Category Archives: Attitude

pointing at himself

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“When a man points a finger at someone else, he should remember that three of his fingers are pointing at himself.”

—Author Unknown

Image of a man pointing one finger with three fingers pointing at himself

Image from idgconnect.com

There sure is a lot of finger pointing going on these days! Pick almost any hot topic in the news and you will see people on all sides taking dead aim at one another.

Blaming others, finding fault, and making others wrong seems wired into us in spite of the fact that we are all highly aware of its consequences.

EXERCISE:

Knowing that three fingers are always pointing back at us when we point at others, how can you take far more responsibility, accountability, and ownership regarding the events in every aspect of your life?

Initiative Assessment

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“All man’s gains are the fruit of venturing.”

—Herodotus, 5th Century BCE Greek Historian

Image from Flickr by Lynn Friedman

Image from Flickr by Lynn Friedman

As part of my Personal Excellence Coaching program, I often conduct assessments which includes a review of the client’s achievement traits. Among the most important is that of initiative, in which the individual evaluates what needs to be done and ventures forth without being prodded by others to do so.

Beginning new things, solving challenging problems, and pursuing a new goal sure beats waiting and wishing for things to come our way.

EXERCISE:

Where would an “if it is to be it begins with me” approach have you venturing forth in new ways, to gain more of the sweet fruits of life?

Loving Joyous Spirit

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“Youth is eternal to those with a curious, loving, joyous spirit.”

—Brendon Burchard, American Motivational Author

Image from Flickr by Jose Maria Cuellar

Image from Flickr by Jose Maria Cuellar

Our world celebrates youth. You need only pay attention to the vast number of marketing messages with which we are bombarded. All we need do is buy this cream, take that pill, eat this food, and engage in some form of turbo-charged workout, and we, too, will dodge the ravages of aging.

We all know that these strategies, at their best, can only modestly impact our lives, and drive many of us nuts in the process. Perhaps we should take Brendon’s coaching to assure we have an eternally youthful spirit.

EXERCISE:

How and in what ways can you be more youthful and joyous through meaningful opportunities to learn, and to build more loving relationships?

necessary to let things go

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“You will find that it is necessary to let things go, simply for the reason that they are heavy.”

—C. JoyBell C., American Philosophical Author

image of a downward scale

Image from csuiteinsider.com

I recently met two remarkable women at an event. Sam was one of the featured speakers at the event, and Pat was an event participant, as was I. They both shared their wondrous—and independent—stories of letting go of their possessions to travel the world more lightly.

Beyond the excitement and vitality conveyed in their adventures was the amazing, contagious impact the otters people at the conference experienced in hearing their stories. Many were inspired to “downsize” one or more aspect of their lives.

EXERCISE:

In what ways can you release and let go of the people and things that weigh down your life?

Select at least one specific action you will take within the next 24 hours to begin to lighten your load, and consider responding to this post with your decision.

A Second Chance

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“Your first impression remains—but you can revise your opinion. Look once again and give someone a second chance!”

—Laurent F. Carrel, Messages from Melanie

Do Over image

Image from blue-route.org

Most of us are familiar with the adage, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” Unfortunately, people come to rapid decisions based on their initial perceptions, which happens in mere seconds.

Today’s quote suggests that we all have the power to offer anyone a “do over,” the opportunity to shift our view of them to something far more positive and favorable.

EXERCISE:

Where would there be great value in offering others a second chance, personally or professionally?

Where could you ask those who do not perceive you as you desire for a “do over” as well?

See Their Magic

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“To love a person is to see all of their magic and to remind them of it when they have forgotten.”

— Author Unknown

Image from Flickr by Linus Bohman

Image from Flickr by Linus Bohman

As part of my signature Personal Excellence Training, I spend an entire day with my client, getting to know them well and fully understanding their vision, values, and goals. This investment of time creates a special partnership called coaching, in which, over time, the magic of each individual is discovered and enhanced.

Throughout this coaching journey, most people experience setbacks and doubts about themselves, and their capacity to achieve their most cherished goals. We all need a committed and loving supporter to remind us of our magic when difficult times cause us to forget.

EXERCISE:

How can you demonstrate your love and caring for others by seeing their magic and reminding them of it when they forget?

Who are the caring people in your personal or professional worlds who could play this role for you?

The Smile You Gave Me

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“By the way, I’m wearing the smile you gave me.”

—Author Unknown

Image from Flickr by ssofija

Image from Flickr by ssofija

I must be watching too much TV news! The majority of what I see is negative and destructive, particularly in the political arena. Apparently, it is as contagious as the flu or a bad cold;  I see many people coming down with this unfortunate disease.

There is a cure to which we can all subscribe, one on which it is impossible to overdose!

You probably guessed it…

The cure is positivity, and the many forms it takes in bringing smiles to faces, and dramatically lightening the heavy loads many of us carry. It is a kind hello, remembering someone’s name, holding a door, or being helpful in some other way.

We could all use a big dose of positivity these days.

EXERCISE:

Please consider replying to this post with your own examples of the sure bet, smile-generating strategies you share with those you support personally and professionally.

Climate vs Weather

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“Climate is what we expect, weather is what we get.”

—Mark Twain, American Author and Humorist

QC #1024.jpg
A few months ago I had a wonderful family vacation in the San Diego area, purported to have one of the best climates in the world. We spent a rainy evening with a few of my son-in-law’s friends, who were a bit upset with the weather. Coming from Michigan, we were more than OK with a bit of cool temperatures and precipitation.

EXERCISE:

How can greater awareness and perspective regarding your professional and personal expectations help you embrace whatever the weather brings into your world?

Make the Days Count

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“Don’t count the days; make the days count.”

-Muhammad Ali

Image from fearlessmotivation.com

Image from fearlessmotivation.com

We have all heard the adage, “Your days are numbered.” Not many of us fully appreciate the hard reality of that statement. How often do you find yourself—or others you know—looking into the future with the expectancy of an enjoyable weekend, event or vacation?

How often do you look forward to a “someday” when everything will be better than the current moment? Unfortunately, “Someday” is not an actual day of the week!

EXERCISE:

How and in what ways can you make the most of every minute, hour, and day to realize the “present” life can be, making each day count instead of counting the days?

Good Example

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“If you can’t be a good example, then you’ll just have to be a horrible warning.”

-Catherine Aird, British Crime Fiction Writer

Image from jarofquotes.com

Image from jarofquotes.com

The other day I had a coaching session with a client regarding his parenting strategies. When he examined the behaviors that worked or didn’t, he looked to his own parent’s example for clues.

This man tends to emulate or copy the attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors of those he admires, and often does the opposite of behaviors he considered as horrible parenting.

EXERCISE:

How can you benefit most from examples set by others to coach yourself toward a more successful professional and personal life?

Where can adjustments in the examples you set coach your children as well as others in your life to lead more successful lives of their own?