Critics & Naysayers

Thursday May 28, 2015 #729

“Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.”

~John Wooden

We all have had big dreams and aspirations.  Hopefully you still do!  However, most people’s inner critic (as well as well-meaning and not so well-meaning external critics) tells them all the reasons why they can’t achieve their dreams.  Other than a pragmatic assessment of our limits, it does you no good to focus on these naysayers, even yourself.  Instead, focus on all the talents and strengths you do possess and surround yourself with people who support you and remind you of what is best about you.  Don’t ever let the reality of your limitations stop you from leveraging your strengths.

You Can!

Tuesday May 26, 2015 #728

“Nothing has ever been achieved by the person who says, ‘It can’t be done.’”

~Eleanor Roosevelt

The first step to achieving anything worthwhile is to take action.  The only certain path to failure is never starting, which usually is combined with a certainty that “it can’t be done”.  If what you want to achieve is worthwhile, begin with taking an action – even a small one – and you may surprise yourself at what is possible.  You needn’t be sure of success to start, but never believe success is impossible or taking any action will likely be impossible.  Act, and you can then determine if you believe.

Knowing What You Want

Thursday May 21, 2015 #727

“Unhappiness is not knowing what we want and killing ourselves to get it.”

~Don Herold

It is important to occasionally sit back and reflect on how you are living your life and how and with whom you are spending your time.  The speed of today’s life and the increasing demands on our time can easily create a situation where we can go for months or even years without authentically and critically assessing if what we are working so hard at is something that is aligned with what we really want and with what nurtures us.  Spend a little time today to think about this in your own life, and regardless of your conclusions, also schedule your next “appointment” with yourself no more than 4 months later to start a habit of regular reflection to ensure all your hard efforts remain aligned with your purpose and goals.

Wild Expectations

Tuesday May 19, 2015 #726

“Nobody succeeds beyond his or her wildest expectations unless he or she begins with some wild expectations. 

~Ralph Charell

Is there something outrageous you want to do or accomplish in one of the key areas of your life, be it health, wealth, or emotional?  If not, you can be certain that you will never achieve anything big.  If you want something fabulous, outrageous, wild, or unexpected to happen in your life or for others, start expecting it – define it, think about what it might require to get there, and start taking action to make it happen.  Who knows?  You might actually surprise yourself and if not, you will have the satisfaction of knowing you’re doing something to make a difference and likely have fun doing it!

Slow Down and Breathe

Thursday May14, 2015 #725

“There is more to life than increasing its speed.”

~Mahatma Gandhi

It seems that with every year that goes by, we find ways to increase the number of things we are trying to do, using technology, our own initiative, and the pressure of a world that demands we do more.  However this easily turns in to 12 hour days and/or 7 day work weeks.  It would be naïve to think that most people can just slow down, but you can choose to control aspects of your day or week.  While you may not be able to unplug from the fast pace of most of today’s careers, you can choose to carve out time to allow for quiet reflection and enjoyment of moments with key people in your life, and pursuits that bring you joy.  Even if it is 30 minutes of reading or exercise, or walking on the beach with your partner or child – your mental and physical well-being depend on unplugging and being present to recharge and allow joy to seep into your consciousness.

Choosing the Positive

Tuesday May 12, 2015 #724

“Do not anticipate trouble, or worry about what may never happen. Keep in the sunlight.”

~Benjamin Franklin

Too many live in dread of what could go wrong in their lives.  Those who tend to this way of thinking are not helped by the endless stream of negative news on the intranet, the TV, and even from family and friends.  Even generally positive people can be impacted by this barrage.  You do, however, have the power to ignore most of this and pay attention to positive individuals and stories.  That same intranet is also filled with countless sites devoted to positive stories and news.  You just have to go looking – they don’t get the attention of a public conditioned to look for and find negativity everywhere. Make the effort to surround yourself with positive people (they are all around you if you pay attention!) and make a personal commitment to turn off the negativity on popular media and seek instead the many sources of positive and inspiring people and news.  Focus on the positive and you will most likely find it.  Focus on the negative and you will likely find that as well.  It is truly your choice the vast majority of the time.

Changing Your Mind

Thursday May 7, 2015 #723

“The foolish and the dead never change their opinions.”

~James Russell Lowell

In this constantly evolving world in which we live, we must have the character strength to allow new information and changing circumstances to challenge our opinions and beliefs.  Your position needn’t change, but by not listening and at least considering your opinions through critical thinking, you are robbing yourself the opportunity to learn, grow and adapt.

Making Your Own Opinions

Tuesday May 5, 2015 #722

“Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it’s time to pause and reflect.”

~Mark Twain

Given the infectious ability of modern social and other media to create public perceptions of people, events, and ideas, it is important that you exercise your critical thinking skills to ensure your own opinions are well-crafted and truly your own.  Particularly as it relates to individuals, take time to reflect and ensure you have given that person the benefit of the doubt before casting your lot with the mass opinion of others.

Being a Person of Value

Thursday April 30, 2015 #721

“Try not to become a man of success but a man of value.”

~Albert Einstein

Any study of people who enjoy sustained success shows these people have a core competency in adding value to the people around them and the activities in which they engage.  Think about how or if you are adding value to the people and activities you engage in today.  How can you add more value?  Who can you help?  How can your unique talents and passions add value to the projects you are assigned to or lead?  Push yourself today to add a little more value vs. looking for how you will gain.

Curiosity

Tuesday April 28, 2015 #720

“Oftentimes the thing that makes the difference between a good student and a poor one, a good learner or a bored human being, is just a little curiosity. If you have it, cultivate it, feed it. Never let it go. If you do not have it – get it. Wonder, watch, ask questions, be alive. It’s just that simple”

~Marjorie Pay Hinckley

The difference between sustainable, recurring success and a pattern of failure often comes down to a question of curiosity.  Spend a little time today in critical reflection of your own thought patterns, habits and behaviors.  Do you accept information and decisions at face value, or do you ask questions and clarify intent?  Do you hold on to your opinions and beliefs long after the basis of these have been refuted or challenged?  Or do you allow your beliefs to evolve through an ongoing habit of questioning, reading, listening, and learning?  It is your choice.  You can be stuck in a pattern of mediocrity and even ongoing failure, or you can take control of your destiny through critical thinking, intelligent inquiry, and flexibility to change and evolve.  Be curious!