The power is yours

The power is yours

If someone hands you something, do you reflexively accept it or first consider whether you want it? If you pause and consider what they are offering, you might say, “No, thank you” and move on unencumbered.

The same is true if someone expresses angst or complains about their problems. You can take these on or you can refuse them. By all means empathize and offer your support. You can do that without taking the issues as your own.

If someone does you wrong, you can choose to forgive them before they apologize. If you wait for the apology, you are giving them power over you. Why should someone else prevent you from letting go of anger, resentment or other negative emotions?

If other people are bringing you down, is it time to take back your power?

Hopefully, my questions cause you to reflect on your own thinking, relationships or choices. Maybe I even inspire you to make positive changes.

If you want to comment publicly, click on the photo of the post to get to the comment page. Send private comments to info@simplybettercoaching.com

Archives

SimplyBetter Growth Challenge – December 2019

SimplyBetter Growth Challenge – December 2019

It’s been a few months since I did a monthly challenge. Admittedly, my progress has slowed a bit. To spark growth, I’ve decided to do a December challenge. If you are new to the challenge or need a reminder, read on: Pick one thing to work on for the next month. I...

read more
Are Movement Workshops for you?

Are Movement Workshops for you?

Trish and I had another great movement workshop on Saturday. People saw immediate improvements in balance and mobility. One person even got a free mini-treatment. One of his hamstrings wasn't working well, so I did a quick assessment and calibration. I’ve been...

read more
Giving thanks

Giving thanks

Happy Thanksgiving! I’m thankful that Roli needed a new home and we were blessed to take him into our family. I was nervous about adopting him and he is a better fit than I ever imagined. I’m thankful that Trish and I left corporate life and moved to the mountains. We...

read more
Pre-pay your stress

Pre-pay your stress

Sometimes it pays to endure a bit of stress, work late and get stuff done. It's not much fun at the time, but the relaxation you earn might be worth it. The alternative is to race against deadlines. As deadlines approach, control evaporates. Choosing stress early...

read more
Good enough

Good enough

Perfect is the enemy of good. If you wait for perfection, you’ll never do anything. Good enough is the enemy of great. Once it’s good enough, you need to improve it. Is perfection or good enough holding you back?

read more
Water under the bridge

Water under the bridge

You can head in the same direction for a long time and still decide to stop or make a change. The key is to recognize that the decision is yours. You have a choice even when your momentum makes it seem like you don't. You might think to yourself, "This is how it’s...

read more
Getting there is half the fun (by Trish)

Getting there is half the fun (by Trish)

On a recent trip, I lucked out with a window seat both ways… my favorite! Airline travel has changed quite a bit since the days when I was living in London and jet setting all over Europe (or beyond). Back then, Jim and I racked up so many miles that I often had the...

read more
The joy of music

The joy of music

I am sitting here listening to an album I love. The joy of the music inspired me to start writing and some fond memories bubbled up. We were driving around with friends and one of them said, “This radio station is amazing! What is it?” I replied, “It’s WJIM (my iPod...

read more
Progress is variable

Progress is variable

As we improve our skills and learn new ones, we sometimes make big leaps. Other times we feel like we are on interminable plateaus. Significant achievements require perseverance through the plateaus. Sadly, they tend to get longer the further your skill progresses....

read more
Be transparent

Be transparent

If you know what's happening (or not happening) and why, it is easier to accept things you can’t control. The less you know about issues or delays, the worse it feels. The London subway stations usually have great transparency. A plethora of displays show how long...

read more
Under promise and over deliver

Under promise and over deliver

A manager that I once worked for used to tell us to under promise and over deliver. He wanted us to consistently exceed client expectations rather than meet them or fall short. You could make things worse if you over manage expectations. Promising very little might...

read more

Jim's Blog

Thoughts, musings and reflections
Subscribe