Inspiration

I have always found motivational quotes amongst the greatest sources of inspiration. I use them often in my coaching and in my writing. They may be from the pen or lips of actors, ancient philosophers, celebrities, comedians, politicians and writers. These tiny gems can make us stop and think, feel a range of emotions, springboard us into action, or all three.

Taking a step back, can often be the quickest way forward.

-Tim Fargo, American author, keynote speaker and entrepreneur.

The end of one year and the prospect of the next is a time to reflect back, and think ahead. In the speed and busyness of life it can be hard to find the time to stop, take stock, review the past, learn from it and apply it to the future. You may then find yourself letting things happen rather than marking out time in your week to consider your directions and mapping out a clear plan. Allocating and actively using that time can ensure that, rather than taking lots of diversions, you are on a clear path to where you want to be.

So at the end of one year or start of the next, make an appointment with yourself to think about what you want and mark out the steps to achieve it. Ideally incorporate this into your year, on a weekly or monthly basis.

"I always wanted to be somebody but now I realise I should have been more specific."

- Lily Tomlin, actress, comedian, writer, singer, and producer.

This is a more personal and holistic take on the previous quote, about what you want for yourself, your career, your personal life, your environment, your leisure time, your work-life balance, the very stuff of life coaching.

To have a vague idea of what you want for yourself makes it hard to picture and hence to reach your goals, and if they are less than specific, how do you even know that you’ve reached them? To say that you want to be successful, isn’t a goal but a thought. What does success look like? What is the role or professional you aspire to, what steps will you take to make it happen? To say one day you’d like to move from the metropolis to the country is an idea, but making it reality requires a more specific view – where in the country, to a particular small town or village or remote, what is the timeline and how will you attain it?

"Falling in love and having a relationship are two different things."

- Keanu Reeves, actor, director and philanthropist.

This is a thought-provoking observation on the nature of relationships. Relationships don’t simply happen, they need creativity, dialogue, empathy, energy, generosity, honesty and so much more to make them work and flourish. Whether with a partner, family, friends, colleagues, managers or strangers, a casual throw away word can so quickly conflict whilst the time to listen and understand can be many times the value of the time it takes.

The many communication platforms we have are invaluable, yet we have seen lately how they can also be used to give bad news remotely, such as “You’re fired” ducking out of the need to engage directly with people. In our personal and working lives, it’s worth avoiding knee jerk reactions and swiftly written texts. Instead we need to think before we speak, and above all make time to listen.

"The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention." 

- Oscar Wilde, Irish poet, playwright and incredible wit.

This is one of my favourite of all quotes and especially pertinent to the times we have gone through these last two years and as we come to the Christmas season, whatever festival you celebrate. I wonder if you’ve ever made a grand promise, yet been unable to fulfil it? Not through ill intention or forgetfulness, but the hectic nature of life.

Yet small acts of kindness can accumulate and the simplest thing can change a person’s day, for both giver and receiver: a smile to a stranger, an offer to pick something up at a shop, a sandwich to a rough sleeper, a call to enquire how someone is. How about a kindness to yourself?

What can you do before the end of 2021 to:

• Carry out an act of kindness for yourself?
• Carry out an act of kindness to someone else?
• Carry out an act of kindness to nature (animals, environment)?

"My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive, and with some passion, some compassion, some humour and some style."

- Maya Angelou, writer and civil rights activist.

My final quote for today’s article is a powerful call to put the fun and joy into life. In these challenging and unpredictable times it may take some creativity, particularly if you’re careful about mixing with many people or don’t have the opportunity. Thank goodness for Zoom as a means to connect and, if you’re missing travelling, you can always take a live guided tour with Heygo.

I send you good wishes for the season and keep safe.