Effortless Thursdays #25: Could my aha moments be yours, too?
Thinking that has changed the way I show up in the world
Welcome to Effortless Thursdays!
Cohort 10 of Write of Passage is just about over. Today is the last day.
I've been reflecting this morning about what I've learned over the past five weeks of writing, editing and honing my craft.
I was planning to share my insights in this edition of Effortless Thursdays, but there are some ideas still brewing in my mind on how conversations are an emotional gift.
If you're looking for inspiration – or perhaps some courage – to get your ideas into the world, whether that's why Finland's entry didn't win the Eurovision song competition (sorry Katri!), asking someone for help, or securing the promotion you know has your name written on it, next week's Effortless Thursdays is for you! Conversations might feel difficult, but they don't have to be.
This week, I want to share three things that could help your days feel effortless. They're all ideas that sparked aha moments for me when I found out about them. I hope they spark something like that in you, too.
Indiana Jones (the other one)
There’s a real-life Indiana Jones who’s made a remarkable impression in my life. If you missed the essay I sent out yesterday, I invite you to take a look at the three things that I think make Dr Robert Biswas-Diener stand out.
He’s a magician
He’s a “you-can” professor
He chooses what’s ethical, not what’s popular
From his 90-degree questions to his ability to evoke a “yes I can” in those who learn from him, his thinking could change the way you think about yourself, and the world around you.
You even get to discover what I would say to Robert if we had a coffee together. And, if you, dear reader, and I were having a coffee - or a glass of wine, you might also find out what you notice in me from all the things I’ve learned from Robert [Hint: it’s not about me, it’s about you!].
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Writing that evokes aha moments
This last week of the course gave me two opportunities to edit the essays of two writers and friends. Like my essay I published yesterday about Robert, these two essays were part of our assignment to “curate a piece about someone we think others should know about”.
Julia Childs
I love the energy and indefatigability of Julia Childs, the American chef who transformed a generation of American homes with her eas(ier)-to-prepare cordon bleu cooking. Out of Meryl Streep and Sarah Lancashire, I think it was Sarah who stood out for me playing the chef in the TV series.
With my autoimmune condition, there are certain things, like flour and diary, that I would avoid in Julia’s recipes, but the beauty about Julia is that not only is she a chef, but she is a brilliant marketer.
That’s what Sarah Stadler brings out in her amusing, thoughtful piece, Mastering the Art of Self-Promotion: Lessons from Julia Child.
It was such a joy to see how this essay evolved from first draft to published.
Steve Chandler
Why am I always the one who has to fill this damn thing?
Why can’t she ever do it?
Is that too much to ask?
If you find yourself frothing with frustration like this 👆when someone doesn’t do what you want them to, this essay by Rik van den Berge is for you.
Steve Chandler has been called a combination of Jerry Seinfeld and Anthony Robbins. In the words of Rik, Steve “has a knack for explaining how we behave on autopilot most of the time, without realizing what’s at the root of our problems. His books are full of empowering, clarifying observations that you can’t unsee.”
In Agreeing with Steve Chandler, Rik shares one simple but transformational insight of his that has the power to transform how you interact with others.
A retrospective
Finally, in case you missed them, here are the five essays I wrote during Write of Passage over the past five weeks.
What is Effortless Leadership? An introduction to the three pillars that have helped me and my clients experience life in a way that feels effortless, especially if you lead others.
Stop shrinking your brain at breakfast . Should your morning drink be called a “Shrink Your Brain Elixir” or “Fast Track to Alzheimer’s”? Here’s how to stop destroying your cognitive performance and your long-term brain health.
To lead well, eat well . Fuel your brain to show up with energy, vitality and presence
The insidious refrain of “I’m getting old” . It’s time to sing a different song about your future.
Three things about Indiana Jones (the other one) you should know . What you can learn about yourself, and the world around you from the real-life Indiana Jones.
Over to you!
Do you have an aha moment emerging?
What is it?
What do you want to do with it?
That’s it for this week!
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To your health and success!