|
|
March 22nd, 2013
 Here’s a little brain teaser for you. Why are all the following equations correct?
1 = 1
24 = 1
1,440 = 1
86,400 = 1
Did you get it right away? Need a clue?
OK, here’s a hint…take it one day at a time. Got it now? No?
Well, as much as I would enjoy making you rack your brain to try to figure this one out, my space here is limited, so I’ll just tell you.
They’re all elements of one day.
One day consists of 24 hours, 1,440 minutes, 86,400 seconds. That’s all we get each day. It doesn’t matter who you are or what you do, the numbers are the same for all of us.
We can’t buy more time.
We can’t stop those seconds and minutes from passing.
And, we certainly can’t get back the time that has already passed.
What we can do, though, is take advantage of the time we do have. Let’s not stare at the ticking clock and watch time slip away, like a kid waiting for the school day to end. Instead, let’s savor every moment. Make the most of every minute. And, when the time comes to put our heads down on our pillows at night, know that we made the most of the day.
So, when you wake up tomorrow, how will you live so that each second is more meaningful than the last?
Live on Fire!
D. Luke Iorio, CPC, PCC, ELI-MP
President & CEO
Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC)
Catch more of Luke’s insight into happiness, leadership, and success, on March 28th, 7 p.m. (Eastern)/6 p.m. (Central)/4 p.m. (Pacific), during The Positivity Project. This eight week series features live interviews with the world’s most knowledgeable experts in positivity and change.
Tags: encouragement, gratitude, happiness, perspective
Posted in D. Luke Iorio - iPEC CEO
2 Comments »
February 7th, 2013
 One of the greatest American poets, Robert Frost, wrote:
“Two roads diverged in a wood and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
and that has made all the difference.”
I recall reading this classic poem, “The Road Not Taken,” in grammar school. Even so, an aspect of my mind that has long amazed me is the interesting assortment of things that I remember, as well as the many things (no doubt) of which I have absolutely no recollection.
What amazes me even more are the crystal clear reappearances of memories that seemed long forgotten – often as clear as if they happened only yesterday.
A book, a movie, or a song will light a candle of thought, which quickly becomes an inferno of details, that hadn’t stirred in my mind in ages.
Unwinding at the end of a day, recently, I came across the movie, “Dead Poets Society” on TV. If you’ve never seen it, I highly recommend watching it. In one scene, Robin Williams’ character was explaining to his class the importance of trusting in their beliefs and cherishing their individual uniqueness, even if the “herd” finds them odd or unpopular. He then proceeded to quote Frost’s celebrated poem.
I thought, “such inspiring wisdom to impart; such a wonderful seed to plant in young minds.”
Suddenly, as if a switch was flicked on, I was transported back to that rainy day as I sat at my desk (second row, third seat over) in Mrs. Connolly’s English class, reading that poem for the first time.
I realize now that the seeds it had sown had grown within me over the years. It’s amazing how an instance from childhood can quickly become so clear. Something that seemed so insignificant to twelve-year-old me played a significant role in who I’ve become.
I’ve learned that it’s often easier and safer to take the established route or the paved road. At times, it may be the more convenient and quicker avenue too, but it’s not as fun or challenging or exciting as forging your own path.
I don’t know if Frost could’ve foreseen the impact he’d have on a twelve-year-old boy, or if that was even his intent. I like to think he was just following his own “road not taken” and living truthfully, fulfilling what he knew was his purpose. Regardless, he planted a seed within me, one that firmly took root, and inspired me to forge a unique path to fulfilling my own purpose.
What path have you forged or are you now forging? What difference has that made in your life and in the lives of those around you?
Live on Fire!
D. Luke Iorio, CPC, PCC, ELI-MP
President & CEO
Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC)
Tags: choice, encouragement, finding purpose, possibilities
Posted in D. Luke Iorio - iPEC CEO
1 Comment »
February 4th, 2013
 Working smarter, not harder.
At this time in the second semester, in the midst of tackling major challenges and goals, it’s not uncommon to hear school leaders rally the team by reminding them to work smarter, not harder to increase effectiveness.
Sometimes we assume that everyone knows what working smarter is and that just might not be the case, especially if the resources at our disposal seem to be strapped.
In the book “Multipliers,” Liz Wiseman suggests that a key factor in increasing effectiveness is through “the ability to extract and multiply the intelligence that already exists in the organization.” She characterizes the best leaders as those who emphatically capitalize upon their own aptitude to instinctively multiply the genius in others around them.
Sound familiar?
Ever wondered why some leaders seem to create greatness all around them and others seem to drain intelligence and capability?
Have you ever been around someone who instantly makes you feel more capable?
Someone who you love to brainstorm with because the ideas just flow? Who energizes you?
People have extraordinary influence over each other – consciously and unconsciously. One of the most influential gifts we have, as educational leaders, is our individual and collective energy. Einstein proved that energy attracts like energy. Perhaps the reason some leaders have an amazingly positive energetic impact on the creativity of others is that they consciously demonstrate the belief that everyone has unlimited potential and the ability to create solutions.
Consciously sowing the seeds of unlimited potential.
How exactly do we sow these seeds? One simple way is by raising our awareness.
When a leader makes a conscious and concerted effort to show that others possess the ability and willingness (genius) to solve their problems, the beginnings of a culture of “multipliers” results and wayward challenges turn into opportunities.
Now that’s working smarter and not harder!
To tap into the genius of others, you need to be curious about their talents. Being conscious (aware) of how you create the space for creative dialogue, asking empowering questions, and listening more and talking less are some of the keys to becoming a multiplier.
So, ask yourself: how would effectiveness increase in your school if people wanted to use more of their discretionary effort, energy, and resourcefulness to actively search for more valuable ways to contribute? How are you empowering genius in others?
Susan Gonzales, MA.Ed, CPC, PCC, ELI-MP
Vice President, Coach Training Programs
Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC)
Tags: coaching skills, education, encouragement, energy, leadership
Posted in Susan Gonzales - Vice President, Coach Training Programs, C.O.O.
No Comments »
December 31st, 2012
 As New Year’s festivities get underway, how are you envisioning the year ahead? Perhaps you want to learn a new language, start a family, or change your career path.
Before the clock strikes midnight, make yourself one promise for 2013: LIVE IN THE MOMENT.
Living in the moment allows you to enjoy the experience that each moment offers. If you are IN-TO-IT, you will be more able to use your IN-TU-IT-ION because when you are truly present, your senses come alive.
Be in the moment without worrying about what will happen or what has already happened. If you are worried about the future, or thinking about the past, you cannot be present in the moment.
If you try to force something to happen, you deplete your energy. When you are totally focused and living in the moment, all energy is available to you, and you are living closest to your full potential. If you can actively work on this, then the coming year will be one of great abundance and awareness.
Happy New Year!
—Bruce D Schneider, MCC, PhD
Founder, Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC)
(Today’s blog is excerpted from iPEC’s self-mastery personal development program, The Law of Being.)
Tags: encouragement, perspective, power of choice, self-improvement
Posted in Bruce D Schneider - iPEC Founder
1 Comment »
December 26th, 2012
 I hope 2012 has been a great year for you.
In all transparency, I had a lot of mixed emotions when reflecting back on this year to write this post. On the one hand, I saw accomplishments; personally, I ran my first half marathon (after not being able to run even 3 miles six months earlier). And, I saw iPEC continue to grow in new directions – and graduates who continue to amaze and inspire me.
And yet, the end of this year has been a particularly difficult one – a devastating hurricane on the East Coast, and an unthinkable tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School.
As this year draws to a close, I know I’ll be thinking about that which is most important to me – my family – especially my children. I’ll be thinking about the world that I hope they’ll come to know as they grow up. And I’ll be thinking about my role, iPEC’s role, and our role – as a conscious community – in creating that world.
Creating that world cannot start in the future – it needs to start NOW. It doesn’t need to be global in nature; it just needs to start with “your world,” the one around you that you see and touch every day – and then expand from there, one step at a time.
As we step into the year ahead, I’ll be thinking of how I can impact those around me, each and every day, and propel them forward. And, I’ll also be considering ways in which to get involved in the larger community, to be a part of movements and causes – and not just be a supporter, but a joiner.
As I look back at the words I wrote to begin this year, I see these lines staring at us all:
We – as a community, society, and a country – need you. It’s time to stop waiting, to come back out, to speak up, to get involved, to take action, to lead.
If you haven’t heard your own inner voice calling for greatness, then here it is. I’m calling out to you – loudly, directly, overtly, and passionately. Will you answer?
Funny how things come full circle, huh?
I wish you joy and happiness through the remainder of this holiday season and, in 2013, I hope you’ll join me in answering the call more loudly than ever. Let’s make the year ahead our BEST one yet!
Live on Fire!
D. Luke Iorio, CPC, PCC, ELI-MP
President & CEO
Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC)
Tags: attitude, calling, encouragement, new perspective, self-improvement
Posted in D. Luke Iorio - iPEC CEO
No Comments »
|
|
Subscribe (RSS)