"Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and then go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive." - Harold Thurman Whitman
Recently I was talking to some clients about the difference between motivation and inspiration. It’s a subtle difference in one way but dramatic and powerful in another. Let me explain….
To be motivated means to be pushed by something. What I mean by that is a thing..... tangible, such as money, a promotion, praise, deadlines, bonus, plaque…something specific. Usually it motivates one to do their best (conditionally) because they will be externally rewarded.
On the other hand, inspiration is from within, or an intangible. The best way to describe that is being inspired by another person who never ceases to amaze you, your core values and integrity; the knowledge that through the process you won’t only grow but evolve through your life. Because it’s not conditional on a 'thing', it energizes you. It leaves you in complete control of your forward motion, thereby pulling you forward; much easier than being pushed. Pushing yourself on a regular basis…always trying to meet deadlines, make someone else happy or ‘please the boss’ is a recipe for burnout.
Inspiration creates superconductivity or absence of resistance. There is a flow, an energy and invites you to live by your core values and personal ethics. A great place to be.
The power is simple. Either let some external influence control how you work or live your life, or maintain total control over your choices and ways of being, evolving through a life you invent. Day by day, moment by moment you create your future in the present. Doing this via being inspired, will help you create the life you love and want, rather than living a life based on someone else’s expectations and conditions.
Think about it. Which is you right now. And when is the best time to take stock of what it is you’re doing? If you would change one thing right now, become inspired rather than motivated, what would that change be and what would the effects of that change look like?
All the best....or definitely better : )
Donna Karlin
Saturday, June 11, 2005
Sunday, May 29, 2005
Affecting the Quality of the Day
“It is something to be able to paint a particular picture, or to carve a statue, and so make a few objects beautiful; but it is far more glorious to carve and paint the very atmosphere and medium through which we look. To affect the quality of the day----that is the highest of arts.” - Henry David Thoreau
This past week, a time of radical change both in government and leadership, one of my past client’s support staff looked at me when I walked into the room and said “You’re like a drug”. I looked at her puzzled, and said “I’m not sure that’s such a good thing” (smiling) and she answered “YES! It’s a wonderful thing. The minute I see you I calm right down and know it’s going to be a good day after all.” Well, I don’t credit myself to having the magical ability to change a day, however I am honoured she looks as me and the work I do in a way that helps her process the chaos and make some sense out of it. In that respect, I believe I did affect the quality of the day.
Regardless of what is going on around you, you always have the ability to smile and say a kind word; to acknowledge what you appreciate about someone. That too not only affects the quality of the day but how a person processes that one and the next, the next, and the one after that. The ripple effect is far reaching. All it takes is a moment or two. Are you taking advantage of those moments that come your way?
Best!
Donna Karlin
*Note: Welcome subscriber from Georgia. ‘Perspectives’ is honoured to have regular readers from 46 countries!
This past week, a time of radical change both in government and leadership, one of my past client’s support staff looked at me when I walked into the room and said “You’re like a drug”. I looked at her puzzled, and said “I’m not sure that’s such a good thing” (smiling) and she answered “YES! It’s a wonderful thing. The minute I see you I calm right down and know it’s going to be a good day after all.” Well, I don’t credit myself to having the magical ability to change a day, however I am honoured she looks as me and the work I do in a way that helps her process the chaos and make some sense out of it. In that respect, I believe I did affect the quality of the day.
Regardless of what is going on around you, you always have the ability to smile and say a kind word; to acknowledge what you appreciate about someone. That too not only affects the quality of the day but how a person processes that one and the next, the next, and the one after that. The ripple effect is far reaching. All it takes is a moment or two. Are you taking advantage of those moments that come your way?
Best!
Donna Karlin
*Note: Welcome subscriber from Georgia. ‘Perspectives’ is honoured to have regular readers from 46 countries!
Sunday, May 22, 2005
Stress....The Body and Mind's Response
"Stress is the body and mind's response to any stressful pressure that disrupts the balance in the mind or body. It occurs when our perceptions of events don't meet our expectations and we don't manage our reaction to the disappointment. As a response, stress expresses itself as resistance, tension, strain or frustration, that throws off our physiological and psychological equilibrium, keeping us out-of-sync and stressed-out." - Doc Childre and Howard Martin
What magnifies stress even more is when one dwells upon that which upsets them in the first place. Rather than create a future that you want, you dwell on that which you don’t want, starting off a downwards spiral.
For some in the political world, these past few weeks have been a constant unknown. Day to day threats of the opposition bringing down the government, or, at the very least paralyzing it, was the norm. Change right down through the ranks took place hour by hour. For those in positions of leadership, it was a professional living hell.
My role was to work with them to see the perfection in the chaos. No matter what happened, they were challenged to look at the situation as living ‘history in the making’. An exciting time. They would deal with the outcome no matter what. These are intelligent, resourceful people. Rather than dwelling on whether or not they might have a job a few weeks or months down the road, what could they concentrate on that was in their control? What were they learning about themselves in the process what would prove invaluable throughout their lifetime? Then we started to play with the scenarios. Stressful attitudes turned to “I’m up to anything that comes my way and then some” attitudes. They were pumped, focused, energised by what happened moment to moment. My questions almost demanded that they look at themselves from the perspective of what they wanted not what they were getting. How could they build and create their future based on the choices they made right then and there?”
The difference between reacting and responding might be a matter of 10 seconds. Reacting is an immediate answer based on fear, tension and stress. Choice is not a part of the equation. Responding to the same situation is taking a proverbial step back, looking at what's occurring from a global perspective and making an informed choice based on the information you have at that moment in time. It’s positive delay….taking a few moments to calm your thoughts, looking at all perspectives and moving in the direction you need to go to deal with that situation. Responding all but eliminates stress because you have more control.
It grounds you….helps you focus…and from that paradigm you choose and invent your future.
"Realize that now, in this moment of time, you are creating. You are creating your next moment. That is what's real." - Sara Paddison.
Best!
Donna Karlin
What magnifies stress even more is when one dwells upon that which upsets them in the first place. Rather than create a future that you want, you dwell on that which you don’t want, starting off a downwards spiral.
For some in the political world, these past few weeks have been a constant unknown. Day to day threats of the opposition bringing down the government, or, at the very least paralyzing it, was the norm. Change right down through the ranks took place hour by hour. For those in positions of leadership, it was a professional living hell.
My role was to work with them to see the perfection in the chaos. No matter what happened, they were challenged to look at the situation as living ‘history in the making’. An exciting time. They would deal with the outcome no matter what. These are intelligent, resourceful people. Rather than dwelling on whether or not they might have a job a few weeks or months down the road, what could they concentrate on that was in their control? What were they learning about themselves in the process what would prove invaluable throughout their lifetime? Then we started to play with the scenarios. Stressful attitudes turned to “I’m up to anything that comes my way and then some” attitudes. They were pumped, focused, energised by what happened moment to moment. My questions almost demanded that they look at themselves from the perspective of what they wanted not what they were getting. How could they build and create their future based on the choices they made right then and there?”
The difference between reacting and responding might be a matter of 10 seconds. Reacting is an immediate answer based on fear, tension and stress. Choice is not a part of the equation. Responding to the same situation is taking a proverbial step back, looking at what's occurring from a global perspective and making an informed choice based on the information you have at that moment in time. It’s positive delay….taking a few moments to calm your thoughts, looking at all perspectives and moving in the direction you need to go to deal with that situation. Responding all but eliminates stress because you have more control.
It grounds you….helps you focus…and from that paradigm you choose and invent your future.
"Realize that now, in this moment of time, you are creating. You are creating your next moment. That is what's real." - Sara Paddison.
Best!
Donna Karlin
Sunday, May 15, 2005
Political Chaos
All week long I’ve grappled with how to write this blog. I’ve been watching and living in the midst of chaotic political mess in a country not used to such things. I don’t have to have a particular party favourite to look at a group of representatives of the people and wonder what got them into power in the first place when none of them show any leadership whatsoever. It’s more like watching children fight with each other in a school yard and play manipulative games to see who will come out on top. Why they want to come out on top still remains to be seen as what is happening on the Hill doesn’t seem to have anything whatever to do with the will of the Canadian people.
If our party leaders cannot get along, how could we expect it globally? The world is in turmoil. Toss in natural disasters, unrest, poverty, disease and in a country that is usually one of the most peaceful, the leaders are at war with each other.
I know…in a perfect world they would sit down in a locked room and come up with some plan of action that would work for us all. As a Shadow Coach I would love to be there to “do my thing”, however they would need to be open to the possibility that what each of them is doing is unacceptable to the people at large. Do they see that? I would hope.
Chaotic is the perfect definition of what is happening right now. Def. a state of extreme confusion and disorder. It’s also the place where creativity begins… “In simple terms chaos is order without predictability. That is, there are systems, physical and social, that are well understood and yet are fundamentally unpredictable. Thus, chaos is not anarchy or randomness. Chaos is order, but it is order that is "invisible." - T.J. Cartwright
Chaos is creativity in process; the place between the breakdown of the old, and the formation of the new. No matter how we look at what is unfolding, this will be the creation of the new in some form. Watching it happen is history in the making. As a citizen, it’s not an easy thing to watch. As a Shadow or ontological Coach, it’s absolutely fascinating to watch.
There is chaos and then there’s the principle of chaos within leadership. Leaders welcome this kind of chaos because they anticipate the creative process that isn’t far behind. Leaders hone skills within that chaotic environment so they can master the resulting creativity, watch the effects of various outcomes and use them to know which areas to focus on and which to let go of.
They key word here, however is leader.
To use an old cliché, time will tell all.
Best!
Donna Karlin
*Note: Subscribers from 4 more countries have joined the Perspectives readership. Welcome Slovakia, Uruguay, South Africa and Korea. This brings our subscriber total to 45 countries!
If our party leaders cannot get along, how could we expect it globally? The world is in turmoil. Toss in natural disasters, unrest, poverty, disease and in a country that is usually one of the most peaceful, the leaders are at war with each other.
I know…in a perfect world they would sit down in a locked room and come up with some plan of action that would work for us all. As a Shadow Coach I would love to be there to “do my thing”, however they would need to be open to the possibility that what each of them is doing is unacceptable to the people at large. Do they see that? I would hope.
Chaotic is the perfect definition of what is happening right now. Def. a state of extreme confusion and disorder. It’s also the place where creativity begins… “In simple terms chaos is order without predictability. That is, there are systems, physical and social, that are well understood and yet are fundamentally unpredictable. Thus, chaos is not anarchy or randomness. Chaos is order, but it is order that is "invisible." - T.J. Cartwright
Chaos is creativity in process; the place between the breakdown of the old, and the formation of the new. No matter how we look at what is unfolding, this will be the creation of the new in some form. Watching it happen is history in the making. As a citizen, it’s not an easy thing to watch. As a Shadow or ontological Coach, it’s absolutely fascinating to watch.
There is chaos and then there’s the principle of chaos within leadership. Leaders welcome this kind of chaos because they anticipate the creative process that isn’t far behind. Leaders hone skills within that chaotic environment so they can master the resulting creativity, watch the effects of various outcomes and use them to know which areas to focus on and which to let go of.
They key word here, however is leader.
To use an old cliché, time will tell all.
Best!
Donna Karlin
*Note: Subscribers from 4 more countries have joined the Perspectives readership. Welcome Slovakia, Uruguay, South Africa and Korea. This brings our subscriber total to 45 countries!
Saturday, April 30, 2005
Maintaining Our Values in Times of Great Change
“A client asked, “How do we maintain our values in a time of great and painful change and uncertainty? How do we maintain our values when our noble purpose is politicised and when dedicated and selfless workers get scapegoated by politicians and bureaucrats with hidden agendas?”
Fear permeates people, societies, institutions, organizations, and paralyses their potential for personal success. Truth is no longer relevant. It’s all a part of the political game, in all definitions of the term.
How does one coach a client through this? It’s a challenge at every turn. It’s paramount that the coach remains completely nonjudgmental and supportive. That’s the very least a coach can give a client going through a period such as this. A masterful coach helps the client grow through these times. Not in spite of what’s happening around him but because of it. And when a client can thrive and stretch through periods of chaos, nothing will stand in his way.
Referring back to one of the coaching proficiencies “Recognizes perfection in every situation” we delve into ways of looking at life from the perspective or belief that everything happens for a reason even if we’ll never know just what that reason is. It’s not necessarily finding the source of the reasoning behind why something is happening, it’s looking to the source….the client’s event, problem, situation, or personality/behavioural trait within their own truth and find out how it is perfect for them at that time even when it’s clearly not. It’s looking to understand and recognise the perfection of that moment and responding instead of reacting to it. It’s working with the client to see beyond that moment. How is what’s happening right now work towards creating the future of your choosing? That’s where perfection is found.
How many times did something that happened to you feel as if it were the end of the world only to turn out better than you had ever dreamed?
Years ago, when I was going through a particularly challenging time, my teacher and mentor, Jim Quinn asked me what was going on. When I shared what was happening in my life his immediate response (which still brings a huge smile and a shake of my head) was “Hot Dog! An opportunity!”
My first response was “A few less hot dogs would be appreciated about now”. However looking back at one of the darkest times of my life I realise I am exactly where I am today because it taught me the most valuable lessons. Did I want to live it when it was happening? Not on your life! Am I grateful for it now? Better believe it!
In a society where for many, values become inconvenient and manipulation might pass for power or wisdom, there is a stronger pressure to fit in, join or be tossed aside. How do we live in congruence with our values and personal ethics when it seems those around us live by the exact opposite? Well the first answer that comes to mind is, your values are your inner compass, your “true north” which will guide you and help you answer whatever life altering questions come your way. If you choose your life, you won’t react to other’s choices. Giving away your freedom of choice and ways of being is nothing more than personal slavery.
"Don't ever lose sight of how much real control you have over your own destiny" (Shaun Belding).
The answer to the question “How can we live from a basis of our own values and personal integrity in times like this?” is very simple.
We choose to do so.
Best!
Donna Karlin
Fear permeates people, societies, institutions, organizations, and paralyses their potential for personal success. Truth is no longer relevant. It’s all a part of the political game, in all definitions of the term.
How does one coach a client through this? It’s a challenge at every turn. It’s paramount that the coach remains completely nonjudgmental and supportive. That’s the very least a coach can give a client going through a period such as this. A masterful coach helps the client grow through these times. Not in spite of what’s happening around him but because of it. And when a client can thrive and stretch through periods of chaos, nothing will stand in his way.
Referring back to one of the coaching proficiencies “Recognizes perfection in every situation” we delve into ways of looking at life from the perspective or belief that everything happens for a reason even if we’ll never know just what that reason is. It’s not necessarily finding the source of the reasoning behind why something is happening, it’s looking to the source….the client’s event, problem, situation, or personality/behavioural trait within their own truth and find out how it is perfect for them at that time even when it’s clearly not. It’s looking to understand and recognise the perfection of that moment and responding instead of reacting to it. It’s working with the client to see beyond that moment. How is what’s happening right now work towards creating the future of your choosing? That’s where perfection is found.
How many times did something that happened to you feel as if it were the end of the world only to turn out better than you had ever dreamed?
Years ago, when I was going through a particularly challenging time, my teacher and mentor, Jim Quinn asked me what was going on. When I shared what was happening in my life his immediate response (which still brings a huge smile and a shake of my head) was “Hot Dog! An opportunity!”
My first response was “A few less hot dogs would be appreciated about now”. However looking back at one of the darkest times of my life I realise I am exactly where I am today because it taught me the most valuable lessons. Did I want to live it when it was happening? Not on your life! Am I grateful for it now? Better believe it!
In a society where for many, values become inconvenient and manipulation might pass for power or wisdom, there is a stronger pressure to fit in, join or be tossed aside. How do we live in congruence with our values and personal ethics when it seems those around us live by the exact opposite? Well the first answer that comes to mind is, your values are your inner compass, your “true north” which will guide you and help you answer whatever life altering questions come your way. If you choose your life, you won’t react to other’s choices. Giving away your freedom of choice and ways of being is nothing more than personal slavery.
"Don't ever lose sight of how much real control you have over your own destiny" (Shaun Belding).
The answer to the question “How can we live from a basis of our own values and personal integrity in times like this?” is very simple.
We choose to do so.
Best!
Donna Karlin
Sunday, April 17, 2005
Intentions Equal Results
"Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives" - William A. Foster
In all the years I have been saying "Intentions equal results", teaching it, running it by clients, this past week was the first time I threw this concept at someone and heard (immediate response) “I like that!” Usually I get flack, a puzzled expression because they can’t figure it out or resistance such as “What do you mean I intended for that to happen to me?”
It’s not always perfectly explainable but in the scheme of things, what we intend to happen by attitude, perspective, ways of being is what ultimately happens!
So many thanks Mr. “B” for saying that : )
It’s almost a piece of the Attraction Program™. What you ‘put out there’ is what you will attract to your life. This is oversimplified and the Attraction Program is far from simple, but think for a moment….needy people attract needy people, powerful attract powerful….positive people attract the positive in others and whiners attract whining out of others. Just think for a moment, a powerful CEO of a company who is successful, do you think for a moment that person will have time for and accept whining, negative, stagnating people for a minute?
When was the last time you stood by and listened to someone complaining about everything wrong that’s happening in their life? Does the other person in the conversation start talking about their perfect life or try one-upmanship? More than likely the response will be “Well if you think THAT’S bad…..just listened to what happened to me!” and the spiral downwards continues.
If you intend to get the best out of your day you will….same goes for the best in people, or the best experience you can have or doing the best you can. If you intend to do your best that doesn’t guarantee a perfect outcome. It does mean you will do whatever you can in the best way possible towards getting the best results you can achieve. And if you intend to do the least and not engage yourself then the results will reflect that as well.
Intend: def Have in mind as a purpose
Intention: def Perspective, purpose, direction, slant, viewpoint
"Leadership is the wise use of power. Power is the capacity to translate intention into reality and sustain it." - Warren G. Bennis
What is your intention for today? Ask yourself that at the beginning of every day and you’ll be amazed at how the answer will guide you towards a future of your choosing.
Best!
Donna Karlin
*Note: Welcome subscribers from Saudi Arabia and Iran joining regular readers from 39 other countries. 41 countries! We're proud and honoured to have all of you as part of the 'Perspectives' family of readers. We'd love to hear from you....so put your feet up, stay a while and let us know your perspectives, insights and ideas.
In all the years I have been saying "Intentions equal results", teaching it, running it by clients, this past week was the first time I threw this concept at someone and heard (immediate response) “I like that!” Usually I get flack, a puzzled expression because they can’t figure it out or resistance such as “What do you mean I intended for that to happen to me?”
It’s not always perfectly explainable but in the scheme of things, what we intend to happen by attitude, perspective, ways of being is what ultimately happens!
So many thanks Mr. “B” for saying that : )
It’s almost a piece of the Attraction Program™. What you ‘put out there’ is what you will attract to your life. This is oversimplified and the Attraction Program is far from simple, but think for a moment….needy people attract needy people, powerful attract powerful….positive people attract the positive in others and whiners attract whining out of others. Just think for a moment, a powerful CEO of a company who is successful, do you think for a moment that person will have time for and accept whining, negative, stagnating people for a minute?
When was the last time you stood by and listened to someone complaining about everything wrong that’s happening in their life? Does the other person in the conversation start talking about their perfect life or try one-upmanship? More than likely the response will be “Well if you think THAT’S bad…..just listened to what happened to me!” and the spiral downwards continues.
If you intend to get the best out of your day you will….same goes for the best in people, or the best experience you can have or doing the best you can. If you intend to do your best that doesn’t guarantee a perfect outcome. It does mean you will do whatever you can in the best way possible towards getting the best results you can achieve. And if you intend to do the least and not engage yourself then the results will reflect that as well.
Intend: def Have in mind as a purpose
Intention: def Perspective, purpose, direction, slant, viewpoint
"Leadership is the wise use of power. Power is the capacity to translate intention into reality and sustain it." - Warren G. Bennis
What is your intention for today? Ask yourself that at the beginning of every day and you’ll be amazed at how the answer will guide you towards a future of your choosing.
Best!
Donna Karlin
*Note: Welcome subscribers from Saudi Arabia and Iran joining regular readers from 39 other countries. 41 countries! We're proud and honoured to have all of you as part of the 'Perspectives' family of readers. We'd love to hear from you....so put your feet up, stay a while and let us know your perspectives, insights and ideas.
Friday, April 08, 2005
Spring
Melted snow…..the scent of damp earth on the wind….geese returning for the season and longer sunlit days are here. It’s spring. Time to get out and breathe in fresh air, walk off the long winter months and re-energise.
I love this time of year. It’s a rebirth of sorts. The scent of the promise of flowers to come on the air…the damp earth ready to have seeds take root and grow the flowers of the season and for us northerners, time to come out of hibernation.
No matter how busy you are, make sure you plug in an hour or so in the day to soak it all in. The spring and summer days disappear all too quickly. There is nothing like fresh air to give us back energy…to help us through hectic days at work and allow us respite in the middle of chaos.
If you need to have a meeting then invite your colleague or staffer to come out and walk with you. Enjoy both their company and the break from the stale air of the office, but do whatever you can to get out. One day seems to flow into the next. The only difference between meeting in a stuffy office and the outdoors is the venue and I can almost guarantee you’ll enjoy focused conversation along with newfound energy for the afternoon.
Instead of making excuses why you can’t go…create reasons why you can. And when you walk outdoors…close your eyes for a moment, raise your face to the sunlight and breathe in the rebirth of the season. Let it bring a smile to your heart and a spring to your step, as soon the outdoors will come awake and give birth to miraculous beauty. It’s a new beginning.
What will it bring you I wonder…..
Ask yourself this.....How will you choose to spend your days so those choices nourish you in every possible way?
Enjoy!
Donna Karlin
I love this time of year. It’s a rebirth of sorts. The scent of the promise of flowers to come on the air…the damp earth ready to have seeds take root and grow the flowers of the season and for us northerners, time to come out of hibernation.
No matter how busy you are, make sure you plug in an hour or so in the day to soak it all in. The spring and summer days disappear all too quickly. There is nothing like fresh air to give us back energy…to help us through hectic days at work and allow us respite in the middle of chaos.
If you need to have a meeting then invite your colleague or staffer to come out and walk with you. Enjoy both their company and the break from the stale air of the office, but do whatever you can to get out. One day seems to flow into the next. The only difference between meeting in a stuffy office and the outdoors is the venue and I can almost guarantee you’ll enjoy focused conversation along with newfound energy for the afternoon.
Instead of making excuses why you can’t go…create reasons why you can. And when you walk outdoors…close your eyes for a moment, raise your face to the sunlight and breathe in the rebirth of the season. Let it bring a smile to your heart and a spring to your step, as soon the outdoors will come awake and give birth to miraculous beauty. It’s a new beginning.
What will it bring you I wonder…..
Ask yourself this.....How will you choose to spend your days so those choices nourish you in every possible way?
Enjoy!
Donna Karlin
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)