Tag Archives: Barry Demp Coaching

Truth does not mind being questioned

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“Truth does not mind being questioned. A lie does not like being challenged.”

—Author Unknown

Image from Unsplash by Barry Bierman

Today’s quote is often attributed to Fredrick Nietzsche, although there is no definitive source confirming this.

It emphasizes the idea that genuine truths can withstand scrutiny, while falsehoods tend to resist examination.

Nietzsche’s philosophy, however, significantly influenced modern thinking on truth and lies by challenging traditional notions of objective truth.

He proposed that truth is not an absolute entity but a construct shaped by human perspectives and interpretations driven by the “will to power.”

EXERCISE:

How do you sort through the truths and lies being spread so widely these days?

How do these messages pass your scrutiny and your endeavors to make important decisions in your life?

A good friend is a connection to life

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“A good friend is a connection to life, a tie to the past, a road to the future, the key to sanity in a totally insane world.”

—Lois Wyse, late American advertising executive, author, and columnist

Image from Unsplash by Helena Lopes

Statistics point to the fact that the majority of us are worried about our world on a daily basis.

Just examining the nightly news or your daily media feeds is enough to give you indigestion and more than a few sleepless nights!

Where do we begin as individuals to right our ships and sail together toward a better future?

Perhaps it all begins with friendship, as today’s quote suggests.

As the saying goes: To have a friend begins with being a friend.

EXERCISE:

Where in your world can you extend the olive branch of friendship to build more and better connections to support a world that works better for everyone?

“Friendship is the only cement that will ever hold the world together.

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“Friendship is the only cement that will ever hold the world together.”

—Woodrow Wilson, 28th President of the United States

Weston & Ella

I had the opportunity to do some Halloween trick-or-treating with my daughter, son-in-law, and two excited grandchildren.

Given that Halloween was within a week of our election here in the US, we needed to navigate around numerous political lawn signs as we headed from house to house.

Of particular interest was the absence of any political conversation among the many parents accompanying their kids. What was present was a strong sense of friendly camaraderie as everyone took delight in celebrating this extra sweet occasion.

Woodrow Wilson — the author of today’s quote — was President between 1913 and 1921. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1919 for his efforts in establishing the League of Nations.  He is also remembered for his numerous legislative accomplishments and his high-minded idealism.

EXERCISE:

In what ways do you contribute to the cementing power of friendship in your communities?

How could you win your own peace prize for your idealistic efforts?

When we do our best to support others,

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When we do our best to support others, be careful to not limit the struggles that can enhance their growth and transformation.

—Calm App Reflection

Barry teaching Ella to use chopsticks

My granddaughter has taught me some valuable lessons over the past year that have improved my coaching efforts.

When we play together, I’ve noticed how often I take the initiative to help her with a particular task and on many occasions, she would coach me by saying “Ella Do!”

Although watching her struggle in many of her efforts can be difficult, it’s very joyful to see her tackle something new with a big smile, noting that she did it herself.

EXERCISE:

Where do you handicap those around you by carrying their load or reducing their struggles?

How might a better strategy to help them become stronger and more capable involve letting them do more of the heavy lifting?

If we do not plant knowledge when young it will give us no shade when we are old

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“If we do not plant knowledge when young it will give us no shade when we are old.”

—Philip Dormer Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield, 16th Century British statesman

Image from Unsplash by BBC Creative

Early childhood education plays a crucial role in shaping a child’s future success.

Here is evidence of its supporting role on cognitive, social, and emotional development:

  • It helps children develop foundational skills in reading, math, self-control, and positive relationships.
  • It improves societal outcomes such as high school graduation rates, years of education completed, earnings, and long-term impacts on life achievement.

EXERCISE:

Who are the little ones in your life and in your communities?

How are you playing a role in assuring that they get all the support possible to benefit them well into adulthood?

 

Moral authority comes from following universal principles

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“Moral authority comes from following universal principles like honesty, integrity, and treating people with respect.”

—Stephen Covey, 20th century American educator, author, businessman, and speaker

Image from Unsplash by Etactics Inc

I looked up the definitions of Moral Authority and Power to see where and how they are being applied in our society.

Here is what I discovered:

Moral Authority is the influence one has based on ethical principles and character, allowing them to inspire or persuade others by appealing to what is right and good. It is internally generated, fragile, and most continuously earned through trust and authentic behavior.

Power, in contrast, often refers to the ability to enforce actions or decisions through formal authority or control over people and resources. It can be granted by position or title, and is more about control than influence.

While power can compel action, moral authority persuades through ethical appeal.

EXERCISE:

How do you react and respond to individuals with moral authority versus power in your personal and professional lives?

What approaches do you find work best to influence or persuade others to follow your lead?

When we can lay down our fear and anger and choose responses other than aggression,

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“When we can lay down our fear and anger and choose responses other than aggression, we create the conditions for bringing out the best in us humans.”

—Margaret Wheatley, American writer, speaker, and management consultant

Image from Unsplash by Ditto Bowo

To what degree are these times bringing out the worst in us as humans?

How much fear, anger, and aggression have you seen in the media and your communities over the past several months?

Consider Victor Frankl‘s statement: Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.

EXERCISE:

In what ways can you choose to keep a cool and level head in these turbulent times?

How can you mindfully choose more appropriate responses to the hotheads around you, to bring out the best in yourself and others?

When we teach, we learn

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When we teach, we learn. Honor your students. They too are sources of wisdom.

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Kenny Eliason

As a senior in high school, I knew teaching and being a lifelong learner was in my DNA. Throughout my adult life, every position I’ve held had a teaching and learning component.

Now in my 32nd years as a business and personal coach, I’ve come to realize and honor the great contributions that return to me like a boomerang when I do my best to support and guide others forward.

EXERCISE:

In what areas of your life do you support others as a teacher, mentor, or coach?

In what ways have your students, mentees, and “coachees” made significant contributions to your life journey?

Friday Review: Joy

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Friday Review: Joy

What brings Joy to your days? Here are a few related posts you may have missed.

“The rising sun blesses my mind with joy. The setting sun blesses my heart with peace.”

 

 

 

“Joy is the most enduring cosmetic.”

 

 

 

“What if there were no missing pieces in your life? What would be possible if you found yourself to be whole and complete just as you are?”

 

 

 

 

“The right time was yesterday. The best time is now.”

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“The right time was yesterday. The best time is now.”

—Author Unknown

Image from Unsplash by Kaja Kadlecova

Consider the good habits you admire in others. Who are the people in your world that eat right, exercise regularly, and call their mom even when it’s not her birthday or other special occasion?

Many of us have developed an array of handy-dandy excuses for putting off the tasks that we know will better our lives in the long run.

Where do you fit on the continuum of procrastinator to the folks who do things now?

EXERCISE:

Two books that may prove useful if this quote rings true for you are The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle and The Power of Regret by Daniel Pink. Continue reading →