Teddy famously asserted that ‘comparison is the thief of joy’, and I keep working on making only appropriate and helpful comparisons. I read one such helpful comparison you can make, as you progress (or desire to): “Compare yourself only to who you were yesterday, not who someone else is today.” Let another’s example inspire you, while remembering you’re on a unique journey. Take the steps … Continue reading Comparison needn’t be theft
The world of work has clearly changed for a lot of us, and won’t go back. More change will come as new norms settle in. What won’t change is that difficult messages need to be shared sometimes, with colleagues who don’t want to hear it. Maybe it’s a bad performance review. Perhaps someone’s role is being cut. They didn’t get the promotion. There’s no pay … Continue reading Time, place, and workspace
Reading an account of the difficulty of moving ideas forward, I was struck by this sentence: ”It is a very false radical politics that thinks progress comes without loss.” It reminded me of the this more widely quoted sentiment: “You can have everything you want, but you can’t have it all at once.” Work out what you want and consider carefully what the cost of … Continue reading Progress and loss
A mental game I used to play was to pick holes in arguments. Having found one, I’d dismiss the entire argument and perhaps its proponent. I’m pleased to have left this game behind and today I read a sentence that cemented why. “A partial insight maybe, but still a precious one.” Take what’s useful and let go of the rest. Partial insight can be built … Continue reading Baby and bathwater
I’ve started reading some of George Soros’ lectures given in Budapest after the 2008 financial crisis. A billionaire philanthropist with remarkable influence notes: “I hope that my ideas will be received in the same spirit of critical thinking in which they are offered” His first lecture is an open acknowledgement of how much is uncertain when people are involved. While we aim to provide the … Continue reading Critical uncertainty
I’ve done 46 laps around the sun, is how my future father-in-law put it to me on my birthday. Reflecting on what those laps have taught me, I’m struck by the importance of where and how we place our attention. We should do so with care, and then generously. Continue reading Generous attention
I attended a bit of a webinar this afternoon, and wasn’t impressed with the content or delivery. I left early and consoled myself with the thought that it was free. To watch it, I’d cut short a trip out with my beloved. I forewent some studying on a separate online course. I missed the best weather of the day to sit outside with an ice … Continue reading When free isn’t
What’s the most impactful, helpful, or powerful question you’ve ever been asked or asked yourself? Do please share with me – privately if you prefer. For me, it’s been “is this a useful response”. It’s not an answered and done question. It’s a recurring nudge towards better behaviour. It reminds me of the difference between reaction and response, and to choose the latter. It reminds … Continue reading Most useful question
Is the world short of profound insight, or merely short of it being applied? What does that mean for you? Continue reading Profound insight
The dawg needs some surgery and that money I’d saved for a course is going that way. Sure, I’d paid the insurance and yet this isn’t covered. It’s unfortunate and I could bump my gums about it a lot. The pooch will be fine although I can’t do the course. Now what? Without that course I can’t move forward? Everything’s on hold? Where there’s an … Continue reading Take another look
Sometimes You Learn 