If we become aware of what's happening before we act, behaviour becomes a function of choice rather than a result of an impulse or trigger. You begin to control your world more as opposed to the outside world controlling you.
Interpretation
Awareness allows us to make intentional choices rather than react impulsively.
This quote by Marshall Goldsmith emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in our actions. When we are conscious of our thoughts and feelings before we respond, we empower ourselves to make deliberate choices instead of allowing impulses to dictate our behavior. By cultivating this awareness, we can take control of our lives and influence our surroundings positively, rather than being at the mercy of external circumstances.
In practice
During a leadership workshop discussing emotional intelligence, this quote can illustrate the importance of self-regulation.
Active questions are the alternative to passive questions. There is a huge difference between, 'Do you have clear goals?' and 'Did you do your best to set clear goals for yourself?' The former is trying to determine the employee's state of mind; the latter challenges the employee to describe or defend a course of action.
Treat every piece of advice as a gift or a compliment and simply say, “Thank you.
The only thing I don't think people don't understand about good leaders is that they're both good and lucky. A lot of it is timing.
Life is short. Do whatever you can to help people - not for status, but because the 95-year-old you will be proud if you did help people and disappointed if you didn't.
A leader who is self-aware enough to know that he or she is not adept at everything is one who has taken the first step toward being a great leader.
One of the most important actions, things a leader can do, is to lead by example. If you want everyone else to be passionate, committed, dedicated, and motivated, you go first!
Don't use big words. They mean so little.
Ability is a wonderful thing, but its value is greatly enhanced by dependability. Ability implies repeatability and accountability.
It is remarkable how long men will believe in the bottomlessness of a pond without taking the trouble to sound it.
A woman is like a tea bag - you can't tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.
Would you sell both your eyes for a million dollars...or your two legs...or your hands...or your hearing? Add up what you do have, and you'll find you won't sell them for all the gold in the world. The best things in life are yours, if you can appreciate them.
O God, help me to win, but in thy wisdom if thou willest me not to win, then O God, make me a good loser.
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