What we need is a new model of growth

“What we need is a new model of growth that emphasizes sustainability.”

Thomas L. Friedman, internationally renowned author, reporter, and columnist

Image from Unsplash by KOBU Agency

The three primary elements of sustainability are people, planet, and profit, often referred to as “the triple bottom line.” These pillars represent interconnected dimensions of sustainable development.

The focus on people emphasizes fair business practices, employee rights, community well-being, and social equity. This pillar involves creating healthier, more livable communities and ensuring equal opportunities.

The focus on our planet involves minimizing negative environmental impact by reducing waste, using resources efficiently, protecting biodiversity, and adopting green technologies. The goal is to meet current needs without compromising future generations’ ability to meet their own needs.

The focus on profit ensures financial stability and growth while considering environmental and social costs. This pillar involves responsible resource management, transparent accounting, and creating long-term economic value.

EXERCISE:

In what ways do and can you apply the “triple bottom line” like a tripod to create a more stable and sustainable world now and for many generations to come?

The spotlight effect has us think that we are the center of other people’s attention

The spotlight effect has us think that we are the center of other people’s attention. We’re not!

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Jason Goodman

Have you ever attended a networking event to promote your business, your product, or even yourself? These are gatherings where you can (hopefully) make a good impression on others by offering your sixty second commercial or a thirty second elevator pitch.

For many people, such events create a bit of fear or trepidation, knowing that all eyes are on you as you speak.

The truth in these situations is that during these moments everyone else is so concerned with what they intend to say that they actually pay little or no attention to you.

EXERCISE:

Where in your personal or professional world do you worry and fret about being in the spotlight?

How can knowing that others are paying little attention to you put you at ease and support your well-being in these social and professional situations?

Friday Review: Memories

Friday Review: Memories

What are your favorite memories? Which memories aren’t so pleasant? Here are a few related posts you may have missed.

“When your past calls, don’t answer. It has nothing to say.”

 

 

 

 

 

“The great man is the one who does not lose his child’s heart.”

 

 

 

 

“Your mind is for having ideas, not holding them.”

 

 

 

 

The mind can take you in a thousand directions

The mind can take you in a thousand directions, but on this path, I walk in peace.

Thich Nhat Hanh, Vietnamese Thiền Buddhist monk

Image from Unsplash by Darius Bashar

I’ve been an avid student my entire life. In my early years, I remember being passionately curious about how things worked.

Even today, I get a dopamine hit by looking up and questioning ideas that pop into my mind.

These days, many more of my inquiries center on my inner world.

Going there through guided meditation and other practices can sometimes be a noisy journey with many competing thoughts pulling me away from a peaceful path.

Thankfully, through ongoing practice and taking my lessons off the cushion and into the world, I’ve discovered more of the peace I seek.

EXERCISE:

In what ways does your mind take you in a thousand directions?

How can noticing these detours in your mindfulness efforts lead you toward a more peaceful path?

“Happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected.”

“Happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected.”

George Washington, First President of the United States

Image from Unsplash by Library of Congress

George Washington believed that moral duty was intrinsically linked to human happiness.

He emphasized that promoting happiness requires the practice of moral duty, suggesting that virtue and ethical conduct are essential for individual and societal well-being.

Washington also stressed the importance of private morality, asserting that it is foundational to public policy and the nation’s direction.

His views reflect a belief in immutable moral principles, which he saw as critical for the prosperity and stability of the republic.

EXERCISE:

What are your views about the correlation between happiness and moral duty? Consider discussing your perspective with others within your communities to help foster a happier and more virtuous world.

“People who fly into a rage always make a bad landing.”

“People who fly into a rage always make a bad landing.”

Will Rogers, American actor and humorous social commentator

Image from Unsplash by Dmytro Tolokonov

Will Rogers believed in a politics of civility, using humor to critique without malice, fostering an understanding of shared values among Americans.

Many people believe his approach remains relevant even in today’s polarized political climate.

Here are a few more of his provocative quotes to ponder over the coming days:

“When you find yourself in a hole, quit digging.”
“The quickest way to double your money is to fold it and put it back in your pocket.”
“Never miss a good chance to shut up.”
“Even if you are on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.”

EXERCISE:

Which of Roger’s quotes strikes the strongest chord in you?

How can you apply its wit and wisdom to better your life and your world?

Sometimes we need to slow down, lower the volume, and just coast

“Sometimes we need to slow down, lower the volume, and just coast.”

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by NEOM

With the holidays and the new year just around the corner, I’ve noticed people rushing around more than ever. It seems everyone is trying to squeeze twice as many to-dos into their days.

Instead of trying to fulfill others and your own unrealistic expectations, why not try avoiding potential upsets by communicating your intentions to slow down and find some peace and quiet for reflection and renewal?

Once rested, you can bolt out of the starters blocks of the new year with the energy and vitality to take on any fast-moving challenges that come your way.

EXERCISE:

How and with whom can you communicate your intentions to slow down and lower the volume of your life?

How would allowing your current momentum and just coasting be the best gift you could give yourself and those you love this holiday season?

Friday Review: Learning

Friday Review: Learning

Are you learning something new or better every day? Here are a few related posts you may have missed.

 

“Fill each day with things to learn, launch, and love.”

 

 

 

“The best thing for being sad, replied Merlin, is to learn something.”

 

 

 

“You cannot teach a crab to walk straight.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Show up with ‘One-of-a-Kindness’”

“Show up with ‘One-of-a-Kindness’”

Chip Conley, American hospitality entrepreneur, author, and speaker

Image from Unsplash by Davisuko

To be one-of-a-kind means to be unique or unlike anything else.

This phrase emphasizes an individual’s or object’s distinctiveness, suggesting that there are no others exactly like it.

It often conveys a sense of rarity and specialness indicating that the person or thing possesses qualities that set it apart from all others.

We are all unique, one-of-a kind beings. Without going into all the details of nature versus nurture there never was and never will be another you.

How we express our individuality especially in what we say and do in our communities is always a choice we get to make each and every day.

EXERCISE:

What are some ways you can and will express your one-of-a kindness through this holiday season and into the new year?

Take the time to also observe all the one-of-a-kindnesses that show up in the words and actions of others and celebrate the oneness when people come together in kindness.

We can find Awe, then in eight wonders of life

“We can find Awe, then in eight wonders of life: moral beauty, collective effervescence, nature, music, visual design, spirituality and religion, life and death, and epiphany.”

Dacher Keltner, American professor of psychology at UC, Berkeley

Image from Unsplash by Christopher Ruel

Keltner’s research suggest that the eight categories mentioned in today’s quote represent the most common sources of awe in people’s lives.

He emphasizes that while we often think of awe as arising from grand, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, it can actually be found in everyday moments and surroundings.

By being more aware and mindful of these “wonders” in our daily lives, we can potentially increase our experiences of awe and its associated benefits for well-being and connection.

EXERCISE:

In what ways have you experienced some of the everyday moments of awe through Keltner’s eight wonders of life?  If this topic piques your interest, consider reading or listening to his 2023 book Awe.