Listening and learning. The two skills partner nicely. It’s refreshing to dial in, listen and be fully present without trying to influence, persuade, discuss or debate. In order to affect change, listening is key. Without deep listening, there can be no understanding. Without understanding, we will fail. Who do you need to listen to today?
Have you ever wished there was less tension during a work meeting? Me too; and after review, I won’t wish it away. Tension is related to conflict and conflict creates clarity. While it may be uncomfortable, that tension is what transforms a problem into an opportunity. It’s also is transformative for learning. We must diverge to truly be able to…
That conversation you’re having, it’s a distraction. What conversation? The one you’re having almost constantly with yourself. (And the one you heard when asked “what conversation?” above.) Sometimes it’s so loud you’re not present for the people, conversations or life events as they’re happening. Beyond that, you’re getting limited input, you’re focused inward and you’re missing opportunities. If you’re wondering…
Have you ever had a really challenging person in your life? Of course you have. We all have. The great news about being in their presence, especially if it’s with frequency, is that they are showing us exactly what NOT to do on a daily basis. Some may get exasperated, however from a space of gratitude, they are the perfect…
Excellence requires discipline. When you don’t have discipline, you get sloppy. When you get sloppy, you fit right in with the mediocrity the status quo fully supports. To do anything at a level of mastery, it requires focus and discipline. If the people around you aren’t on the same page, they will work to talk you into being reasonable. Being…
A goal is not enough. It’s important, but it won’t motivate you on a day when things are tough. How do you find your mojo if you really want to attain something and your mood just isn’t supporting you? You can use external means: You can shift your internal dialog: Motivation is a tricky thing, it’s all internal and you’re…
Curiosity. It’s the doorway to your greatest opportunities. Are you willing to be more curious than certain relative to what’s possible for you, your business, and your life? If so, ask questions, listen, and be willing to have your thinking and certainty undone. The key to transforming the reality you’re experiencing is to ask new questions. If you want a…
It’s easy to get bogged down with endless to-dos at work and home. In order to manage the load, I first pause and ask myself intentional questions before adding a new to-do to my list. I do this to make myself more thoughtful about what I continue to add as a person who has realized my identity is intertwined with…
“Self-care is never a selfish act – it is simply good stewardship of the only gift I have, the gift I was put on earth to offer others.” Parker Palmer As I look back on the most challenging years of my life, one of the greatest outcomes for improving the quality of my life was from a promise I made…
Is it really failure when things don’t work? Often, we look at the lack of the results we intended as a failure, when perhaps it’s something more. I am a learner; I often refer to myself as a lifelong learner. I value reading, learning organically and in workshops, from digital sources and books – really any challenge to my thinking…