December 18, 2016
Clear Confident Leader Weekly Observer, Issue #18
From the Greenbelt of Boise, Idaho, Birds chirping & the crunch of snow at -4°F
Christmas is a season not only of rejoicing but of reflection. – Winston Churchill
Without reflection, we go blindly on our way, creating more unintended consequences, and failing to achieve anything useful.
– Margaret J. Wheatley
Follow effective action with quiet reflection. From the quiet reflection, will come even more effective action. – Peter Drucker
The human body and mind are tremendous forces that are continually amazing scientists and society. Therefore, we have no choice but to keep an open mind as to what the human being can achieve.
– Evelyn Glennie
We approach the solstice this week, the shortest day of the year in the northern hemisphere. We will soon see the sun set on the end of the year as well. In many traditions, this is a time of rejoicing, as we make the turn to each day bringing more sunlight into our lives.
Amidst the Christmas season as Winston Churchill observed, it is also a good season for reflection. Here are several questions I’m reflecting on now:
I find it illuminating to reflect on the impact I had. What did I contribute to with my family, friends, and the people, organizations and communities I engaged with? And, what unintended consequences might I have left behind through either my actions or inaction?
By considering the impact I’ve had, I awaken the opportunity for my learning and growth. Through reflecting on “what “worked”, “what didn’t work” and “what might be holding me back”, I set the stage for creating more effective action.
I find I need to compassionately accept what I observe to be real and true without self-judgment and interpretation. They can lead me astray, keeping me from seeing where I truly am. Accepting where I am now in my life, helps me open my mind for new learning and growth.
I’m inspired by Evelyn Glennie, virtuoso Scottish percussionist, deaf since the age of 12, who gives over 100 concerts a year playing barefoot to feel the music better. As she notes, “we have no choice but to keep an open mind as to what we as human beings can achieve.”
As I consider when am I the most open minded and alive, I find it is when I’m all-in, connected, learning and creating with other people. I rejoice in those moments.
I invite you to consider:
I wish you a Happy Season of Reflecting and Rejoicing!
Clear Confident Leader Weekly Observer, Issue #18
From the Greenbelt of Boise, Idaho, Birds chirping & the crunch of snow at -4°F
Christmas is a season not only of rejoicing but of reflection. – Winston Churchill
Without reflection, we go blindly on our way, creating more unintended consequences, and failing to achieve anything useful.
– Margaret J. Wheatley
Follow effective action with quiet reflection. From the quiet reflection, will come even more effective action. – Peter Drucker
The human body and mind are tremendous forces that are continually amazing scientists and society. Therefore, we have no choice but to keep an open mind as to what the human being can achieve.
– Evelyn Glennie
We approach the solstice this week, the shortest day of the year in the northern hemisphere. We will soon see the sun set on the end of the year as well. In many traditions, this is a time of rejoicing, as we make the turn to each day bringing more sunlight into our lives.
Amidst the Christmas season as Winston Churchill observed, it is also a good season for reflection. Here are several questions I’m reflecting on now:
- What impact did I create this year?
- How am I learning and growing?
- When am I most open minded and alive?
I find it illuminating to reflect on the impact I had. What did I contribute to with my family, friends, and the people, organizations and communities I engaged with? And, what unintended consequences might I have left behind through either my actions or inaction?
By considering the impact I’ve had, I awaken the opportunity for my learning and growth. Through reflecting on “what “worked”, “what didn’t work” and “what might be holding me back”, I set the stage for creating more effective action.
I find I need to compassionately accept what I observe to be real and true without self-judgment and interpretation. They can lead me astray, keeping me from seeing where I truly am. Accepting where I am now in my life, helps me open my mind for new learning and growth.
I’m inspired by Evelyn Glennie, virtuoso Scottish percussionist, deaf since the age of 12, who gives over 100 concerts a year playing barefoot to feel the music better. As she notes, “we have no choice but to keep an open mind as to what we as human beings can achieve.”
As I consider when am I the most open minded and alive, I find it is when I’m all-in, connected, learning and creating with other people. I rejoice in those moments.
I invite you to consider:
- What impact did I create this year?
- How am I learning and growing?
- When am I most open minded and alive?
I wish you a Happy Season of Reflecting and Rejoicing!