To live only for some future goal is shallow

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“To live only for some future goal is shallow. It’s the sides of the mountain which sustains life, not the top.”

—Robert Pirsig, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

Image from Unsplash by Charlie Hammond

I’ve never climbed a mountain but I’ve learned through watching plenty of nature programs that very little lives at extreme heights.

For the tallest of the world’s mountains, climbers enter the “death zone” when they are over 8,000 meters above sea level. At this height, oxygen is about one third the concentration it is on the ground below.

When one examines more modestly sized mountains, we can readily see the tree line only goes so far before things shift to the cold frosty stuff.

EXERCISE:

How often do you take the time to fully explore and appreciate all the steps on your journey to the top? Where might stops along the way and even deciding not to climb all the way be the wisest approach to take?

Be aware of your attitude and energy

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Be aware of your attitude and energy. Making mindful transitions helps your mode meet the moment.

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Patrick Hendry

How masterful are you at tuning into your inner and outer worlds?

How aware are you of your current attitude and energy levels?

How in sync are they with the people and events around you?

Seeing when the pieces fit and feeling when those flow states show up is the best! Wouldn’t it be nice if these conditions could be sustained for hours instead of minutes?

What makes this so difficult may be that we are constantly experiencing more and more transition states that require constant pivoting and adjustments.

Consider all the various sporting events in which you participate or watch.

Mastering the transition game is what separates the good from the great.

EXERCISE:

In what ways can you mindfully monitor your attitude and energy to have more of your modes meet more of your moments?

Friday Review: Creativity

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Friday Review: Creativity

What place does creativity have in your life? Here are a few related posts you may have missed.

 

“Creativity doesn’t wait for the perfect moment. It fashions its own perfect moments out of ordinary ones.”

 

 

 

“Innovation is born from the interaction between constraint and vision.”

 

 

 

“Some people look for a beautiful place, while other people make a place beautiful.”

 

 

 

 

There is a difference between giving up and starting over

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“There is a difference between giving up and starting over.”

—Author Unknown

Image from Unsplash by @felipepelaquim

Today’s quote made me immediately think of Thomas Edison.

When you consider all the inventions attributed to him—including the light bulb—it’s clear to see his consistent persistence in action.

How about you?

Where and how often do you begin again and again when things don’t work out on the first and future attempts?

To what degree have you developed the resilience and resolve to start over when your path forward is blocked?

Where and on what important matter did you give up entirely?

To what extent do you feel a sense of failure and regret for not staying the course or finding an alternative route toward your goal?

EXERCISE:

Two books to consider if the quote above resonates are…

The Dip by Seth Godin

The Power of Regret by Daniel Pink

It was only a sunny smile, and little it cost in the giving

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“It was only a sunny smile, and little it cost in the giving, but like the morning light it scattered the night and made the day worth living.”

—F. Scott Fitzgerald, 20th Century American novelist

Image from Unsplash by Hiki App

My morning walk with friends always begins with us smiling at each other. Allen even claps when new members of our club arrive! Who doesn’t like a standing ovation?

Here are a few more quotes I found that can help turn your frowns upside down:

“If you have only one smile in you, give it to the people you love.”
(Maya Angelou)

“Life is like a mirror—smile at it and it smiles back at you.”
(Peace Pilgrim)

“A smile is a curve that sets everything straight.”
(Phyllis Diller)

EXERCISE:

To whom will you offer a friendly smile today, to help make their day more worth living?

Comparison to others can have a positive impact on your life

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“Comparison to others can have a positive impact on your life. Apply it with curiosity and embrace the opportunity to inspire growth.”

—Author Unknown

Image from Unsplash by NorWood Themes

Most of us have experienced the dark side of making comparisons to others. Social media, in particular, has raised it to exponential levels.

What are some examples you’ve seen or experienced directly?

What negative and lingering consequences are easily observable in the people around you?

Alternatively, where and when has making comparisons propelled you toward greater mastery and achievement?

Who are the mentors, coaches, and role models that encourage and motivate you to be your best?

How do their examples help you tap into your own reservoirs of courage, tenacity, and persistence to realize far more of your potential?

EXERCISE:

Where and how could a more positive curiosity toward comparison with others inspire greater growth and achievement in your personal and professional life?

Our minds put limits on what we can and will do

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Our minds put limits on what we can and will do. Acknowledge these inner voices and do these things anyway.

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Nadine Shaabana

A colleague once told me that in almost all situations what stops us in life is stopping.

Before our bodies stop moving, however, comes a warning message from our brain. It warns us to stop for various reasons that can often be refuted upon a more objective review.

When was the last time your mind told you to slam on the brakes?

How valid were your reasons for stopping?

What was gained—or perhaps more importantly—what was lost by not proceeding in your efforts?

EXERCISE:

Where has F.E.A.R. (False Evidence Appearing Real) stopped you recently?

How can you courageously override some of these signals and give things a go when life and limb aren’t on the line?

Friday Review: Trust

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Friday Review: Trust

How trusting are you? How trust-worthy are you? Here are a few related posts you may have missed.

 

“Trust one who has tried.”

 

 

 

“Truth does not carry within itself an antidote to falsehood. The cause of truth must be championed and it must be championed dynamically.”

 

 

 

 

“Trust is a product of vulnerability that grows over time and requires work, attention, and full engagement. Trust isn’t a grand gesture — it’s a growing marble collection.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Sometimes even to live is an act of courage.”

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“Sometimes even to live is an act of courage.”

—Seneca the Younger, ancient Roman philosopher

Image from Unsplash by Brett Jordan

In the past, I had a much different view of the word courage. I reserved it for men and women in uniform, explorers, famous leaders, and of course, superheroes.

Today, with a bit more awareness, compassion, and empathy, I see countless acts of courage in almost everyone I meet and get to know.

Examining the big and little challenges people face on a daily basis, I am amazed that so many have the resolve to get up and get going even with the heavy burdens they bear.

EXERCISE:

Where in your world do you observe quiet—and often hidden—acts of courage?

How and in what ways can your offer support to lighten the loads of others in your communities?

“Work hard in silence and let success make the noise.”

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“Work hard in silence and let success make the noise.”

—Anonymous

Image from Unsplash by Do Nhu

Prior to starting my coaching career over 30 years ago, I had a difficult time at my previous company. The organization was having financial challenges and realigning its workforce.

My marketing role at the home office was no longer secure, and I was left with the difficult decision to accept a demoted field assignment, requiring me to uproot my family in order to keep my employment.

With considerable soul searching and wound-licking, I was determined to put my head down and “Show Them” I still had it when many of my colleagues saw me as someone who didn’t make the grade.

With this resolve and grit, I silently went about my new job and became an acknowledged great performer, regaining my coworkers respect, and receiving an award voted on by my division.

Two months later I accepted a voluntary buyout, and the rest is history.

EXERCISE:

What are examples in your life in which you let your hard work and good results do the talking?

Where in your worlds would this approach be the way to proceed on an important issue today?