One of the more complex concepts to grasp is that who we are is not defined by our thoughts or feelings.
Thoughts and feelings come and go. They’re as fluid as the water coming out of your faucet. You turn it on, and it’s there. You turn it off, and it’s gone.… Read the rest
A life without pain is impossible.
Every human being on this planet will go through pain at some point in their life.
We may experience death, sickness, violence, accidents, wars, relationship issues, get fired, be discriminated against, get bullied, etcetera, etcetera.
If you’re heavy, you will have pain.… Read the rest
In one of my earlier posts, I spoke about organizational pain.
Companies and leaders that can create organizational pain leave nothing on the table.
I wrote this story to give you food for thought and to help you decide whether you’re leaving anything on the table in your life.
A few months have passed since my last post, “Maktub” in the middle of July.
It was time to pause. It was time for a break and to practice what I preach. In every profession, it’s important to rest, reflect, and recharge your batteries every once in a while.
When we travel as a family to different places and we can visit a bookstore, we make it happen.
My daughter has inherited her love for books, bookstores, and libraries from my mother. Wherever we go, one of her first things to find out is the location of the bookstores.
Losing a loved one is the most significant test for embracing the now.
I lost my mother recently. Unexpected.
I won’t elaborate more on that event itself, but more about my experience from when it happened until a few days after.
It has everything to do with the power of now. … Read the rest
Recently I had to say goodbye to a family member.
Relatively sudden.
I won’t write about the circumstances, no worries. I’ll just write about a sudden shift in priorities when something like this happens to you.
From one moment to the other, things change dramatically. What mattered yesterday is suddenly not that important anymore. … Read the rest
Who doesn’t remember John Keating?
The famous English teacher from the movie Dead Poet’s Society, played by the late Robin Williams, and recorded over thirty years ago.
While writing this story, I reminded myself to watch the movie again. It’s a classic.
He stands on tables to demonstrate to his students that the world looks different when you stand on a table and look from above.… Read the rest
Nearly twenty years ago, I had my first conversation with a mentor who helped me shape who I am today.
I was running supermarket operations at that time, working for a CEO who, in my eyes, was not meant to be CEO.
He was a former CFO who never transitioned from being a CFO to become a CEO.… Read the rest
We all have a story.
A story that shows who we are, where we come from, what we value, what gives us energy, and what stops us from being ourselves.
A story that we bring with us every day.
In every conversation we have.
With family, friends, colleagues, and strangers.
Let’s start with a disclaimer about the word exceptional.
It’s connected to the two words human and being.
I’m not discussing in this insight whether you are an exceptional manager or leader.
For yourself and others.… Read the rest
Two weeks ago, I ran through the countryside of Belgium.
I am still amazed by the patchwork of houses that do not reveal any vision of creative unity or aesthetic pleasing. What’s worse, I noticed very little progress.
We lived in Belgium from 2005 through 2007, and it felt like nothing had changed.… Read the rest
At what speed do you listen to audiobooks or podcasts?
If you don’t know what I’m talking about, you’re one of my kind. You’re unaware you can playback your favorite media at a different speed.
Frankly, until recently, I didn’t know either.
Until a client of mine, who I had given a tip for an audiobook in the morning, came back to me the next day stating:
Who do you know better?
Abraham Maslow or Tony Robbins?
Maslow is known for his hierarchy of needs, going from physiological needs to the need for self-actualization.
Tony Robbins is known for filling up ballrooms and concert venues with thousands of ‘fans’ looking for personal breakthroughs.… Read the rest
It’s March.
The Maldives are long gone and a distant but unforgettable memory.
Spring seems to be in the air. The weather is not precisely spring-like.
I’m traveling to Belgium for a meeting, and our plane needs to be de-iced.
Wind and snow circle the plane as I deliberate what I will write about on my way to Brussels.… Read the rest
No matter what, the blue sky is always there.
It’s a great metaphor for seeing through difficult situations and times.
No matter how heavy the storm, how thick the layer of clouds, or how heavy the precipitation is, the blue sky is always there.
A matter of experience.… Read the rest
“To take time to think is to gain time to live.”
Nancy Kline
The above sentence is a quote from the book “Time to Think” by Nancy Kline.
My goal is to finish at least 26 books this year, i.e., at least two per month, and the three I have read so far have increased my expectations and excitement for the remainder of the year.… Read the rest
We’re all a bit mad.
Acting as if the things we’re engaged in in our lives are all cleverly thought through.
Acting as if we know exactly what we’re doing.
We’re not.
Money is made up. Democracy is made up. The recipe for your dinner is made up.… Read the rest
“Life is an unforgiving laboratory.”
Interesting quote from the book “Be Exceptional” by Joe Navarro.
He mentions it tongue and cheek as he talks passionately about self-mastery. No further elaboration on why he thinks so, but I picked up on the term, and I love it.
You need a coach!
You may disagree, but I invite you to read on.
Next Tuesday, I’ll share the opening rate of my insight today, claiming that you need a coach.
I wouldn’t be surprised if the rate is lower than usual because many of my readers do not think they need a coach.… Read the rest
