Saturday night, I took the 'long' route home from post-Sabbath services
It's about 2 minutes longer than if I had used the shortcut
But because of heavy rain that fell just minutes before, the shortcut was muddy and treacherous
So, I decided to take the 'long" way home to save myself the possibility of slipping and soiling myself, which would have made the 'short' way 'long' (I hope you're following me on this)
Which, come to think of it, I've been doing for most of my life
In his book Atomic Habits, author James Clear explains why habits are so difficult to break.
It's because we tend to focus on surface-level actions.
Most people start by focusing on outcome-based goals like...
“I want to lose 20 pounds.”
“I want to write a best-selling book.”
But these are surface level changes.
Read MoreThe fifth and final component of this step is to be sure to lead from values. Values are the core components of a person’s deepest beliefs, the concepts that they hold most dear and that drive decision making, or at least should. When a leader takes the time to identify her deepest values, she is likelier to make satisfying choices and remain consistent in her actions and choices. Moreover, if she is effective in articulating her values then others will understand her reasoning and be more inclined to support her process.
Read More“More than the calf wants to suckle, the cow wants to nurse.” Talmud (Pesachim 112a)
Parents are natural givers.
They want to give even more than their kids want to take.
Which is why it’s so gratifying to be able to spend quality time with our kids and contribute to their happiness.
So, as much as my son was excited for me to join him at a camp water park a couple of weeks ago, I was happier to be able to bring him joy with my presence and participation.
This Talmudic principal, in my view, applies to teachers and coaches as well.
We all tend to get dragged down and overwhelmed by things that accumulate over time and end up cluttering our minds.
When we identify them - even if we're not prepared to do anything about them right now - we raise our awareness and naturally start to handle, fix, and resolve them.
Start by making a list of what you’re putting up with at work and at home to determine what might be cluttering your mind and slowing you down!
Examples could be: incomplete tasks, frustrations, problems, other people’s or your own behavior, clutter, shoulds, unmet needs, crossed boundaries, unresolved issues or guilt, lack of exercise, eating habits, being indecisive, procrastinating, lack of sleep, etc.
They thought that I was hiding. Or worse, disinterested.
As an introverted head of school, I would often close my office door.
It helped me focus, think, and get more done.
And I didn't think much of it.
But others did.
Largely because my predecessor kept an open door policy.
And was always accessible.
When people lack information, they typically assume the worst case scenario.
Building passion is also a great way to manage and reduce workplace stress. Stress is a serious drain on productivity and had a direct effect on worker health and absenteeism. Stress-related illnesses cost businesses an estimated $200 billion to $300 billion a year in lost productivity, as reported in Stress in the Workplace. A study by Health Advocate found that 1 million workers miss work each day due to stress. This absenteeism costs employers an estimated $600 per worker each year. Twelve percent of employees have called in sick because of job stress. This is not surprising because most people respond to increased stress with added caffeine and alcohol consumption, smoking, and prescription medications.
Read MoreEvery time that I share my story...
the pain and the suffering as well as the comeback and success...
multiple people tell me how inspired, motivated, uplifted, and empowered they feel.
Productivity begins with engagement and passion. Disengaged, dispassionate workplaces are much less productive.
It is well-documented that many folks are not passionate about their work. According to Deloitte research, “Up to 87.7 percent of America’s workforce is not able to contribute to their full potential because they don’t have passion for their work.”
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