Amidst the bustle of everyday life, it is good to see inspiring quotes that give rise to meaningful insights.  But we need to stop and reflect in order to process these messages. 

In a previous article, ‘The streets where you walk’  I mentioned the experience of walking along the pedestrian Zone in Rosebank, Johannesburg where inspirational quotes are embedded in granite pavers.  To me it is fascinating how the planners managed to provide a combination of sculptures and inspirational thoughts that encourage pedestrians to stop and reflect. 

The designers of the Zone certainly managed to create an appealing environment where people want to be.

• Think of the design in your own life:  what are those things you ‘make’?
• How would you describe that which is ‘between those things’?
• How would shifting to a different angle change your view of the spaces between objects, events or other experiences?

My reflective questions for this quotation are:

• Recently, how have you allowed your mind to be stretched?  Give an example.
• How has this changed your thinking? 

When I was elected to a leadership position that meant that I’d have a ‘public profile’ my brother-in-law warned me… ‘Remember, when you are on the stage, people throw bouquets.  But they also throw rocks.  Be prepared for both’.

His wise words echo in my mind often.  In leadership positions we have to make quick decisive decisions.  This is particularly true in these uncertain and volatile times. And we are going to make mistakes.  And so the quote above is relevant to all of us.
My questions here are:

• When did you last make a mistake?
• What did you do to recharge your energy?
• And how quickly did you recover?
• What did you do to make sure that you weren’t permanently scarred?
• How are you going to transfer the learning from this mistake to future scenarios?

 

 Often we don’t appreciate our own capabilities.  And being thrown into a crisis can help us to function in a way that planned endeavours may have made impossible. Our own thinking limits us.  We need to dream, explore and expand our horizons so that we can get closer to achieving potential.

I encourage you to reflect further on these inspirational quotes.  What do they mean to you?  Journal your thoughts and you’ll be surprised at how your own ideas will surface.

For more information on Keynote Speaking or Executive Coaching please contact Brenda on brenda@146.66.90.172 or +27 82 4993311.