

By focusing on being grateful, we can re-wire our brains to detect and appreciate good experiences more readily, counteracting the frequent negative bias we often demonstrate.

EXERCISE:

Consider starting each day this week with a gratitude reflection before getting out of bed.

Compliment this effort by using a gratitude journal before bed to lighten and brighten your world and the world of those around you.

Friday Review: VULNERABILITY

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Friday Review: VULNERABILITY

How willing are you to be vulnerable? Here are a few related posts you may have missed.

“You don’t protect your heart by acting like you don’t have one.”

 

 

 

 

“People who need help sometimes look a lot like people who don’t need help.”

 

 

 

 

“If you want to avoid criticism, create less. If you want to avoid irrelevance, create more.”

 

 

 

 

 

If you’re a mom, you’re a superhero

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“If you’re a mom, you’re a superhero. Period.”

—Rosie Pope, British-born American entrepreneur

Image from Unsplash by Xavier Mouton Photographie

Today’s quote perfectly captures the extraordinary strength and dedication inherent in motherhood.

Moms juggle countless roles daily: nurturer, teacher, protector, and more, often without recognition or rest.

Their love fuels resilience, empowering them to overcome challenges and provide unwavering support for their children.

It honors the quiet heroism in every mother’s journey reminding us that the sacrifices and unconditional love they give is nothing short of superhuman.

EXERCISE:

In what ways can and will you celebrate the heroic moms in your life? How can you make Sunday May 11th and everyday one where they get the full recognition they deserve?