Tag Archives: Henry David Thoreau

“Beware of all enterprises that require a new set of clothes.”

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“Beware of all enterprises that require a new set of clothes.”

– Henry David Thoreau, American author, philosopher and transcendentalist

573Image from Flickr by Tambako the Jaguar.

Chameleons are remarkable animals that have the capacity to change their “clothing” to suit their surroundings. Although many people believe they change coloring to blend in, some studies suggest that other factors such as light, temperature, mood, and even the desire to communicate with other chameleons can cause them to change their outfits.

People sometimes refer to friends and colleagues as “chameleons” who change, often inauthentically, their presentation to the world to adapt to their circumstances.

Exercise:

Examine your own orientation toward changing who you present yourself to be, in order to adapt and fit in with what is expected.

What authentic set of “clothes” makes you feel most at home in your own skin, just like a pair of your most comfortable jeans?

“Our life is frittered away by detail … simplify, simplify.”

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“Our life is frittered away by detail … simplify, simplify.”

– Henry David Thoreau, American author, philosopher, and transcendentalist

554Image from Flickr by joshuahoffmanphoto.

Time management is one of the top priorities of most people entering a coaching relationship. When I explore with these individuals what fills their day, it frequently includes:

  • Email
  • Unproductive meetings
  • Internet use
  • Social media
  • Paperwork
  • Unwanted interruptions
  • Traffic jams
  • Lengthy commute times
  • Excessive kids’ activities
  • Housework
  • Cell phone use

There is simply not enough day or energy to ever get it all done.

Exercise:

Try some of the following techniques to reduce the frittering and simplify your life.

1. Create a time log to discover where your time actually goes. Self-awareness is the first step toward simplification.

2. Confirm all appointments to avoid dead time.

3. Think geographically to avoid excessive travel time.

4. Plan out each day in advance, and fill your schedule with the highest value items.

5. Handle both paper and email only once.

6. Structure your telephone time.

7. Schedule appointments with yourself to work on high-priority projects.

8. Cut each meeting by one third of the time. An hour-long meeting will now be 40 minutes.

9. Conduct standing meetings.

10. Delegate between 10-20% of your list to an appropriate person.

Extra credit: you can download my Time Management Strategies and Tactics workbook at:

http://www.dempcoaching.com/download-your-free-workbooks

Enter the password barrydemp to access the page. If you have any difficulties, please email me at barry@dempcoaching.com and I will send you the workbook.

Wise Quote from Henry David Thoreau

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“I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by conscious endeavor.”

– Henry David Thoreau

One of the most satisfying things about being a coach is that I get to watch and participate in people’s conscious efforts to improve their lives. I get to ask them deep, probing questions about where they wish to move forward – and I get to watch them courageously turning these insights into action.

Unfortunately, some people don’t have adequate support to bring these unconscious commitments to the conscious surface and then provide an accountability structure to realize their goals.

Exercise:

Who can you talk and partner with, to elevate your life more intentionally?