Last week we talked about the concept of riding the wave as a metaphor for how to live a fulfilling life. The point I made is that you first have to get present in the moment and accept what is. Once you are in the moment it is important to tune into your environment. Think of your environment as the current in the ocean. You can navigate in the direction you would like to go but you must do so within the framework of the current. As I mentioned earlier, fighting it or wishing it away doesn’t change what is, and does nothing but render you powerless to improve your situation. …
Ever notice how the wealthiest people tend to be the most generous? If you look at a list of top philanthropists you see names like Bill Gates and Warren Buffet. You could make the argument that they can afford to be generous. I would suggest that if you knew them before they accumulated their wealth, they were already generous people. I am convinced that this fact had a lot to do with why they became wealthy in the first place. It comes down to the law of reciprocity—what you give away comes back to you with dividends.
In the case of Bill Gates, his greatest inspiration was his mother, Mary, who was very philanthropic.…
I talk to so many people that are counting down the days until retirement. While I understand the concept, I find myself feeling sad for them. If you truly love what you do every day, in a sense, you are already retired.
I am fortunate to be passionate about my work. That’s no accident. It’s the byproduct of a conscious decision, extreme focus, discipline and drive. It hasn’t always been this way, but I’ve learned that if you truly want to monetize your passion, you must decide what you love to do professionally, figure out how you are going to get there, and execute every day until you’re doing it.…
Over the last few weeks, we have discussed some of the concepts around self -actualization. Below is a list of 16 characteristics of self-actualized people that Psychologist Abraham Maslow used to describe the most psychologically advanced humans among us:
1. They are realistically oriented.
2. They accept themselves, other people, and the natural world for what they are.
3. They have a great deal of spontaneity.
4. They are problem-centered rather than self-centered.
5. They have an air of detachment and a need for privacy.
6. They are autonomous and independent.
7. Their appreciation of people and things is fresh rather than stereotyped.…
Last week we discussed the concept of Self Actualization. We defined it as the state of being that represents full acceptance of what is, and the ability to navigate from this mindset. One critical point in achieving self-actualization is gratitude.
The question is, do you appreciate what you have? If you do, how often do you take the time to acknowledge it? Think about the things in your life that you cherish: your family, your health, your home. Do you have a job that you enjoy? Do you live in a place that is safe from turmoil where you have enough food to eat and clean water to drink?…
My coach is a woman named Joan King. Joan was diagnosed with breast cancer and took the diagnosis as motivation to teach others. After months of radiation and chemotherapy, she came out more determined than ever. A year after being cancer free, she was told that it had metastasized into her liver. While many of us would have considered this diagnosis a death sentence, she knew better.
She began an experimental treatment and knows that her body is healing. She lives her life the way she wants it to be. I’m happy to say that today she is as motivated as I’ve ever seen anyone. …
