Tag: effectiveness

Some thoughts on this quote: The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now

Carl Setzer

“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago.

The second best time is now.”

– Chinese or African Proverb

 

I’ve heard the quote above attributed to both the Chinese and Africans. At some point, I should spend a little time with Google and answer that definitively. But, really, today the origination of the quote isn’t my concern.

At times I get stuck fretting about the fact I “didn’t start this sooner”. I frustrate myself with that mindset, but it became reflexive. And I lose time and energy with this. >0 time or energy on this mindset: too much.

Lamenting the past is a foolish exercise. Living live with no regrets is not about not making mistakes. Rather accepting that mistakes and poor choices are part of the package. Make the best choices you can, learn from the negatives, then move forward. I need to remind myself constantly, though.

If it’s valuable, do it. Start. There is not better time than now. Really!

The power of dawn

Carl Setzer

As mornings are born
Light pours into the darkness
Potential returns

Mornings have great power, setting the tone for the day. 


Each Day Step Forwards

Carl Setzer

Each day step forwards 

Never, ever stop moving 

That’s where success lays
Happy Friday, everyone! Go do something great! And, if you would be so kind, give this post a “like” and share. Thanks!

Warren Buffet Quote: The Value Of Saying “No”

Carl Setzer

 Saying “No” to opportunities…a huge challenge for me. Mastering this provides key benefits. The biggest? Focus. The more time and energy directed towards the things that matter, that we value, the more we accomplish. Related to that: distractions. Saying “yes” too often ensures a distracted, unfocused, confused life. One with missed deadlines, people left hanging, and the burden of extra stress. Damage that community too much and you become branded as someone unreliable. 

Protecting our focus matters greatly. What else do we have? Life is just a collection of moments. We don’t get them back. It’s critical to spend our time doing things that we value. That’s the path to a satisfying life. 

Making The World Better: Thinking Positively

Carl Setzer

Currently, I find it challenging to deal with all the world’s negativity. Power, control and cache get granted to those who “pwn” the strongest. We relish the putting down, degradation and humiliation of those we deem “enemy” or other.

Long ago, I committed to living life the opposite way. Seeking ways to build up my community, even those I disagree with. Asking how we can find common ground, especially in this age.

After checking the news (inadvisable at times), I feel it important to re-commit to that path. Perhaps even more boldly, with greater energy.

“Let’s find the win-win in this life” I tell myself as the sirens pass by.

A Monday Motivational Thing

Carl Setzer

This flowed into my inbox moments ago. I like it!

Now, let’s be clear, it’s also uncomfortable. This speaks to me because, well, it IS me. I work hard to face mistakes, use them to make myself better. But fear plays a loud part. I hate looking/feeling incompetent. Really, though, that’s my label. My self-talk…talking. I need to remember to tell it to shut up. Often! At least always.

How do you deal with mistakes? How do you make such things positives? Let me know in the comments below.

Fearing to Launch

Carl Setzer

A challenge of mine
As with so many others
Launch my idea

I, for one, find it hard to actually take my ideas, my dreams live. The action of making it real has risk, the chance of failure. Lately, though, I’ve read so very much about the value of failure. I need to work at controlling those fears, ensuring I’m effective and moving forward with accomplishing my dreams.

Feeding My Soul: A Haiku

Carl Setzer

Need to be thoughtful
About what I put into
My mind, my soul

I often put more thought into what I seed my body then what I feed my soul. Probably put more thought into my car’s gas, too. I know I need to change that. My soul’s nourishment becomes my attitude, my confidence, my actions.

The Lies of Impostor Syndrome

Carl Setzer

I love this one by Jorge Cham of PhD comics.

Reminds me of all the times that I’ve had anxiety attacks when asked to push outside of my boundaries. So, a few things to remember:

  • Prof. Jones has plenty invested in the success of his students/team. And a good leader will see things in you that you can’t see. And such a leader won’t let you sit mired in fear and insecurity, but push you past your self-imposed boundaries.
  • Mentors like the above are one of the most crucial elements to pushing past mediocrity into greatness.
  • Impostor Syndrome = LIES!!!

Alrighty, back to your regularly scheduled Thursday.

Seeking Purpose

Carl Setzer

Tuesdays: much to do 

In this busyness, purpose

Seeking out value