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| Articles & Newsroom |
Articles this page
- Clarity in Context (November 29, 2009)
- Mindset: Fixed or Growth (November 3, 2009)
- Attitude is Everything! (November 3, 2009)
- Service and Creating (Oct. 18, 2009)
| LP Consulting Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside, Southern California, USA Paradigm Coaching National Professional (805) 798-2835 laura@creatingclaritynow.com |
Service and Creating
"Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times
you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can."
---John Wesley, 1703-91, English evangelical preacher, founder of Methodism
Several weeks ago, I attended a Rotary Club meeting at which they shared Rotary's global commitment begun in 1985 to eradicate
polio. Their efforts have already spared an estimated 5 million children from a lifetime of paralysis.
We watched a video of Rotarians in India (Indian Rotarians, who knew?) implementing a campaign to immunize children living in
remote villages on the border of India and Nepal. It was beautiful to watch the volunteers administer the vaccine drops.
As I watched, I kept thinking that there is so much good being done in so many ways by so many people, why are conditions for
many still so bad? Why does it feel that things keep getting worse?
After the video, a member of the club spoke of his experience as a child who lived through polio, and he closed his presentation with
John Wesley's quote above. Suddenly, I glimpsed a different approach to shift the paradigm of our world to exponentially more good
going forward than destruction and decay.
Being of service, doing service projects, and contributing to charities are valuable and worthwhile efforts. However, they are
primarily reactive measures. They are responses to current problems and often require a herculean effort to remedy the situations,
such as curing cancer and feeding starving populations.
Following Wesley's quote would be a significant paradigm shift for most of us and would require taking responsible, proactive steps to
do good. Doing good in this way requires us to be consciously aware in each moment holding these words as our intention so that we
make choices to do good and recognize opportunities in all the means, ways, places, and times to do good.
We become active creators. We begin wherever we are: in our own lives; with our families and friends; with our co-workers; and in
our communities. We don't ignore a problem or person in need of any good because we are in a hurry or it may be inconvenient.
This is not easy, and it is not a new-agey kind of amorphous, general statement. This is very specific. I do not know what it will look
like. That is the truth of this time. We do not know what the proactive, creative paradigm shift to a better world looks like. There is
no blueprint, but I believe this quote is a good guideline.
Holding these words as our intention and using the incredible resources of our talents, imagination, kindness, generosity, sense of
justice, and yearning for community could create a gazillion positive, generative actions and words that would build on each other. It
would shift our perception of what is possible.
Just think about it.
"Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times
you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can."
---John Wesley, 1703-91, English evangelical preacher, founder of Methodism
Several weeks ago, I attended a Rotary Club meeting at which they shared Rotary's global commitment begun in 1985 to eradicate
polio. Their efforts have already spared an estimated 5 million children from a lifetime of paralysis.
We watched a video of Rotarians in India (Indian Rotarians, who knew?) implementing a campaign to immunize children living in
remote villages on the border of India and Nepal. It was beautiful to watch the volunteers administer the vaccine drops.
As I watched, I kept thinking that there is so much good being done in so many ways by so many people, why are conditions for
many still so bad? Why does it feel that things keep getting worse?
After the video, a member of the club spoke of his experience as a child who lived through polio, and he closed his presentation with
John Wesley's quote above. Suddenly, I glimpsed a different approach to shift the paradigm of our world to exponentially more good
going forward than destruction and decay.
Being of service, doing service projects, and contributing to charities are valuable and worthwhile efforts. However, they are
primarily reactive measures. They are responses to current problems and often require a herculean effort to remedy the situations,
such as curing cancer and feeding starving populations.
Following Wesley's quote would be a significant paradigm shift for most of us and would require taking responsible, proactive steps to
do good. Doing good in this way requires us to be consciously aware in each moment holding these words as our intention so that we
make choices to do good and recognize opportunities in all the means, ways, places, and times to do good.
We become active creators. We begin wherever we are: in our own lives; with our families and friends; with our co-workers; and in
our communities. We don't ignore a problem or person in need of any good because we are in a hurry or it may be inconvenient.
This is not easy, and it is not a new-agey kind of amorphous, general statement. This is very specific. I do not know what it will look
like. That is the truth of this time. We do not know what the proactive, creative paradigm shift to a better world looks like. There is
no blueprint, but I believe this quote is a good guideline.
Holding these words as our intention and using the incredible resources of our talents, imagination, kindness, generosity, sense of
justice, and yearning for community could create a gazillion positive, generative actions and words that would build on each other. It
would shift our perception of what is possible.
Just think about it.
Mindset: Fixed or Growth?
"Life loves to be taken by the lapel and told: “I’m with you, kid. Let’s go!"
Maya Angelou, American writer and poet
A paradigm is a philosophical or theoretical framework. The term is used to describe the set of experiences, beliefs and values that
affect the way an individual perceives reality and responds to that perception. A paradigm can be overarching and aligned with a life
vision. It can include subsets of how things work in different aspects of life, such as finances, work, relationships, and health.
One tool which is very helpful in shifting a paradigm is to consider your mindset as defined by Carol Dweck, Ph.D. in her book,
MINDSET. Based on research, Dweck explains the impact of two distinct mindsets held by most people.
In a “fixed” mindset, people believe characteristics are fixed, and they cannot grow or improve beyond what they began with naturally
in mind, body and personality. These people are always worried that others are going to find out that they are limited. They give up
easily when challenged.
A “growth” mindset allows that people can work to improve what they do, how well they do it, and who they are. People with growth
mindsets are open to challenges and enjoy change.
Which mindset do you have? Read each statement about intelligence and decide if you mostly agree or disagree with it:
1. Your intelligence is something very basic about you that you cannot change very much.
2. No matter how much intelligence you have, you can always change it quite a bit.
3. You can learn new things, but you can’t really change how intelligent you are.
The first and third statements reflect a fixed mindset and the second allows for growth. A belief in your capacity to change and
improve instills a love of challenge, a belief in effort, resilience in the face of setbacks, and greater success.
Dweck reports that in a poll of 143 creativity researchers, there was wide agreement that the number one ingredient in creative
achievement was exactly the kind of perseverance and resilience produced by the growth mindset.
Most people have a combination of mindsets: fixed about certain aspects of life and growth about others. When working with clients, I
listen for statements used by clients to describe situations and feelings so that I recognize where they are fixed.
We identify areas in which they have a growth mindset so that they can see the difference. Then we practice techniques to shift the
fixed mindset so that they achieve greater success in that aspect of life.
It is very powerful to use these concepts to determine what you believe about your capabilities and prospects. Begin to pay attention
and become aware of the words you use to describe opportunities and your ability to make changes.
Where do you have a fixed mindset and a growth mindset?
"Life loves to be taken by the lapel and told: “I’m with you, kid. Let’s go!"
Maya Angelou, American writer and poet
A paradigm is a philosophical or theoretical framework. The term is used to describe the set of experiences, beliefs and values that
affect the way an individual perceives reality and responds to that perception. A paradigm can be overarching and aligned with a life
vision. It can include subsets of how things work in different aspects of life, such as finances, work, relationships, and health.
One tool which is very helpful in shifting a paradigm is to consider your mindset as defined by Carol Dweck, Ph.D. in her book,
MINDSET. Based on research, Dweck explains the impact of two distinct mindsets held by most people.
In a “fixed” mindset, people believe characteristics are fixed, and they cannot grow or improve beyond what they began with naturally
in mind, body and personality. These people are always worried that others are going to find out that they are limited. They give up
easily when challenged.
A “growth” mindset allows that people can work to improve what they do, how well they do it, and who they are. People with growth
mindsets are open to challenges and enjoy change.
Which mindset do you have? Read each statement about intelligence and decide if you mostly agree or disagree with it:
1. Your intelligence is something very basic about you that you cannot change very much.
2. No matter how much intelligence you have, you can always change it quite a bit.
3. You can learn new things, but you can’t really change how intelligent you are.
The first and third statements reflect a fixed mindset and the second allows for growth. A belief in your capacity to change and
improve instills a love of challenge, a belief in effort, resilience in the face of setbacks, and greater success.
Dweck reports that in a poll of 143 creativity researchers, there was wide agreement that the number one ingredient in creative
achievement was exactly the kind of perseverance and resilience produced by the growth mindset.
Most people have a combination of mindsets: fixed about certain aspects of life and growth about others. When working with clients, I
listen for statements used by clients to describe situations and feelings so that I recognize where they are fixed.
We identify areas in which they have a growth mindset so that they can see the difference. Then we practice techniques to shift the
fixed mindset so that they achieve greater success in that aspect of life.
It is very powerful to use these concepts to determine what you believe about your capabilities and prospects. Begin to pay attention
and become aware of the words you use to describe opportunities and your ability to make changes.
Where do you have a fixed mindset and a growth mindset?
Attitude is Everything!
I often speak to groups about the power of our attitudes and beliefs to move us successfully forward in life and work. The following
quote from Charles Swindoll, minister and host of the Insight for Living radio show describes this concept very well.
One way to improve your attitude is to BRING WHAT YOU COME TO GET. I first heard this phrase at a volunteer orientation when the
leader shared a story from her grandmother. As a teenager, the leader had a terrible crush on a young man and wanted him to like her
very much. She asked her grandmother how to proceed, and her grandmother told her to bring to the relationship what she wanted to
receive from it.
Bring the fun, respect, caring, and humor that you want from your relationships and circumstances to them. The volunteer leader was
asking us to bring the qualities and rewards we sought from the volunteer experience to the assignments.
I hear so many people complaining about what others do and say. They are waiting for someone else to behave better or to help them
feel good about themselves or some situation. This is what Gandhi meant by telling us to be the change we want to see in the world.
Don’t wait for someone else to go first. You will be happier and more successful if you shift your attitude to a higher level and bring the
respect, intelligence, common sense, loving kindness, fairness, generosity, logic, whatever trait you find yourself complaining about in
others to your relationships, home and work. Lead the way!
I often speak to groups about the power of our attitudes and beliefs to move us successfully forward in life and work. The following
quote from Charles Swindoll, minister and host of the Insight for Living radio show describes this concept very well.
- “The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude to me is more important than facts. It is more
important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people
think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company… church…home.
The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our
past…we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do
is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude…I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I
react to it.”
One way to improve your attitude is to BRING WHAT YOU COME TO GET. I first heard this phrase at a volunteer orientation when the
leader shared a story from her grandmother. As a teenager, the leader had a terrible crush on a young man and wanted him to like her
very much. She asked her grandmother how to proceed, and her grandmother told her to bring to the relationship what she wanted to
receive from it.
Bring the fun, respect, caring, and humor that you want from your relationships and circumstances to them. The volunteer leader was
asking us to bring the qualities and rewards we sought from the volunteer experience to the assignments.
I hear so many people complaining about what others do and say. They are waiting for someone else to behave better or to help them
feel good about themselves or some situation. This is what Gandhi meant by telling us to be the change we want to see in the world.
Don’t wait for someone else to go first. You will be happier and more successful if you shift your attitude to a higher level and bring the
respect, intelligence, common sense, loving kindness, fairness, generosity, logic, whatever trait you find yourself complaining about in
others to your relationships, home and work. Lead the way!
Clarity in Context
"Every great and deep difficulty bears in itself its own solution.
It forces us to change our thinking in order to find it."
Niels Bohr, Danish physicist & Nobel Prize winner
Whew! Where did 2009 go? It has been an amazing ride through the first decade of the 21st century. As we
end the year, many of us spend time reflecting on the closing year and setting goals and intentions for the
New Year.
As you do this, try incorporating the mindset tool I discussed in the last newsletter. In which areas of life, did
you act with a fixed mindset believing that characteristics and circumstances were set in stone? Where/how
have you been disappointed or held yourself back? In which areas, did you move forward in a growth mindset
proving to yourself that you can cultivate your qualities through effort and perseverance.
The power of a growth mindset is unlimited, because our true potential is unknown. It is impossible to know
what can be accomplished with passion, work and training. You can always do what you love with all your
heart in order to achieve the sense of accomplishment and happiness you desire. You need only have clarity
in the context that you seek.
For example, I accept that at my age I can no longer be a performing ballerina in the New York City Ballet
Company. However, if I want to be a ballerina I can do something that will satisfy my soul. First I ask myself
what I want to feel when I am this accomplished ballet dancer performing in a prestigious company? Why do
I think that this accomplishment will satisfy my soul?
Let's just say, I want to float - to feel fully alive in my body - to be one with the music - to be graceful - to feel
the satisfaction of meeting the physical demands of performing dance - to be with a live audience and other
dancers. OK, this is the context I desire from the idea in my head of being a ballerina. I begin the discipline
and practice to change my body and build my skills. Then I look for realistic outlets for my creative
expression.
My cousin, Timmy always wanted to be a rock'n'roll star. He loved playing in his band as a young man and
continued playing guitar and drums while he spent nearly 20 years as a mailman in rural Maine. After he
retired a few years back, he found himself auditioning to be the drummer in Steel Rail Express, a
multi-dimensional group who loves to play music and have a good time. They have hundreds of gigs booked
for 2010, and Tim is enjoying himself immensely.
It is all about context. As you set goals, remember to nourish your growth mindset and consider how you
want to feel and with whom you want to be once you reach your goals.
"Every great and deep difficulty bears in itself its own solution.
It forces us to change our thinking in order to find it."
Niels Bohr, Danish physicist & Nobel Prize winner
Whew! Where did 2009 go? It has been an amazing ride through the first decade of the 21st century. As we
end the year, many of us spend time reflecting on the closing year and setting goals and intentions for the
New Year.
As you do this, try incorporating the mindset tool I discussed in the last newsletter. In which areas of life, did
you act with a fixed mindset believing that characteristics and circumstances were set in stone? Where/how
have you been disappointed or held yourself back? In which areas, did you move forward in a growth mindset
proving to yourself that you can cultivate your qualities through effort and perseverance.
The power of a growth mindset is unlimited, because our true potential is unknown. It is impossible to know
what can be accomplished with passion, work and training. You can always do what you love with all your
heart in order to achieve the sense of accomplishment and happiness you desire. You need only have clarity
in the context that you seek.
For example, I accept that at my age I can no longer be a performing ballerina in the New York City Ballet
Company. However, if I want to be a ballerina I can do something that will satisfy my soul. First I ask myself
what I want to feel when I am this accomplished ballet dancer performing in a prestigious company? Why do
I think that this accomplishment will satisfy my soul?
Let's just say, I want to float - to feel fully alive in my body - to be one with the music - to be graceful - to feel
the satisfaction of meeting the physical demands of performing dance - to be with a live audience and other
dancers. OK, this is the context I desire from the idea in my head of being a ballerina. I begin the discipline
and practice to change my body and build my skills. Then I look for realistic outlets for my creative
expression.
My cousin, Timmy always wanted to be a rock'n'roll star. He loved playing in his band as a young man and
continued playing guitar and drums while he spent nearly 20 years as a mailman in rural Maine. After he
retired a few years back, he found himself auditioning to be the drummer in Steel Rail Express, a
multi-dimensional group who loves to play music and have a good time. They have hundreds of gigs booked
for 2010, and Tim is enjoying himself immensely.
It is all about context. As you set goals, remember to nourish your growth mindset and consider how you
want to feel and with whom you want to be once you reach your goals.