Tag Archives: The Quotable Coach

Since you cannot do good to all, you are to pay special attention to

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“Since you cannot do good to all, you are to pay special attention to those who, by the accidents of time, or place, or circumstances, are brought into closer connection with you.”

—Saint Augustine of Hippo, Ancient Roman theologian and philosopher

Image from Unsplash by Jeremy

Saint Augustine’s wisdom reminds us of the limits of our reach and our presence.

We often wish to help everyone, but our capacity is finite.

Instead of feeling overwhelmed, we are encouraged to focus on those who cross our paths — neighbors, colleagues, friends, even strangers. Every encounter is an opportunity for kindness.

By being present and attentive to those around us, we create ripples of goodness that often extend far beyond our immediate circle.

EXERCISE:

In what ways does today’s quote challenge you to rethink your approach to doing good?

How can focusing on the people around you enhance your sense of community and purpose?

 

Learning to ask the right questions

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Learning to ask yourself and others the right questions is useful in many ways. Using “what” before “why” is a great place to start.

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Vadim Bogulov

Learning to ask yourself and others the right questions is a powerful skill that can transform your thinking, relationships, and problem-solving abilities.

One effective approach is to start with “what” questions before jumping to “why.”

Asking What happened? or What can I do differently? encourages open-minded exploration and practical solutions.

“Why” questions, while sometimes useful, can feel accusatory or lead to defensiveness.

“What” questions, on the other hand, foster curiosity and clarity, helping you understand situations more deeply and objectively. Whether you’re reflecting on your own actions or working with a team, starting with “What” sets a constructive tone for growth and progress.

EXERCISE:

How can asking better questions improve your relationships and decision-making skills? How would mastering the art of questioning unlock new opportunities and insights in your life?

Two of my favorite books on this subject are “A More Beautiful Question” by Warren Berger, and “The Coaching Habit” by Michael Bungay Stanier.

Friday Review: BEHAVIOR

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Friday Review: BEHAVIOR

What do your behaviors say about you? Here are a few related posts you may have missed.

“Habits are first cobwebs, then cables.”

 

 

 

 

 

“Before you try to increase your willpower, try decreasing the friction in your environment.”

 

 

 

 

“When elephants fight, it’s the grass that suffers.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

If everything has to fit inside your human mind

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“If everything has to fit inside your human mind, how will you ever get beyond yourself?”

—Michael Alan Singer, American, author, speaker & software developer

Image from Unsplash by Jan Canty

Our provocative quote today invites us to reflect on the limits of our perception and understanding.

Our minds are remarkable, but also bounded by experiences, biases, and the sheer limits of human cognition.

When we insist that the world conform to what we can grasp, we risk missing out on the vastness and wonder that lies beyond our mental boundaries.

True growth happens when we acknowledge these limits and remain open to ideas, perspectives, and mysteries that challenge our assumptions.

By embracing curiosity, humility, and the unknown, we can transcend the confines of our own minds and connect with something greater — be it other people, new knowledge, or the infinite complexity of the universe.

EXERCISE:

How does embracing new ideas push you past the boundaries of your mind?

In what ways can your train yourself to think beyond your current understanding of things?

“We add fake urgency to things in order to feel important.”

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“We add fake urgency to things in order to feel important.”

—Gabe Anderson, Baseball Player

Image from Unsplash by Jon Tyson

Today’s quote invites us to pause and reflect on how we fill our days.

As a coach, I’ve seen countless high-achievers trick themselves into believing that “busy-ness” equals significance.

When we inflate the urgency of our to-do lists, we create a false sense of importance, often at the expense of genuine progress and well-being.

What if, instead, we focus on what truly matters — work that aligns with our values and long-term goals.

EXERCISE:

Examine your calendar or daily schedule if you have one.

To what degree are you chasing real priorities or just the illusion of urgency?

Some of the best advice we can take

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“Some of the best advice we can take is the advice we offer to others. Some of the best advice we offer to others is the advice we ourselves end up ignoring.”

—Stephen St. Amant, author of the Savenwood Blog

Image from Unsplash by Jakub Żerdzicki

Have you ever noticed how easily wisdom flows when we’re helping a friend or colleague?

As a coach, I often find that my own words — shared to inspire and motivate others — are exactly what I need to hear the most. Yet, it’s all too easy to overlook our own guidance.

Why is this?

When helping others, we often see their situation with clarity and objectivity. We draw on our own experiences, values, and hard-earned wisdom to guide them, but when we’re faced with our own challenges, emotions and self-doubt can cloud our judgement.

Suddenly, the advice that seems so obvious for someone else feels impossible to apply to ourselves.

EXERCISE:

The next time you feel stuck on an important matter ask yourself: What would I tell a friend in this situation?

Chances are, the answer may be just the coaching you need and deserve.

It’s easy to recognize the ups and downs of life

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It’s easy to recognize the ups and downs of life. Learning to love the plateaus in our world takes a bit more practice and patience.

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Neo Ngoc Khan Huyen

It’s easy to notice life’s highs and lows: the wins we celebrate, the losses we mourn. These peaks and valleys grab our attention, stir our emotions, and often become the stories we tell.

But what about the plateaus — those stretches of calm, routine, and steady progress?

We often overlook these quieter moments, mistaking them for stagnation or boredom. Yet plateaus can be powerful.

They offer us time for rest, reflection, and integration. They give us gaps in our lives to consolidate our gains and prepare for what’s next.

Learning to love the plateaus takes mindfulness, patience, and trust. It means embracing the idea that growth isn’t always dramatic — sometimes it’s subtle, internal, and slow.

EXERCISE:

Today, notice your own plateau moments and ask yourself: What quiet lessons are waiting for me to receive and appreciate?

Conversation enriches the understanding

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“Conversation enriches the understanding, but solitude is the school of genius.”

—Edward Gibbon, 18th Century British historian

Image from Unsplash by Emma Simpson

Today’s quote captures the profound truth about creativity and growth.

Conversation exposes us to new ideas, challenges our assumptions, and sharpens our thinking through dialogue and debate.

It’s through sharing and listening that we expand our understanding of the world.

True genius often requires solitude — a space free from distractions where original thoughts can flourish.

History’s greatest minds, from writers to inventors, have valued time alone to reflect, create, and pursue their unique visions.

While conversations build knowledge, solitude is where inspiration and innovation are born.

Embracing both allows us to learn from others and ultimately discover our own genius.

EXERCISE:

In what ways do conversations enrich your understanding?

How can spending more time alone unlock more of your hidden genius?

Motivation has perfect attendance

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“Motivation has perfect attendance. It always shows up after you.”

—Shane Parrish, Author of Farnum Street Blog

Image from Unsplash by Mika Baumeister

Motivation often feels elusive, like it’s hiding just out of reach.

Too often, we wait for inspiration to strike before taking action.

In reality, the simple act of starting is what invites motivation in.

When you push through resistance and begin, even if you don’t feel ready, you create momentum.

That momentum attracts motivation, fueling you to keep going.

Instead of waiting for the perfect moment or a burst of inspiration, take the first step and trust that motivation will follow.

Action breeds motivation, not the other way around.

EXERCISE:

In what areas of your life would it be useful to recognize that motivation is a follower, not a leader?

How can and will you best leverage this idea in both your personal and professional pursuits?