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.

Today is the Day to Live

Tuesday April 14, 2015 #716

“There are only two days in the year that nothing can be done. One is called yesterday and the other is called tomorrow, so today is the right day to love, believe, do and mostly live.” 

~Dalai Lama

How often do you find yourself spending time either focused on the glories or painful memories of the past or fears or dreams of the future?  While there can be great value in positive memories or past learning, as well as in imagining the future we desire, for most people time spent in the past and future occupy far more of our attention than they deserve.  In this day, in this moment, lie your power to use the lessons of the past to take the actions necessary to achieve your future ambitions.  Focus most of your energy on taking action now, and fully experiencing the potential of today, and you will find you can truly live.

Your Inner Child

Thursday January 29, 2015 #698

“The secret of genius is to carry the spirit of the child into old age, which means never losing your enthusiasm.”

~Aldous Huxley

Today, think about how you can bring a little bit of child-like wonder, playfulness, and naiveté to your life.  All of us face the significant challenges of adult life:  driving our professional careers, dealing with financial pressures, handling family issues, keeping up our health in our ever-aging bodies, etc.  It isn’t what we face, it is the attitude we bring to our normal daily trials.  The secret ingredient to seeing life as relatively joyful on balance is a sense of enthusiasm.  That enthusiasm can come if we can pause and find the child within us – seeing the possibilities ahead of us, and our capacity to hope, to dream, and to believe we can do anything!

Dreams

Thursday January 22, 2015 #696

“There are people who put their dreams in a little box and say, ‘Yes, I’ve got dreams, of course I’ve got dreams.’ Then they put the box away and bring it out once in awhile to look in it, and yep, they’re still there.”

~Erma Bombeck

It is wonderful to reflect on your potential to improve your personal and professional life, to dream big dreams and imagine great things.  But…  Isn’t it time you stop dreaming and imagining what you want for yourself and the people in your life and actually do something about it?  Keep dreaming, AND, start doing!