#JustListen 

Where do you come from in any conversation—interest or opposition? 

Can you be opposed yet still curious? Notice when you feel contrary, and instead of resisting, choose to listen. Isn’t that what you want from others? To listen with genuine interest, saying, “I’m here, present, and considering what you have to say. Let’s talk, and let’s discover together.”

#BeWhatsMissing 

​What is missing for you today?

This is a powerful question, not because something is necessarily wrong, but because it invites you to explore what could be more. To entertain this question, you don’t need to criticize your life, work, or relationships. It’s about tuning-in to that subtle feeling stirring within you, asking for more fulfillment, joy, and passion. It’s about discovering what lights you up today, not just what mattered yesterday.

Engage with this question gently. Bring it into focus, allowing yourself to have an inner conversation about what’s possible. Or, if it feels right, share your thoughts with a trusted friend, speaking your wonderings out loud.

By simply asking this question, you begin the process of exploration. You stop waiting for something external to fill the gap; you become what’s been missing.

#HappyLife

Life is a journey from start to finish. What are you here to experience? What are you looking forward to right now?

If these questions leave you uncertain, it might be time to reassess where you are and where you want to go. Start by identifying one small change that makes you happy. Every decision you make is a step toward the experiences you wish to create.

Embrace the opportunity to chart a path filled with moments that resonate with your soul. It’s never too late to redirect your journey. Imagine waking up each day feeling fulfilled and excited to greet the day.

#AskQuestions
 
Asking questions builds rapport and shows sincere interest.  

If you catch yourself doing all the talking or making statements, pause! Ask a question to find out what someone else thinks before concluding the conversation. This is crucial at work and just as important in personal relationships—maybe even more so.

You wouldn't want the first time you learn what someone really thinks to be when they're walking out the door! Asking a question is simple.

Practice this one: 'What do you think?'
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Be prepared to be challenged. It's fun, engaging, and insightful.

#Achievement
 
Understanding where you are in the cycle of accomplishment is essential. Are you creating a new vision, actively engaged in a plan of action with timelines and goals, or finishing up, feeling fulfilled, and ready to celebrate your success? These stages—creation, manifestation, and fulfillment—are part of every endeavor in a forward-flowing cycle toward achievement.

Avoid getting caught in a backward-flowing cycle of fantasy, excuses, and disappointment. Trade in fantasy for a powerful vision, excuses for a clear action plan, and fulfillment will follow.
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Keep looking ahead, but don’t lose sight of where you are. It’s important to pause and check that you’re on course and fully engaged.

#LoveSomeone
 
Love says that what you think matters to me.

In powerful relationships, love isn’t just a feeling; it’s an action. It’s demonstrated through a willingness to put aside assumptions and judgments to understand the other person genuinely. It’s about valuing their input, showing appreciation for their perspective, and working together to create a shared understanding.
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In your relationships, ask yourself: How am I showing that what you think matters to me? How can I better demonstrate love, respect, and deep caring today?

#RiskZone
 
Where are you operating from today—your comfort zone, learning zone, or risk zone?

Your comfort zone requires nothing new of you; it’s what you already know. Your learning zone invites curiosity and only risks challenging what you know. Your risk zone involves questioning what you haven’t done and considering whether you can handle the potential embarrassment of making a mistake or stumbling. But you can mitigate that risk with practice and preparation, especially when it aligns with your vision of a meaningful, joyful life.

So, what’s a risk worth taking today?

#BeliefBarrier
 
The most significant barrier to listening is the belief that you already know everything. That idea may sound illogical, but notice those moments when you catch yourself acting this way. Being stuck in your own certainty can prevent you from gaining new insights, leaving both you and your conversation partner frustrated.

Remember, there's always more to learn. Embrace the unexpected and be open to surprises. Ask questions not to validate your assumptions but to genuinely understand others' perspectives. Here are three great questions to gain insight: 'What do we know so far?', 'What can we agree on?', and 'What can we research together?'
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This approach can transform your conversations from aggravating to enlightening.

#WidenYourPerspective

Why is it important to view your judgmental perspectives differently?

Judgments create tunnel vision, limiting you to a static view. By asking, "How can I see this differently?" you widen your perspective.
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Loosening your grip on self-judgments or judgments about others' words or actions creates a powerful pause. Notice when you're triggered and resist the urge to react hastily. Otherwise, it will only make a mess without gaining any new understanding. Instead, ask the question and let that guide your next thought before you speak your next word.

#Celebrate
 
Are you waiting to experience fulfillment until you achieve your goal?
 
Stop waiting. Daily fulfillment is essential for motivation and perseverance. You can find satisfaction in the small steps you take daily toward your goal. Remember, progress is progress, no matter how small.
 
Fulfillment looks different for everyone. It might be checking items off your list, receiving a 'good job' message, or even congratulating yourself on a job well done. You don't need external validation, but if sharing your progress with others helps, don't hesitate to do so.
 
Celebrate your achievements when you reach your goal, but also remember to celebrate the small victories along the way. These moments of acknowledgment keep you motivated and remind you that you're moving forward inch by inch.

#Silence
 
Silence is often perceived as awkward, prompting many to quickly fill the space with chit-chat to ease discomfort. Instead, consider silence a signal that you're on the threshold of the unknown, a gateway to discovery.

Imagine an orchestra warming up, with a cacophony of notes colliding into an undecipherable sound. Then it stops, and silence falls. In that quiet, there's a unique beauty as everyone listens intently, captivated by the moment. Don't rush to break the spell—silence is golden for a reason. Silence becomes dynamic when everyone allows the moment to unfold naturally.
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The next time you encounter silence, let it be a moment of presence calling you to attention rather than something to fill.

#Love
 
Love is still the answer.
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It’s not a sign of weakness but a fierce and powerful force that can overcome even the most insurmountable challenges. In times of adversity, let love be your guiding principle. It has the strength to break down barriers, heal wounds, and create lasting change.

#MeditationPractice
 
The practice of meditation isn’t to silence your thoughts—an impossible task—but rather to let them flow naturally, like sitting on the bank of a river and watching the water move by. Sometimes, a thought might catch your attention, like a branch snagging on rocks at the river’s edge. When this happens, you notice and gently release the thought and let it continue on its way.

This experience helps develop a new relationship with your thoughts. You begin to notice that while you have thoughts, your thoughts don’t control you. You can let some go, transform empowering ones into action, and let some settle into possibilities.
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Meditation prepares you to be yourself. Next time you feel overwhelmed by your thoughts, practice meditating and notice the change in your perspective.

#DoorwayToConnection

Your individual perspective shapes the way you see and respond to the world.
So, how do you access a doorway into another person's world to see what they see?

First, you must find the door, knock on it, and wait to see if they will answer. If they open the door, you've achieved the first step. To gain entry, approach with the powerful tools of kindness and curiosity about what lies inside.
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When someone shares their innermost thoughts, treat them gently. They have given you a rare and precious gift. Respect this vulnerability and use the opportunity to deepen your understanding and connection.

#EmpathyRedefined

How do you create empathy that is genuinely useful?

Naturally empathetic people might say, 'You don't create it, you are it!' But if you tend to be more blunt or thick-skinned than sensitive, stepping into another's shoes can feel like uncharted territory—yet this is the essence of empathy.

It may be time to reconsider what empathy truly means. It's not just about stepping into someone else's shoes or feeling their emotions as your own. For some, this is an impossible task. Instead, why not consider another's thoughts and feelings carefully?This approach can broaden your understanding and make empathy more achievable. It can open up a world of possibilities, allowing both the naturally empathetic and the less sensitive to share their wisdom with each other.

#DefeatTheProblem
 
When facing a problem, consider focusing on the issue rather than the person you’re in a disagreement with. By concentrating on the specific problem, you can approach the situation more objectively and work together to find a solution.

This mindset shifts the dynamic from adversarial to collaborative, allowing both parties to tackle the problem, not each other.
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By working together on common issues rather than against each other, you offer respect and understanding, ultimately strengthening the relationship.

#FightFatigue
 
Fight fatigue with focus. What are you focused on? Is it meaningful, fun, or enlivening? Does it make a difference in your life? Only you can decide. If you're tired and tired of being tired, consider taking a break—a focused break.

What would you choose to focus on during this break? It could be something that brings you immediate joy. The possibilities are endless: a walk in nature, taking a class or simply indulging in some 'imagination' time. Focus is an act of creation, allowing you to create space for what you truly want to emerge.
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If your fatigue is physical, prioritize getting some rest. But if you're experiencing soul-draining fatigue, it's time to refocus. Shifting your attention to activities that uplift and energize you can reignite your passion and vitality.

#OpenMinded

Many people claim to be open-minded, but often, they're only open to what aligns with their existing beliefs.
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Today, challenge yourself to listen to different perspectives—not radically different, just ones you might not usually consider. It's a simple, fun exercise to help you build genuine listening skills. To listen is not just to hear; it's to truly consider new ideas and viewpoints. This practice can broaden your understanding and enrich your conversations.

#Panic

Feeling overwhelmed when things go wrong is natural, but panicking won't help.

To overcome panic, slow down. The urge to rush will only makes things worse by causing you to miss important details. Take a deep breath and ask yourself or others two key questions: 'What happened? Details, please.' and 'How did it happen? Details, please.' The first question provides content, helping you address the immediate issue, while the second offers context, helping you understand the underlying causes.
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Panic isn't useful. So, breathe through it or seek the support of a trusted ally. With clarity and a calmer mind, you'll find a way forward.

#ObstacleMagic
 
No one is standing in your way.

The real barrier is the thought that someone or something is stopping you. Think of your challenge as a puzzle to solve; once assembled, it will move you forward, happy and confident. Lay out the pieces of your puzzle. What does the picture show? Is it an obstacle to overcome, a path to take, or an inner image radiating awareness?
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Awareness brings valuable insights into facing challenges. When you stop seeing obstacles as obstacles and start seeing them as opportunities to expand your knowledge and skills, the magic of obstacles will be revealed.

#TrustTheProcess
 
It's okay to have an uncomfortable conversation.

Ensure your tone reflects compassion while your words are honest. Listen with acceptance to the response your words invite, transforming the conversation into a dialogue instead of a monologue.

While responsible for your intentions, words, and actions, you must also be comfortable with uncertainty. Not everything can be controlled or predicted.
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Trust the process — each step, no matter how small, contributes to the larger goal of truth, love, learning, healing, patience, and airing differences.

#Trust
 
Trust is the foundation of all meaningful relationships and effective teams. But how do you earn trust, and how do you regain it once it’s been broken?

1.     Always Tell the Truth: Honesty is non-negotiable. Consistently telling the truth, even when it’s difficult, forms the bedrock of trust.
2.     Share Information Appropriately: Transparency is crucial, but it’s equally important to respect confidentiality.
3.     Address Issues Immediately: Bring up bad news, breakdowns, and obstacles as soon as they arise. Understand that you don’t have to solve every problem by yourself. Lean on the strength of your relationships and team.
4.     Cultivate Authenticity: Avoid agreeing just to maintain harmony. Develop the ability to say no with respect.
5.     Do No Harm: Strive to act in ways that do not harm others. This is fundamental to maintaining trust.

Trust is a journey taken together. Use these steps to walk that path with integrity and confidence.

#LivingWithoutComplaint
 
Do you want to keep complaining about the issues that concern you, or do you want to focus on the resolution? The choice is yours.

Think about it: if the emerging complaint mattered, you'd do something about it. Wouldn't you? This isn't just about finding solutions; it's about fulfillment and experiencing a life worth living. Understand that a burgeoning complaint is a call to action, not a call to gripe endlessly.
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Cheers to living without complaint and making a meaningful difference where your heart and soul lead you.

#CanDo

You often hear that 90% of effort is about your mental attitude and 10% is about the work. While a positive mindset is important, it won't magically grant you the ability to do something you have yet to learn or practice.

When you're struggling, notice what you're telling yourself. Shift your internal conversation to access your encouraging mindset. Then, set your mind to learning the skills and knowledge you need. Once you're rolling, it seems like magic—but it's really you doing the work.

Your mindset works hand-in-hand with the actual work required.

#RecoveryTime
 
Stress and results—the connection that can drive success or lead to burnout.

In small amounts, stress is a powerful motivator. It pushes you to meet deadlines, achieve goals, and perform at your best. Think of the adrenaline rush before a big presentation or the focus you gain when working on a challenging project keeping you engaged and driven. But you can’t live in this heightened state all the time, or you’ll burn out.

You need recovery time, and that means scheduling it into your routine.
When you're constantly under pressure without adequate recovery, your performance and results suffer. Most importantly, you suffer!
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Find a sweet spot where you recognize when you’re overcommitting and stop, even if it means saying no to some things you’d like to do. You’ll be glad you did when you notice that you feel unexpectedly joyful.