Critical Thinking is the disciplined art of ensuring that you use the best thinking you are capable of in any set of circumstances. Emotional Intelligence is the ability to recognize, understand and manage our own emotions, while recognizing, understanding, and influencing the emotions of others. Mindfulness is the awareness that arises through paying attention, on purpose and without judgment, to the present moment.
When these three attributes are under-developed within an individual, he or she tends to make reactionary decisions based upon assumptions, fear, anxiety, and anger. When enough such under-developed individuals gather en masse, the impact can significantly alter political, economic, and cultural foundations.
Each of us owes it to our own self-worth and dignity to be a lifelong learner who is constantly growing in Critical Thinking, Emotional Intelligence, and Mindfulness. Furthermore, we owe it to humanity to help encourage and inspire others to grow in these attributes.
My American Dream–indeed, my dream for the entire planet–is one in which a critical mass of enlightened human beings begins to shape the debate on our most pressing problems, and is entrusted with the responsibility to solve them in collaborative, compassionate ways.
My dream is still a long way from reality. But today, in the throes of extreme disappointment with the outcome of the U.S. Election, I will press on and encourage others to do the same.
Growing Your Strengths
I’m a Nashville-based writer, talent strategist, and certified executive coach. On this website, I primarily write stories featuring a diverse group of professionals whose examples of applying mindfulness, learning agility, and storytelling will help you love your career and enhance your quality of life.
These characters face familiar pain points: nonstop change, accelerating economic and technological disruption, and the collective “noise” that grows louder each day. The impact, for these professionals and for many of us, has been confusion, distraction, and stress.
Until, however, each of these individuals chooses to do something new: practicing mindfulness, learning agility, and storytelling habits, and growing them into strengths…strengths that respond to change rather than just react.
Strengths that you can develop as well.
Don’t settle for the confusion, distraction, and stress. You’re stronger than that, and capable of much more.
Choose to do something new. Today. Start with this post, check out my books, and join our learning community to receive free, exclusive content via email each month with timely guidance on applying mindfulness, learning agility, and storytelling.
