Month: October 2024

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How to Shape Your Inner World for Outer Success

Introduction to the Mindset Series

As we move into November, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the power of mindset and how it shapes every aspect of our lives. Whether you’re striving for personal growth, professional success, or simply seeking to improve your well-being, the way you think influences your actions, relationships, and outcomes. The good news? You can change your mindset—and in doing so, change your life.

In this month’s blog series, we’ll explore the transformative power of mindset, with a focus on cultivating not only personal resilience but also adaptability. We’ll dive deep into how your thoughts, beliefs, and mental habits create your reality and how you can shift them to unlock new levels of potential. This will include recognizing when perseverance is needed and when it’s important to adapt, rest, or seek support. By the end of the series, you’ll not only understand the profound impact of mindset but also gain practical tools for fostering a more empowered, balanced, and sustainable way of thinking.

Why Focus on Mindset?

Mindset is the foundation for everything we do. It’s the lens through which we view the world and make decisions. A fixed mindset, where we believe our abilities and talents are static, can hold us back from reaching our goals and fully experiencing life’s possibilities. On the other hand, a growth mindset—the belief that we can continuously evolve and improve—opens doors to learning, creativity, and adaptive resilience.

However, resilience isn’t just about pushing through challenges. True resilience is about balancing persistence with rest, knowing when to adapt, and drawing on community and environmental support. This broader perspective on resilience will be a key theme in this series.

What You Can Expect

Over the next few weeks, we’ll publish a set of posts designed to help you understand and transform your mindset:

  1. Cultivating a Growth Mindset: How to Unlock Your Potential – Explore the concept of a growth mindset and learn how to embrace challenges and failures as opportunities for growth, while also knowing when adaptation is needed.
  2. Mindset Shifts for Overcoming Challenges – Learn how to shift your thinking when life throws obstacles your way, so you can face challenges with resilience, adaptability, and empowerment.
  3. How Self-Talk Shapes Your Mindset and Reality – Discover how your inner dialogue impacts your self-belief and how to replace negative self-talk with constructive, empowering thoughts.
  4. Fixed vs. Flexible Thinking: Adapting to a World of Change – Understand the difference between fixed and flexible thinking, and how adaptability can help you thrive in a fast-changing world by embracing uncertainty and new perspectives.

Who Is This Series For?

This series is for anyone seeking personal transformation. Whether you’re navigating a major life transition, pursuing a new goal, or simply trying to become the best version of yourself, the insights and tools provided here will help you cultivate a mindset that supports your journey. Whether you’re familiar with these concepts or just starting to explore the power of mindset, these posts will offer both new perspectives and actionable strategies.

Conclusion

Changing your mindset isn’t about pretending everything is perfect or endlessly pushing through adversity. It’s about cultivating an inner world that empowers you to take on challenges, seize opportunities, and adapt as needed. Throughout this month, I invite you to explore the power of mindset with me—to reflect on how your thoughts shape your life and, most importantly, how you can shift them to create the life you want.

Let’s embark on this journey together, and by the end of November, you’ll have a toolbox of mental strategies to help you navigate whatever life throws your way with both persistence and flexibility.

See also the book Mindset: Changing The Way You think To Fulfil Your Potential by Carol Dweck.

Journal prompts

  • What beliefs do I currently hold about my abilities and potential? How have these beliefs shaped my actions and choices?
  • How do I speak to myself during difficult moments?
  • What is one belief or thought pattern I want to change? What steps can I take to replace it with a more empowering one
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How to be a Good Ancestor

In today’s fast-paced world, it can be easy to get caught up in the immediate concerns of life—our daily tasks, financial worries, and short-term goals. But what if we took a moment to step back and consider not just our lives, but the lives of those who will come after us? How will the choices we make today shape the world for future generations?

This is the question Roman Krznaric explores in his book The Good Ancestor. Krznaric challenges us to think beyond the here and now and consider the long-term impact of our actions. He calls this shift “long-term thinking” or “cathedral thinking,” inspired by the grand, centuries-long process of building cathedrals in the past. While those who began constructing the cathedrals would never see their completion, they knew they were contributing to something beautiful and lasting, meant to serve future generations.

What Does It Mean to Be a Good Ancestor?

At its core, The Good Ancestor is about legacy—but not just the personal kind. Krznaric invites us to expand our understanding of legacy to encompass the well-being of humanity and the planet far beyond our own lifetimes. He introduces the idea of “time rebels,” individuals who challenge the modern world’s obsession with short-term results and instead advocate for decisions that will benefit people 100 years, or even 1,000 years, from now.

Krznaric provides inspiring examples of individuals and movements that embody this long-term thinking. From environmental activists planting trees today that will be forests for future generations, to policymakers advocating for laws that protect the Earth, the book emphasizes that we all have the potential to be good ancestors through the choices we make now.

Cathedral Thinking in Everyday Life

One of the most compelling concepts in The Good Ancestor is cathedral thinking. Historically, cathedrals were projects that took hundreds of years to complete, with builders working on them knowing they would never see the finished result. Today, Krznaric argues, we need to adopt a similar mindset when it comes to the decisions we make for the planet, our communities, and our descendants.

Cathedral thinking invites us to ask, “What projects or ideas can we invest in today that will benefit people long after we’re gone?” It’s about thinking beyond quick wins and immediate gratification, and instead building something enduring—whether it’s a sustainable environment, a more just society, or a cultural legacy of wisdom and kindness.

Shifting from Short-Term to Long-Term Thinking

Krznaric also points out that our current culture is deeply rooted in short-termism—whether in politics, economics, or even our personal lives. But if we want to create a world that future generations can thrive in, we need to break out of that mindset. He highlights strategies for becoming a long-term thinker, including practicing mindfulness, considering the environmental and social impact of our choices, and advocating for systemic changes that prioritize future generations.

This perspective encourages us to reflect on what kind of ancestors we want to be. How do we want to be remembered—not just by our immediate family, but by future generations who will inherit the world shaped by our actions? What values, principles, and systems do we want to leave behind? And how can we start living today with a broader view of the future?

Becoming a Good Ancestor Today

The Good Ancestor offers a hopeful message: it’s not too late to become the kind of ancestor future generations will thank. We can start by making small changes in our own lives, such as reducing our environmental impact, supporting causes that fight for a better future, or even simply reflecting on the long-term consequences of our everyday actions.

Krznaric’s book is a call to action—one that encourages us to shift our focus from short-term goals to long-term contributions. As we reflect on what it means to live a purposeful life, The Good Ancestor reminds us that true purpose isn’t just about what we achieve in our lifetime, but what we leave behind for those who will follow.

So, as we consider our personal legacy, let’s take a step further and ask: How can we contribute to a legacy that benefits future generations? What steps can we take today to ensure that our actions lead to a better, more just, and sustainable world for the seventh generation and beyond? The resources section below contains additional information that you may want to look at as you contemplate these questions.

Call to Action

Are you ready to become a good ancestor? Start by reflecting on your daily choices and how they might affect future generations. Whether it’s through reducing waste, supporting long-term initiatives, or simply being more mindful of the ripple effect of your actions, you have the power to shape the future.

More resources

The BBC have created a short, 5-minute video called How to move from Short-Term to Long-Term thinking

Roman Krznaric also gave a Ted talk on this topic as an introduction to his book.

The Long Now Foundation was established to foster long-term thinking and their website has information about its projects, talks and ideas.

The country of Wales passed the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act in 2015 and has a Future Generations Commissioner.

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How we can learn from our ancestors

Landscape with heart

As autumn deepens and festivals like the Day of the Dead invite us to remember those who came before us, it’s a perfect time to reflect on both our past and our future. Many cultures use this season to honour their ancestors, acknowledging the ways in which their lives continue to shape our present. But there’s another question we might ask as we light candles and tell stories: what legacy are we creating for those who come after us?

Remembering with Purpose

Traditions like the Day of the Dead are not just about remembering the past; they are about keeping alive the values, lessons, and spirit of those who have come before us. In many Indigenous cultures, this connection to ancestors is also linked to the future, particularly through the Seventh Generation Principle. This idea, rooted in Haudenosaunee Confederacy teachings, reminds us that the decisions we make today should benefit not just ourselves, but the seventh generation that comes after us—about 140 years into the future.

In reflecting on our ancestors, we see that their struggles, joys, and values laid the groundwork for the world we live in today. We are the living continuation of their legacy. As we honour them, we also inherit the responsibility to shape the world for future generations. What we choose to do in our lives—how we live, love, and contribute—echoes forward, influencing people we will never meet.

Living Your Legacy Now

The idea of living with the seventh generation in mind encourages us to think long-term about our impact. What values do we want to pass on? How do we want to be remembered? And how can we ensure that our actions today help create a better world for those who will live 100 or more years from now?

Legacy is not just about personal memory or fame—it’s about the lasting influence we have on the world around us. Whether it’s the kindness we show, the ideas we share, or the systems we contribute to, our choices have far-reaching consequences. The Seventh Generation Principle reminds us that our lives are part of a much bigger story.

Learning from the Past to Build the Future

Looking to the past offers us lessons for the future. Just as we remember our ancestors’ resilience, creativity, and compassion, we can carry those qualities forward in the way we live. Their legacies serve as a reminder that we, too, are writing history through our daily actions. What will future generations remember about us? How can we honour the best of what came before while forging a path that reflects our own values?

This season of remembrance invites us not only to reflect on those who shaped our present, but to ask: how can we shape the future? By thinking about the seventh generation, we take a long view of life, one that acknowledges the interconnections between past, present, and future.

As we honour those who came before, let’s also consider the responsibility we have to those who will come after. What legacy do you want to leave, and how can you start living it today?

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How to Embrace Life by Reflecting on our Mortality

Day of the Dead

As autumn deepens, we enter a season where various cultures around the world take time to honour the dead and reflect on the mysteries of life and death. From Halloween’s playful nod to the unknown to the deep reverence of All Souls’ Day and the colourful, celebratory traditions of the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos), these rituals provide profound insights about how we live.

Though many in Western cultures shy away from thinking about death, these festivals remind us that death is not only inevitable, but also an integral part of the human experience. In many ways, they challenge us to confront our mortality and ask, “How am I living in light of the fact that one day, my time will end?”

Celebrating Life by Facing Mortality

The Day of the Dead, in particular, teaches a beautiful lesson: death is not to be feared, but honoured. Families gather to celebrate their ancestors, decorate altars with marigolds, sugar skulls, and photographs, and share stories that bring the deceased to life in memory. Through this act of remembrance, they keep the legacies of their loved ones alive and, in turn, are reminded of the fleeting nature of life.

Similarly, Halloween’s origins as Samhain—a festival marking the end of the harvest and a time when the veil between the living and dead was believed to be thin—speaks to an acknowledgment of death as a natural cycle. It’s not just about ghosts and ghouls; it’s about understanding that death is a part of life’s broader journey.

Living with the End in Mind

In our modern, often fast-paced lives, it’s easy to forget that we won’t be here forever. But when we begin with the end in mind, we gain perspective on what truly matters. Rather than living reactively or by default, we can become intentional about our choices, ensuring that our lives reflect the values and passions we hold dear.

As we step into this season, it’s a perfect time to pause and ask: “What kind of legacy am I creating? How would I like to be remembered?” These are powerful questions that can lead us to deeper purpose and greater fulfilment, much like the reflection and celebration that happens in these global festivals.

Take this time to reflect, not in a morbid way, but in a way that celebrates life. After all, knowing that our time here is finite can be the greatest motivator to live fully and meaningfully.

See also: How to Live Your Life without Regrets

Psychology Today: The Life Benefits of Contemplating Death

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How Honouring the Past Shapes the Future – Legacy and Remembrance

Young girl with pumpkin lanterns

As the autumn season settles in and the days grow shorter, many cultures around the world turn their attention to the themes of reflection, legacy and remembrance. Festivals like Halloween, All Souls’ Day, and the Day of the Dead invite us to reflect not only on those who have come before us, but also on our own place in the ongoing story of life. This time of year serves as a poignant reminder that while our lives are finite, our actions and choices echo forward, shaping the future in ways we may never fully see.

In this blog series, we’ll explore the deep connections between remembrance and legacy. We will look to the past—learning from the lessons of those who came before us—and consider how their legacies continue to influence us today. But just as importantly, we’ll reflect on the future: what legacy are we creating, and how can we live with greater intention, knowing that our actions today will impact generations to come?

Exploring Themes of Mortality, Legacy, and Long-Term Impact

Throughout October, we will delve into the cultural and personal significance of acknowledging mortality, legacy, and the long-term impact of our lives. Each week, we’ll explore different facets of these themes:

  1. Honouring Life and Legacy Through Mortality: We’ll begin by looking at how cultural traditions like Halloween and the Day of the Dead help us confront mortality and celebrate life at the same time. These festivals offer profound insights into living with the end in mind, prompting us to ask: what kind of legacy are we creating? How do we want to be remembered?
  2. The Power of Remembrance in Shaping the Future: Next, we’ll explore how remembering our ancestors connects us to the future through the Seventh Generation Principle, a powerful concept rooted in Indigenous wisdom. By considering how our actions today will affect people 140 years into the future, we gain a broader perspective on legacy, one that transcends our immediate concerns​
  3. The Good Ancestor by Roman Krznaric: Finally, we’ll reflect on Roman Krznaric’s inspiring book The Good Ancestor, which encourages us to take a long-term view of our lives and legacy. Krznaric challenges us to think about how we can become “good ancestors” by making choices that will benefit not just the present but future generations, aligning our daily actions with a larger, enduring vision.

Living with the Future in Mind

At the heart of this series is the idea that our legacy extends far beyond the immediate impact of our lives. By reflecting on what we want our future contribution to be—whether in our personal lives, communities, or the wider world—we gain clarity about what truly matters. These posts will guide you through the process of thinking about your own legacy, not in a distant or abstract way, but in terms of the choices you make every day.

As we embark on this journey together, I invite you to reflect deeply, not only on your personal story but on the larger story we are all a part of. Our lives are intertwined with those who came before us, and they will continue to ripple forward long after we are gone. This October, let’s embrace the opportunity to live with purpose, knowing that we have the power to shape the future.

Stay tuned for the weekly posts, and I look forward to journeying with you through this season of reflection and legacy.