From my brief read of the extensive research done on self-determination theory (SDT), humans have three primary intrinsic motivators: autonomy, belonging, and competence. We seem to continue to engage in activities that resonate with (often at least two of) these dynamics.

This holiday season presented me with an opportunity I seized – to make time to reflect on the trajectory of my life and what seems to have contributed to its shape and direction.

My colleague Edy Greenblatt and I have had an arrangement for the past few years. We swap coaching (or perhaps coaching supervision is more accurate) on non-client issues every couple of weeks. Each of us has the chance to give and receive the care, deep listening, and conversation that opens up new possibilities.

In sports, sales, and life in general, it pays to have a short memory.

Now that’s not the whole story. There are times when remembering can be useful. But by contrast, that short memory allows us to be present to what’s in front of us.

We simply can’t get away from this fact: everyone’s judging all the time anyway. Since birth, we have reacted to the world, letting it know what was pleasurable or not. We have been socialized to do this and do so habitually, automatically. We seem to have an opinion about everything, whether or not we have a basis for it.

Photo by ThisisEngineering RAEng on Unsplash

Organizations need command and control to operate well. How that command and control get expressed makes a difference. And the pandemic has shaken our practices and underlying assumptions to their roots.

Photo by "My Life Through A Lens"​ on Unsplash

A funny thing happened on the way to writing this week’s blog. On Monday I read two newsletter items – one written by Seth Godin, the other by Liane Davey. Each of them had something to say about one’s perspective, mindset, and the implications that tag along.

Photo by Vinay Balraj on Unsplash

When we were younger, many of us dreamed of being done with our learning and getting on with our lives. We thought of learning as synonymous with schooling and, obviously, formal schooling would come to an end.

In retrospect, we were right and also wrong.

Photo by Ben White on Unsplash

We often are poor observers of ourselves and the priority we give to our own point of view. This includes assuming others think, feel, and behave like us. This assumptive blindness can lead to unfulfilled expectations and thwarted intentions – and upset. Our assumptions are like the water a fish swims in.

Photo by David Clode on Unsplash

My mentor and friend Bob Dunham observed that “We are what we practice. And we are always practicing something.” To which I silently add, “So be choiceful about what you practice.”

Photo by Linus Nylund on Unsplash

Healthy or sickly? For smallholder farmers in Kenya and other East African countries, the health status of their livestock is a key towards economic well-being for their families.

In our last coaching conversation, one of my clients shared her recent experiences and noticeable improvements – two wins in a short time period.

Photo by Andrew Neel on Unsplash

Sometimes we simply need to adjust course. We can already tell that our current trajectory seems to be leading towards undesirable destinations and consequences. If we want a different outcome, what we do next matters. We need to take action now to change what future is more/most likely to occur.

Photo by Javier Allegue Barros on Unsplash

“Tell me about yourself.” ”Who are you?” “Why should we consider you for this?” Have you been asked these questions before? Most of us have.

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

In the world we inhabit, we are observers and interpreters of it as well as actors and agents in it. Both are happening at the same time.

Photo by Linus Nylund on Unsplash

I’ve had several recent instances where what we notice and include makes a difference in how we make sense of our world, our choices, and ultimately the trajectory of our life. Our awareness seems to be a critical element in that process.

Photo by Kayla Kozlowski on Unsplash

Less than two months ago, I completed a rigorous training program to become a Certified Performance Improvement Facilitator (CPIF™).

Photo by Mitchell Luo on Unsplash

The past four weeks have been a series of breakthroughs for me in the world of technology. I recognize, however, that my progress may not appear that way for anyone else. That’s ok.

Photo by Thomas Park on Unsplash

As a coach I listen for cares and concerns, breakdowns, and blind spots. They guide me to where value and satisfaction can be produced with a client. They are openings for coaching. Each area invites a spotlight where being/thinking/doing something different and better will deliver something better.

Photo by christopher lemercier on Unsplash

One of the many things that became apparent during the heat of the pandemic and work from home (WFH) was the growing sense of isolation, disconnection and disaffection. Well beyond the general disruption, we became painfully aware of the relevance and value of being/feeling connected with others.

Photo by Jackson David on Unsplash