Exceptional Leaders take Absolute Ownership

Introduction

Spoiler alert, the five-word quote above summarizes what this exceptional 312-page leadership book explains in easy to understand prose. If you do not take the time to read this book, that is your loss; however, if that is the case, do yourself a favour and remember the quote above and APPLY it. If you don’t fully understand what taking “absolute ownership” means then you will just have to read the book ?.

Why am I writing and posting a book review on leadership on Forever Active, a web site dedicated to improving an older adult’s fitness and wellness? Because, if you embrace the fundamental principals of this book (there are twelve of them) you will lead a better, more complete, balanced, accountable lifestyle. This includes improved fitness and wellness. Read more…

By Richard Reed

As an older adult, I like to think that I know a lot. You know, the “I have been there, done that” mentality. Sadly, as I read, listen, watch and interact with others I have quickly learned that I know so little. Everyone comes from a different background and has experienced so many things that I have not. Simply by osmosis you can not help but learn more each day.

If you are like me, and are curious about other people and what you can learn from them, then “If I could Tell You Just One Thing” is the book for you. It is a compilation of 68 interviews with the famous such as entertainers, Simon Cowell, Judy Dench and Jude Law; the politically powerful like President Bill Clinton and Prime Minister Tony Blair; the spiritually influential such as The Dali Lama and Reverend Libby Lane, the super rich, Bill Gates and Sir Richard Branson, adventurer like Bear Grylls who summited Mt. Everest, and survivors like Lily Ebert (Auschwitz concentration camp) and Katie Piper (domestic abuse).

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by Dr. Kristin Neff , Ph.D.

“Treat yourself like you would treat your best friend”

Introduction

       The above quote sounds so easy to do but the reality is that it is hard to execute. When our best friend is suffering or distraught we would never say, “You are so stupid, why did you ever do that? Don’t you know any better? Stop being a baby and feeling sorry for yourself. ” No, we would most likely come up to them, put our arms around them and console them by saying, ” It’s ok, everyone makes mistakes. The world goes on and tomorrow will be another day, another opportunity to do better.” Why is it then, when we make mistakes, we often treat ourselves and engage in self talk like the former example and not the latter. Why do we treat ourselves cruelly, expect so much more and hold ourselves to a higher standard than we do others? For most of us, it comes naturally to show compassion to those that are suffering but it does not come so naturally to show self-compassion when we feel the same way.
        Dr. Kristin Neff’s book, “Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself,” attempts to answer why we don’t show more self-compassion to ourselves and why showing ourselves self-compassion is more important and healthier for us than having high self-esteem. Dr. Neff then discusses how to effectively implement self-compassion into our daily lives.
       This book is a powerful self help book that will change your perspective on how you should treat yourself to deal in a productive way with stressful and unpleasant situations. You may be surprised what a little self-compassion can do to help you live a happier and healthier life. Read more…