Why It Matters by John A White’s Post

Shown below is the link to Sense of Humor--Part I https://lnkd.in/ejqC8gWN Next: Part II

"When people come up to you and they're going to give you something for free, like offering their service for free, just because they like you, you better believe they're expecting something out of you." You're probably familiar with Robert Greene. An extraordinary author and a keen observer of human psychology! He has this uncanny ability to understand people and what makes us tick, you know, all the weird and wonderful things going on in our heads and hearts. But he goes beyond dry theory and uses stories from history and real-life events to show how it all plays out in the real world. If you've ever read his books, you can easily understand why your coworker gets so competitive or why your best friend keeps falling for the same type of people (not always the best type!). Here's a video of him talking about the basic psychology of money, generosity, and why the "Free Offering" is something to avoid: #psychology #human_behavior

"Staying ready means maintaining a state of preparedness and vigilance, so when opportunities or challenges arise, you can respond swiftly and effectively. It's about being proactive, consistent, and disciplined in your efforts, rather than scrambling to catch up or react impulsively. Today on the blog we talked about the Parable of the 10 virgins and how important it is for us as believers to never be found slacking. Read here👇 https://lnkd.in/d5e2wu3w

From my latest blog: “Some serve best from the first chair, others in the second chair – and let’s face it, most are better in the trenches, rather than the control room. There is a place for everyone, and when ego doesn’t get in the way, great things can happen.”

LYRIC: Not to look at you in the shoe, but the eyes. Find the eyes. Confidence is a crucial component of success in both personal and professional life. Yet, many people (including me) struggle with a lack of confidence, which can hold them back. This lack of confidence can stem from various factors, including past failures, negative self-talk, and unrealistic expectations. Fortunately, it is possible to overcome these challenges. Here are some effective strategies to boost your confidence: 1. Acknowledge Your Strengths We often focus on our weaknesses and failures rather than our strengths and successes. Start by making a list of your strengths, skills, and accomplishments. Remind yourself regularly of these positive attributes. 2. Set Realistic Goals Setting and achieving small, realistic goals can create a sense of accomplishment and build confidence over time. Break down larger objectives into manageable tasks and celebrate each milestone you reach. 3. Challenge Negative Self-Talk Negative self-talk is a significant barrier to confidence. Pay attention to the inner critic that tells you you're not good enough. Challenge these negative thoughts by questioning their validity and replacing them with positive affirmations. For instance, instead of thinking, "I can't do this," tell yourself, "I can try my best, and that is enough." Building confidence is a journey that requires patience, self-compassion, and consistent effort. By acknowledging your strengths, setting realistic goals and challenging negative self-talk you can gradually overcome a lack of confidence. Remember, confidence is not about being perfect; it's about believing in your ability. You're better than you think you are. That's all for this week. Today's song at: https://lnkd.in/gkpmknaa

Wunderstüf – "Miss Understood," the inclusive animated series, introduces "I Need a Moment," a captivating new ToonTune. Featuring Amelia Wunder and Stormy Scirocco, two autistic characters, the song highlights the importance of recognizing when to take a step back. Join them on a transformative journey of self-discovery and resilience. https://lnkd.in/gjNu-kd6

"You can't handle the truth!" Most of us know this saying from the movie "A few good men"  where Jack Nicholson's character screams it at Tom Cruise and as much as I struggle to 'handle the truth as times' when asked recently why I love having deep challenging conversations, it's because whilst I may be uncomfortable, the truth could, as is often said 'set me/you free' I recently posted the below photo on my personal facebook page and was astonished at the response.  So many people saying yes, this IS what we need to be doing in order for us to better comprehend each other.  This doesn't mean agreeing it means really getting it from others perspective. Can we have civil conversations on difficult topics without defending or attacking the other.  Without name calling.  Without being fixed in our own point of view.  Whilst I truly see that this is something that we could all benefit from, as a coach this IS what do.  And it's amazing how often that involves reminding clients not to chastise themselves for not seeing the alternative view point before. For practicing self  kindness as well as kindness to others. #repost #trustyourpath #truth #consciousconversations #deepconversations

My colleague, Karen Dutton, shared this with me (originally from EQ Applied LLC - OP: Justin). How comfortable are YOU with awkward silence? Are short attention spans and the need for immediacy in responses stifling our creativity? Would love to hear your thoughts/reactions. Journalist Scott Pelley (60 Minutes) visited 12 year old Alma Deutscher. She explained the game that he was to pick four musical notes from a hat at random and then she'd improvise a piano piece based on them. He draws them, she plays/sings them...then sits...and thinks. She sits in silence 40 seconds. Then she plays...and it's truly captivating. Watch the video - https://lnkd.in/gPGGT3eS. One of the most powerful tools of emotional intelligence - the rule of awkward silence. When faced with a challenging question, instead of answering, you pause and think deeply about how you want to answer.   Make no mistake, this is no short pause. You might go five, 10, or even 15 seconds (or longer) before offering a response. Which, if you're not used to doing it, will feel very awkward—at first.   Despite her youth, Alma knew how awkward it can be for others when she disappears into her thoughts.    If you watch the video, you'll see her actually ask Pelley for permission to think about the four notes first. But the awkwardness is all worth it—because the benefits of embracing this rule are immeasurable.   To follow the rule is an excellent way to build emotional intelligence: the ability to identify, understand, and manage emotions. Like Alma, you can use it to delve deep into your thoughts, get in touch with your emotions, and create.   When trying to solve problems, it can help you get to root causes more effectively, helping you brainstorm better solutions.   Or you can simply use it to help you answer questions more deeply, and with greater thought.   You might even use it when writing a text message or email. Instead of responding right away to a message, you may wait a little while.   Why in the world would you do that?    Because your quickest response isn't typically your best response. It may be based on a temporary emotion that's bound to change.   You might say yes to a request because you're in an especially good mood, only to regret it later.   Or you might respond negatively because you're in a bad mood—and regret that, too.   But won't the other person get frustrated when they see I've read their message and haven't replied?   Maybe. And that's OK—that's why it's called an "awkward" silence.   Or, if you're dealing with someone who's used to getting a quick reply from you, just let them know that you need to give it some thought, and that you'll respond soon.   So, the next time someone pressures you to answer a question, or you put that pressure on yourself, resist the temptation to cave in.   Instead, embrace the rule of awkward silence. Take whatever time you need to respond.   Because silence is golden...If you know how to use it.

Ever feel like your own worst enemy sometimes? That inner critic can be tough, especially when you’re making big decisions. At a recent conference I attended Dr. Richard C. Schwartz spoke and explored Internal Family Systems (IFS). I find this a fascinating way for us to understand and not be sabotaged by our tough inner voices. Essentially IFS shows us that we’re made up of many parts: 🧡Protective Parts: You know, like when you think, "Part of me doesn’t want to risk this." 🧡Vulnerable Parts: The softer sides that need a bit more TLC. 🧡The Self: This is the higher self who we can get to by practicing IFS and is calm, curious, compassionate, confident, courageous, clear, connected, and creative. 👀 Give the video a watch and let me know what you think of the concept!

Why do James Bond movies usually suck? Because they don’t talk about the internal challenges of the Hero. James Bond is always sure about everything that he is doing and doesn't put a foot wrong. Compare that with great stories like The Pursuit of Happyness, Kung Fu Panda, or Interstellar - the hero always has self-doubts! The Hero faces both external AND internal challenges. Po was worried about Tai Lung, the evil snow leopard who would bring violence to the world. (External difficulty) Po is also worried as he is the chosen one who needs to step up and defeat Tai Lung. He has zero confidence in his abilities. His friends and teacher have already given up on him. (Internal difficulty) When you write a story, show the internal conflict. It's the hallmark of a good story. We don't need more James Bonds. We need cute Pandas who are unsure about themselves.