“Your life only gets better when you get better.”

—Brian Tracy

Image from Flickr by Bart

Personal and organizational development are multi-billion dollar industries. It is estimated that the coaching profession is somewhere near the three billion dollar mark.

What causes this trend to continue pointing upward?

Perhaps it is simply that we all desire better lives, and that bettering ourselves is the easiest way to influence and control our own destiny.

When we work on bettering ourselves, we give our lives direction and set forth goals to pursue and achieve. This “creative tension” literally pulls, or draws us, to the realization of a better future.

EXERCISE:

Where can you or are you actively working on yourself to realize the better life you desire? Consider discussing this question with a coach, mentor, or close friend who will hold your feet to the fire and increase your chances of success.

FRIDAY REVIEW: SELF IMPROVEMENT

How committed are you to self improvement? Here are a few self-improvement related posts you may have missed. Click the links to read the full message.

“I do not try to dance better than anyone else. I only try to dance better than myself.”

“Be there for others but never leave yourself behind.”

“Life’s strongest glue is being happy to be you!”

“Now is the watchdog of the wise.”

—Charles H. Spurgeon, 19th Century British Preacher

Image from Flickr by Emmanuel Tabard

Take a few minutes to picture a very wise individual. This may be someone you know, an historic figure, a spiritual leader, or perhaps you will conjure someone in your imagination.

Notice the qualities and characteristics you most appreciate and admire, that caused you to place them on your “short list” of special individuals.

Of particular note is the ability of these people to be fully present in the “now” of life, instead of taking daily journeys into the past or future. Such people are often characterized as being happy, content, peaceful, serene, alert, aware, authentic, and open.

EXERCISE:

Consider checking out two books I recommend on this subject:
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
The Book of Awakening by Mark Nepo

“It’s better to walk alone than with a crowd going in the wrong direction.”

-Diane Grant, American Playwright

image from Flickr by Michelangelo_MI

Peer pressure doesn’t stop when we leave high school. Being “cool” and fitting in with the crowd is a strong influence in our personal and professional worlds. Just because others engage in certain behaviors and activities doesn’t mean we need to go along for the ride. At these times it is critical to lead our own lives, being clear about what we value and the direction in which we want to go.

EXERCISE:

In what areas of life, past or present, have you headed in the wrong direction due to the influence of others?

Where might it be time to choose a more genuine and authentic path even if it means going it alone?