Tag Archives: Barry Demp

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 →

In looking for people to hire, you look for three qualities

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“In looking for people to hire, you look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence, and energy — and if they don’t have the first, the other two will kill you.”

—Warren Buffett, American businessman, investor, and philanthropist

Image from Amazon

Warren Buffett has a pretty good record as an investor over many decades. A critical aspect in selecting great companies is to invest in the character and capacities of their leaders.

Hiring super smart people with boundless energy is certainly important. Buffett is adamant that the linchpin quality for these companies and their leaders — especially during challenging times — is integrity.

Without honesty and consistent adherence to strong moral and ethical principles and values, things eventually fall apart.

EXERCISE:

How important is integrity in your hiring decisions and in those with whom you work?

How do you demonstrate personal and professional integrity in your words and actions to be a sure-fire hire in your communities?

Consider reading the book Linchpin by Seth Godin for other ideas on this critical subject.

We are living on the planet as if we have another one to go to

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“We are living on the planet as if we have another one to go to.”

—Terri Swearingen, winner of the 1997 Goldman Environmental Prize

Image from Unsplash by NASA

At our current consumption rates, Earth’s natural resources are at significant risk of depletion over the next 100 years. Fossil fuels such as oil, coal, and natural gas could be exhausted by 2060 if current trends continue.

Water resources are also under threat, with global demand projected to increase by 50% by 2050.

Additionally, mineral and ore consumption may triple by 2050, putting further strain on the availability of building materials and resources for developing technology products.

EXERCISE:

Given that there is no “Planet B” and moving all of us to Mars is not a viable option, what can you do today to make an impact for the good of our precious world?

Consider signing up to The Daily Difference Newsletter to see what others around the world are doing.

Trusting in your natural intelligence and capacities

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Trusting in your natural intelligence and capacities to navigate life can be a source of great confidence.

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Courtney Cook

How often do you lean on others to make it through your day? How frequently do others lean on you to do the same?

Regardless of your answer, if you are reading this post, you’ve made it this far and will likely do so in the future. What have you accomplished along the way?

What obstacles and setbacks have your worked around and overcome?

Exploring these questions may have offered you a booster shot of confidence by recognizing your natural intelligence and capacities to navigate life.

How can you remind yourself in the future when self-doubt creeps in?

EXERCISE:

What internal and external support structures can you use to maintain and expand your store of confidence?

How can you serve as a coach or mentor to support the confidence of others in your communities?

FRIDAY REVIEW: INFLUENCE

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FRIDAY REVIEW: INFLUENCE

How do and can you use the influence you have over others for positive results? Here are a few related posts you may have missed.

Image from Unsplash by NASA

“I am a citizen of the world.”

 

“Don’t ever work for someone you don’t want to become.”

 

“Broad ideas influence more people. Specific ideas influence people more.”

 

 

 

 

 

“The best thing to hold onto in life is each other.”

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“The best thing to hold onto in life is each other.”

—Audrey Hepburn, 20th Century British Actress

Image from Unsplash by Susan G. Kamen 3-day

In the wake of October’s hurricanes, many people have lost everything — including loved ones.

When some of these individuals are interviewed about the devastation many still remain positive and grateful
to be alive and get right to work helping their neighbors and others in their communities.

Although these forces of nature can sweep away and destroy many things, it’s heartwarming to realize that the best things in life are not things.

EXERCISE:

How do you demonstrate to your loved ones that they are the most precious gifts in your life?

You are an aperture through which the universe is looking at and exploring itself

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“You are an aperture through which the universe is looking at and exploring itself.”

—Alan Watts, 20th Century English writer, speaker, and philosopher

Image from Unsplash by infixed photo

My favorite time of day is the 30-60 minutes just before dawn.

With the dark skies on clear mornings just before my daily walk, I often stop in my driveway and gaze into the heavens to see the constellations and the phases of the moon shining down.

At such moments, I contemplate my place in the world and know in my heart and soul that millions of other people are doing the same. To experience my oneness and the oneness of us all is profound.

EXERCISE:

In what ways do you experience yourself as an aperture through which the universe looks and explores itself?