A worthy goal can be intimate

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“A worthy goal can be intimate. Choose the scale that suits you and feel your way into the journey.”

—Author Unknown

Image from Unsplash by Ronnie Overgoor

How do you feel about goal setting?

Do you have multi-page documents on hand with spreadsheets, timelines, and milestones? Or do you avoid such details altogether?

Many people see goals from a “go big or go home” perspective. If it doesn’t make a big enough dent in the universe, it’s not worthwhile.

Although Nobel prizes are nice, it is far more empowering for the rest of us to set our sights on more modest and more personally meaningful targets.

Sometimes even having a general direction for our journeys and putting forth our best efforts is more than enough.

EXERCISE:

What are some of the worthy goals you have been reluctant to pursue?

How can you realize the satisfaction of pursuing your intimate desires without having to tell the whole world?

Being on autopilot can be useful in many situations

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Being on autopilot can be useful in many situations. On other occasions, it is necessary to grab the wheel of your life and do your own driving.

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Orkun Asap

What are your thoughts and feelings regarding self-driving cars?

In the last few years, a number of our friends have purchased electric vehicles.

With longer driving ranges, faster and more convenient charging options, and other cool and useful features, more and more folks are making the switch.

Each of these individuals is more than happy to drive when we get together to show off a bit of their new tech.  Among the latest functionalities to get from point A to point B is a hands and foot free option that does all the work for you.

Fortunately, these autonomous driving segments still requires a level of hands-on attention where only an actual person will do.

EXERCISE:

In what areas of your world have you turned the driving over to someone or something else?

Where is the timing right to grab back the wheel and take greater control of where things are headed?

 

“The gravity of the status quo is so strong.”

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“The gravity of the status quo is so strong.”

—From a webinar with Michael Bungay Stainer and Chip Conley

Image from Unsplash by Mark König

Tidal Locking is a term used in astronomy where a planet or moon does not rotate on its own axis as it travels around a star or planet. Two examples of tidal locking are the moon that circles our earth and Mercury as it circles the Sun.

In both cases these celestial bodies only show one side of themselves to the objects they orbit.

Where in your life are you tidally locked to the status quo?

In what ways are you traveling around the world, operating in the same ways, showing the same face in all your interactions?

EXERCISE:

What steps can you take to diminish the gravitational pull of the status quo?

What patterns can you break to have new worlds emerge in your life?

“Can you stay curious a little bit longer?”

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“Can you stay curious a little bit longer?”

—Michael Bungay Stainer, author of The Coaching Habit

Image from Amazon

Michael Bungay Stainer is one of the top coaches in the world. His best-selling book The Coaching Habit is among the most widely read books on the subject today with over 15,000 4- and 5-star reviews on Amazon.

When asked during a recent webinar with Chip Conely of the Modern Elder Academy for some of his very favorite questions he mentioned today’s quote.

As someone deeply committed to the growth and development of others, he points to personal inquiry and staying curious as key catalysts for realizing far more of our potential.

EXERCISE:

Consider tapping into your own inner coach by reading The Coaching Habit to see how this skill can be applied in your communities. Please also explore some of Michael’s other books including…

How to Work with (Almost) Anyone
How to Begin
The Advice Trap
Do More Great Work

When you talk with other people, raise the conversation just a little higher

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“When you talk with other people, raise the conversation just a little higher.”

—Tzvi Freeman, Canadian Rabbi and author

Image from Unsplash by Priscilla Du Preez

A Brief History of the Future is a unique six-part PBS documentary series about our futures and how we can re-imagine them, hosted by renowned futurist Ari Wallach.

The series invites viewers on a journey around the world that is filled with discovery, hope, and possibility about where we find ourselves today — and what could come next.

It challenges us and the dystopian framework embraced by popular culture by offering a refreshing and uplifting take on the future.

EXERCISE:

Please watch this series and join the wide range of thinkers, scientists, developers, and storytellers with your own uplifting and positive vision of what’s possible for our future.

Explore the interconnectedness of the heart and mind

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Explore the interconnectedness of the heart and mind. It is between the two that we discover wisdom, peace, and purpose.

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Giulia Bertelli

Since Covid, we have traveled considerably less than in previous years. We’ve continued to schedule trips, only to cancel many for a variety of reasons.

Staying close to home used to be very frustrating. These days, we realize checking certain destinations off our bucket lists is far less of a priority.

Exploring what it means to be modern elders and investigate more matters of the heart has enriched us in many ways we never expected.

EXERCISE:

How much time do you take these days to explore the interconnectedness of your heart and mind?

What does this special connection have to teach you about leading an even more meaningful life?

Friday Review: Thinking

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Friday Review: Thinking

How often do you think about the way you (or others) think? Here are a few related posts you may have missed.

“The ability to perceive or think differently is more important than the knowledge gained.”

 

 

 

“If you see the world in black and white, you’re missing important grey matter.”

 

 

 

“We are sitting under the tree of our thinking minds, wondering why we’re not getting any sunshine!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

People hear what we say but they see what we do and seeing is believing

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“People hear what we say but they see what we do and seeing is believing.”

—Author Unknown

Image from Amazon

The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz is one of my favorite books. I’ve read it many times over the years and very much enjoyed the audio book read by Peter Coyote.

Among the four agreements, being impeccable with your word stands out for me.

In a world where there are countless examples of folks who are all talk and little action, I crave associating with people who walk their talk.

Examine the people in your life who demonstrate the character traits you most admire. How do their actions — and not just their words — inspire you to be a better version of yourself?

EXERCISE:

What do people hear and see when they observe your words and actions?

Where might an upgrade of impeccability with your word be in order to make more believers of the people in your life?

Unspoken expectations are premeditated resentments

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“Unspoken expectations are premeditated resentments.”

—Neil Strauss, American author, journalist and ghostwriter.

Image from Amazon

Where in your life do you harbor resentments towards others?

Who are the people that make your blood boil — or just annoy you — because they let you down or fall short of your expectations?

In arguments with our significant others, it is not uncommon to hear the phrase “I’m not a mind reader” used to express our frustrations.

To avoid or lessen the occurrence of such interactions preempt them by speaking up early with direct and specific requests. If accepted, you have a clear promise — and if denied, you can always try negotiating an alternative path forward.

EXERCISE:

Where in your life are you silent about your expectations of others?

How has any underlying or overt resentment affected your relationship?

Consider reading Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott for many productive ways to speak up and listen better to improve your future interactions.