Becoming a More Excellent Me

Deliberate practice is intentionally looking for the area that needs the most improvement, doing whatever it takes to improve it, and then repeating until excellence is achieved. It may involve a lot of trial and error and it may involve consultation with experts, but the key is that it is intentional, rather than just mindless drills.

In this letter to one of her daughters, Chere' reflects on the importance of having a unique voice.

Today Chere' reflects briefly on the need for us to encourage people around us.  Rolfe Carawan gave an excellent TEDx talk on the subject.  Link below:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMxVTzWndlc&list=PLOvuT2jU_pHTkiBp0MAzSdP-o5T3loSmt

Sometimes we just feel like we cannot possibly do the tasks set in front of us.  This is so common it is known as imposter syndrome. In this episode Chere' talks about how she copes with feelings of inadequacy at work.

Do you sometimes feel like your job doesn't have value? Are you looking for a job that matters?  This episode is a simple reminder to us that if we refocus on serving others, then the job itself is irrelevant.  A job of service is a job that matters.This episode mentions an interview with David Begnaud, a CBS News journalist.  Here is the promised link to that interview. 

True professionals value other people.  Everything we do stems from the level of regard we have for others, and the Puerto Rican governor failed because he failed to respect others.

in today's episode Chere' reflects on the need for community instead of a focus on self.  Our purpose comes not from self-fulfillment, but from service.

Do you feel like fear is stopping you from doing something you really want to do? Today's episode gives some practical advice for getting past those fears.

Do you feel like life has you so busy you never have time to take a breather?  Or do you find that you take time to rest in front of the television or a video game but you feel tired anyway?  In this episode Chere' talks about the importance of intentional rest and solitude, rather than escapism.

Seeking excellence is not easy, so easy goals are the path to mediocrity.

The art of conversation is hard.  The hardest thing is being genuinely interested in the other person.

When the idea of figuring out the next long-term goal is overwhelming, maybe the better choice is to examine principles, instead.

Reflections on the need to focus on our priorities with intention, after letting go of what doesn't matter.

Personal growth is hard and the easy way is never the answer.  Chere' reflects on the one step that is most essential for personal growth.

Reflections on what actually makes someone teachable. 

When it seems like our children want nothing more than electronics, we search for another way. In my house, we make cookies to help teach the joy of work.

Have you ever struggled with finishing projects, or even starting them, because of your perfectionism?  Are your high standards in the way?  In today's episode Chere' shares thoughts about how to get stuff done without letting go of your high standards.

After two weeks of podcasts, it's time I finally posted an introduction!  Listen here for a brief "about this podcast" episode. Also, as mentioned in this podcast, you can reach me on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ChereEvans.authorpage and via email at chere@chereevans.com.

Constantly searching for your calling in life will leave you frustrated and disillusioned.  The truth is, your purpose already found you.

Thoughts about the importance of meeting commitments like a professional.

Anger has its place.  It rarely belongs on social media.

Sometimes we let our own idea of what we should be doing prevent us from actually doing what matters.  It's time to just let it go.

Thoughts on scheduling time to be with people, instead of allowing tasks to drive the schedule.

Thoughts about how we influence our work and family life by our complaints.

An observation that sometimes we don't remember - when we probably should.

Thoughts on the hard work and rewards of taking responsibility and reaching personal milestones.

Thoughts on how we can help people through tough times. 

A letter to my daughter on the challenges of loving someone. 

Thoughts on the challenges and rewards of growing in maturity.  

Thoughts on learning to let go of "busyness".  

Thoughts on the importance of acting on our good intentions. 

A short letter to my daughter on what it really means to listen to someone.