Sometimes in the heat of an unfavorable situation we wish things were different. We wish that the circumstances unfolding in our life were unfolding in a different manner … preferably in someone else’s life. And yet how many times, after the fact, after time had passed, were you able to see the good that resulted from the situation? The very same situation you were cursing a day, a week, or a few months ago!
In the movie Good Will Hunting, Matt Damon plays a tough, wise-cracking, but emotionally scarred math genius named, Will Hunting. And although he is extremely brilliant he is working (hiding) as a night janitor at Harvard.Robin Williams play a therapist who attempts to help Will go inside of himself in order to own the truth about his abusive past and discover his authentic self.
How do you define quality? Is it something that you value when buying goods or services? What about when it comes to your qualities, how would you define your qualities? Quality when used as either an adjective or a noun pertains to excellence or value. I once had the opportunity to listen to a speaker present who was extremely intelligent and very much a self-described introvert.
The other day I was conversing with a colleague and fellow coach by the name of Barry Zweibel. We’ve been friends and have had a Mastermind of sorts since the day we met about 12 years ago. We were talking about life in general when Barry, as only Barry can do, pulled out a 2 x 4 and walloped me upside the head with a question that challenged what I believed about my purpose in life. He was challenging me to embrace my purpose at a much higher level.
Every since the beginning of time humans have searched to find their purpose in life. Thousands of books have been written and hundreds of thousand of speeches, lectures, and discussions have been given on the topic of purpose. And yet, how many people do you know, if asked, could succinctly complete the following sentence, “My purpose in life is to …”
At any given time in life we are all faced with problems and challenges. It’s a fact … you can’t navigate through life and avoid having problems. Problems will come no matter how hard you wish them away. What you believe about problems and the actions you take as a result of your beliefs will determine your level of happiness as well as your ability to work through them towards a solution.
Much has been written on the positive effect that praise can have on a person. Whether it’s an employee, coworker, or your children, healthy praise can help a person to feel good. Yet there doesn’t seem to be as much written about the negative impact that false praise can have on an individual. This typically happens when the intent is to manipulate or to selfishly serve the needs of the person who is giving praise.
Webster defines op•por•tu•ni•ty as: 1. an appropriate or favorable time or occasion and 2. a situation or condition favorable for attainment of a goal. So what might be stopping you from taking advantage of a favorable time or occasion? Maybe you’ve heard this before … I would … if it were only the right time.
You’ve heard them … On television, in the news, at your office, your church, even your kid’s volleyball game! People complaining and blaming others for their short falls and failures. It surprises me that they actually believe their failures have nothing to do with themselves. They believe the fault lies with some – thing or some – one else. I believe the reason many people do not succeed at the level they desire is because they have blocked their path to success with self-imposed obstacles.
I was raised to “respect my elders.” I was taught that “children should be seen and not heard.” And if I did those things I would be a well-mannered, well-behaved child. Not saying it was perfect or right … just saying it is what I was taught.