What’s the alternative? Need I say more?
0
Why Versus Impact
Have you ever done something for one reason and then found that the impact was not what you wanted?
An example could be telling someone that you aren’t fond of their outfit, and they should change it, and they get angry at you.
You may have said that to protect them from going out in what you thought wasn’t very flattering for them. However, they may not have appreciated it because it’s their favourite, they like the style, it was a gift or some other reason.
Another example is if you drive a little faster in your car and then get flagged for speeding. You may have a good reason why you were speeding, but it rarely warrants being stopped to be ticketed or the cost of the ticket.
When taking action, having a good why is a great start. However, become aware of the intended and the unintended consequences before you go ahead.
Often the idea of the unintended consequences will shift your thinking. That may be better for everyone.
0
Consider The Decades
1-10 Born, rapid growth both mental and physical.
11-20 Education. Physical transformation.
21-30 Explore. Income. Partner? Children?
31-40 Accelerate career. Promotions. Family?
41-50 Career growth. Relationship. Parents challenges. Kids big moves. Empty nest. Friends. Travel
51-60 Top of your game. High earnings. Big titles. Considering retirement. Grandchildren. Parents passing. Inheritance. Kids on property ladder.
61-70 Golden years. Travel. Activities. Fun. Financial understanding.
71-80 Health Focus. Legacy. Finances. Children. Grandchildren. Great grand children. Financial help. Guidance.
81-90 Independence. Reflection. Activities. Enjoyment. Health challenges.
91-100 Less independence. More consideration of what’s been and what’s next
101-onwards. Well done ???
What do you think? Let me know in the comments.
0
Consistency Or Keep People Guessing?
There are many benefits to being consistent, measured and almost predictable. Likewise, there are many benefits to consistently playing your own game which might keep people guessing.
We are watching this play out in real time on the world stage right now. The uncertainty levels are high.
Consider how you feel around people with different personality traits. Are you confident? Do you feel safe or secure? Is it exciting?
What are you like? Which do you prefer?
0
Who Decides?
Someone always gets to decide. A judge, jury, media, influencer, criminal, teacher, professional, tradesman, client or child. The list continues.
The key is to try to make as many of your own decisions as possible. Stay healthy, so doctors don’t have to make decisions for you. Stay in safe areas so the criminals don’t get to decide how your life goes.
Same with staying out of trouble with police, make good decisions for you so the authorities don’t get to make decisions that affect your life.
Sometimes some person will decide you’re an -ist or -phobic. It could be accurate but may not be. They could use 1 data point out of 300. That may be enough for them and their standard.
People’s opinion can wield incredible power. Please use your power well. With great power comes great responsibility. Your decision to use certain words can have a similar impact as an executioner’s sword.
Deciding to destroy a person and their family, first by reputation, then it hits financially and finally physically, is not something to take lightly or in a casual conversation.
Who decides often depends on the circumstances. Be kind.
0
Eat More Veggies
But go easy on the Hummus. Everything will get better for you.
0
Keep Things Calm
Be careful how you speak and what you say. When you get a bit excited, anxious or passionate, it’s easier to say things that alienate others, even while you might be trying to get them on your side.
Stay away from name calling and moral superiority. Stick to the facts and know they may interpret the same facts differently. Be kind. Understand your intent.
It’s too easy to lose family, friends, partners and others by chastising them or saying things that aren’t very kind, just because they have a different view of things.
Otherwise you become part of the problem, not the solution.
Keep things calm.
0
Maps Fascinate Me
I love looking at maps. I always have. They hold the magic of adventure, new discoveries, exciting places and people and fun challenges unknown.
I just found myself looking at the maps of Ukraine, Norway and Russia. It reminded me how much I enjoy it now and I enjoyed it when I was 10, 12, a teen and beyond.
I used to pull out our Encyclopaedia Brittanica Atlas of The World and while away my time reviewing topography, population figures, mountain ranges and city details.
There were so many places to go, to see, to visit. There were gorgeous vistas to enjoy, boundaries to observe, squiggly border lines to consider and weather patterns to understand.
My parents saved and sent me on a school trip to Italy when I was 16. That was a long way from rural Canada, or the Capital, Ottawa, that I had recently moved to. First, we landed in the then Czechoslovakia, with its strong military presence and gray barrenness.
Then we spent a couple of weeks travelling the length of Italy, including Milan, Rome, Florence, Pisa, Pompeii, Naples, Sorrento and Venice. Amazing.
Even on my return, I would review the route we took and see the topography we traversed. I would do this for places I wanted to go to and after I’d been. Like when I lived in Bolivia, Australia, or Mexico. And still now when I travel in the U.K., Europe or back in Canada.
Maps fascinate me.
0
Lead By Example
Quite simple. Demonstrate leadership through your own actions. Less talk. More action. People are watching. Demonstrate before you castigate.
0
Diversity Of Thought Or Appearance
Which is better? Are they both good but for different reasons? Should we focus on improving one, the other, both or neither?
Should we be trying to engineer things or let them take their natural course? Think about the forced path meandering across a green space in front of a university or other building. Then notice the well worn path in the grass that is the direct route across the space that so many people clearly take.
Diversity of appearance can help people see themselves in the position of that admired person one day, as outward appearance is a quick identifier.
However, if you take the Bible and wrap it with dozens of distinctly different looking covers, the text inside will be the same. If a book club selects all the different books based on their cover, when each review is given, the content will be strikingly similar and monotone. There may be little diversity of thought or intellectual diversity.
On the other hand, a person could look very similar to a few dozen other people and have very different views, experiences, thoughts and perspectives on a variety of topics. This would demonstrate diversity of thought.
So, as always, it depends on what your intent is and what you are solving for.
However, don’t argue for diversity of thought while only seeking diverse appearances. Likewise, it’s best not to think you’re getting diversity of thought when you are really just keeping up appearances.
0