Be Better Today

Episode Notes

Be Better Today (Season 2, Episode 67) – Racial Justice: Ta-Nehisi Coates

Today’s show notes are a near-verbatim transcript because we believe the subject warrants it.

Welcome to the Be Better Today quickcast, I’m your host, Pete.

Today’s quote is a deep, candid look at how it is difficult to find the right phrasing when talking about race and racism, especially in the United States, because of the total destruction it entails. The quote comes from author Ta-Nehisi Coates who said:

“But all our phrasing—race relations, racial chasm, racial justice, racial profiling, white privilege, even white supremacy—serves to obscure that racism is a visceral experience, that it dislodges brains, blocks airways, rips muscle, extracts organs, cracks bones, breaks teeth. You must never look away from this. You must always remember that the sociology, the history, the economics, the graphs, the charts, the regressions all land, with great violence, upon the body.”

Now, let’s get out there and #bebettertoday!

Episode Notes

Be Better Today (Season 2, Episode 66) – Racial Justice: Chris Rock

Today’s show notes are a near-verbatim transcript because we believe the subject warrants it.

Welcome to the Be Better Today quickcast, I’m your host, Pete.

Today’s quote on racial justice comes from actor and comedian, Chris Rock. Mr. Rock’s take uses vivid imagery with his trademark wit to get his point across. And I quote:

“We treat racism in this country like it’s a style that America went through. Like flared legs and lava lamps. Oh, that crazy thing we did. We were hanging black people. We treat it like a fad instead of a disease that eradicates millions of people. You’ve got to get in a lab, and study it, and see its origins, and see what it’s immune to and what breaks it down.”

That is something to think about.

Now, let’s get out there and #bebettertoday!

Episode Notes

Be Better Today (Season 2, Episode 65) – Racial Justice: Ibram X. Kendi

Today’s show notes are a near-verbatim transcript because we believe the subject warrants it.

Welcome to the Be Better Today quickcast, I’m your host, Pete.

Thinking about racial justice can be uncomfortable. The usual narrative around racial justice must change – and change is also uncomfortable.

Episode Notes

Be Better Today (Season 2, Episode 64) – Racial Justice: Barack Obama

Today’s show notes are a near-verbatim transcript because we believe the subject warrants it.

Welcome to the Be Better Today quickcast, I’m your host, Pete.

Today’s quote on racial justice comes from the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama. Here he is helping to put context around the phrase and movement of Black Live Matter. He says:

“It’s important for us to also understand that the phrase ‘Black Lives Matter’ simply refers to the notion that there’s a specific vulnerability for African Americans that needs to be addressed. It’s not meant to suggest that other lives don’t matter. It’s to suggest that other folks aren’t experiencing this particular vulnerability.”

Now, let’s get out there and #bebettertoday!

Episode Notes

Be Better Today (Season 2, Episode 63) – Racial Justice: James Baldwin

Today’s show notes are a near-verbatim transcript because we believe the subject warrants it.

Welcome to the Be Better Today quickcast, I’m your host, Pete.

We continue our path of exploring racial justice quotes. Today, we listen to the words of American novelist and activist, James Baldwin, who wrote:

“Well, if one really wishes to know how justice is administered in a country, one does not question the policemen, the lawyers, the judges, or the protected members of the middle class. One goes to the unprotected—those, precisely, who need the law’s protection most! —and listens to their testimony. Ask any Mexican, any Puerto Rican, any black man, any poor person—ask the wretched how they fare in the halls of justice, and then you will know, not whether or not the country is just, but whether or not it has any love for justice, or any concept of it. It is certain, in any case, that ignorance, allied with power, is the most ferocious enemy justice can have.”

Now, let’s get out there and #bebettertoday!

Episode Notes

Be Better Today (Season 2, Episode 62) – Racial Justice: Martin Luther King, Jr.

Today’s show notes are a near-verbatim transcript because we believe the subject warrants it.

Welcome to the Be Better Today quickcast, I’m your host, Pete.

Every day this week I have thought about the great Martin Luther King, Jr. And every day I have thought about his famous, groundbreaking, and ever-relevant “I Have a Dream” speech.

Today, I want to read two excerpts as reminders that the work we must do is difficult and necessary, and that hope for a better future rings as true today as it did on August 23, 1963.

The first quote says:

“And so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.’”

And the second quote says:

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”

With that, I say, let’s get out there and #bebettertoday!

Episode Notes

Be Better Today (Season 2, Episode 61) – Racial Justice: Sally Kohn

Today’s show notes are a verbatim transcript because we believe the subject warrants it.

Today’s topic is about the role of white people in racial and social justice. To explore this aspect, we turn to a quote from political commentator and community organizer, Sally Kohn, who said:

“I think racial justice - and addressing the sick and enduring legacy of structural racism - remains one of the greatest challenges of our time, and one that's particularly important for more and more white people to speak up about.”

Now, let’s get out there and #bebettertoday!

Episode Notes

Be Better Today (Season 2, Episode 60) – Racial Justice: Ijeoma Oluo

Today’s show notes are a verbatim transcript because we believe the subject warrants it.

Today’s quote on racial justice is a modern take on the subject. It is important to bring the concept of being an anti-racist into the discussion.

To do this, we turn to New York Times best-selling author, Ijeoma Oluo, who said:

“The beauty of anti-racism is that you don’t have to pretend to be free of racism to be an anti-racist. Anti-racism is the commitment to fight racism wherever you find it, including in yourself. And it’s the only way forward.”

Now, let’s get out there and #bebettertoday!

Episode Notes

Be Better Today (Season 2, Episode 59) – Racial Justice: Martin Luther King, Jr.

Today’s show notes are a nearly verbatim transcript because we believe the subject warrants it.

As we said in previous episodes, this week’s quotes on racial justice will largely stand on their own. There is nothing we can offer to enhance these powerful words.

Today, we return to the greatest voice in civil rights of all-time, Martin Luther King, Jr., who said:

"With patient and firm determination we will press on until every valley of despair is exalted to new peaks of hope, until every mountain of pride and irrationality is made low by the leveling process of humility and compassion; until the rough places of injustice are transformed into a smooth plane of equality of opportunity, and until the crooked places of prejudice are transformed by the straightening process of bright-eyed wisdom."

Now, let’s get out there and #bebettertoday!

Episode Notes

Be Better Today (Season 2, Episode 58) – Racial Justice: Michelle Alexander

Today’s show notes are a nearly verbatim transcript because we believe the subject warrants it.

We continue our examination of racial justice quotes today. As stated previously, I will refrain from any opinion or insights, letting the quote speak for itself.

Today’s quote comes from writer and civil rights activist, Michelle Alexander, who said:

“The fate of millions of people – indeed the future of the black community itself – may depend on the willingness of those who care about racial justice to re-examine their basic assumptions about the role of the criminal justice system in our society.”

Now, let’s get out there and #bebettertoday!

Episode Notes

Be Better Today (Season 2, Episode 57) – Racial Justice: Martin Luther King, Jr.

Today’s show notes are a nearly verbatim transcript because we believe the subject warrants it.

We had some time off due to the needs of our family during the pandemic. We hope you and your family have stayed safe.

Given the events of the last week, we decided to return and focus our quotes on racial justice. As a white male, I am aware that what I say here is likely going to be wrong. I accept that. I also accept that silence is not an option.

My goal is to share the quotes this week and very little of my insights. I think the words themselves are important to share. We need dialogue to find solutions to individual and institutional racism in the United States. This little podcast is not the place for those critical talks.

Instead, we will share the words of great leaders in history. The subject is not easy, and the words will not fix the problem. The goal here is to take in the words and let them inspire us to go learn, listen, and be part of the solution.

We start today with a quote from the great civil rights leader, Martin Luther King, Jr., who said: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” A powerful and critical sentence from a great man.

Now, let’s get out there and #bebettertoday!

Episode Notes

Be Better Today (Season 2, Episode 56) – Patience: Michelangelo

We wrap-up this week by looking at one last quote about patience from Michelangelo, who said: “Genius is eternal patience.”

Four words with a big impact. Everything builds from this skill – master patience and you are on your way to a more fulfilling and peaceful life.

Now, let’s get out there and #bebettertoday!

Episode Notes

Be Better Today (Season 2, Episode 55) – Patience: Johnny Mathis

This lengthy quote from singer-songwriter Johnny Mathis about patience takes patience, and it is worth it: “People are stubborn about what they perceive to be the right thing or the wrong thing, and it takes a long time to filter this human condition. There’s a waiting period until people catch up. But if you have patience – which it takes when someone thinks differently from you – everybody always catches up. That patience is a wonderful virtue.”

The biggest lesson here is that patience is not about your timeline, it is about others.

Now, let’s get out there and #bebettertoday!

Episode Notes

Be Better Today (Season 2, Episode 54) – Patience: Joyce Meyer

For today’s look at patience, we return to American author and speaker, Joyce Meyer, who once said: “Patience is not simply the ability to wait - it's how we behave while we're waiting.”

As you continue on the path to patience, be sure you are examining every aspect of your life to ensure your actions line up.

Now, let’s get out there and #bebettertoday!

Episode Notes

Be Better Today (Season 2, Episode 52) – Patience: Louise Hay

Continuing our quest for patience, we examine this quote from the motivational author, Louise Hay, who once said: “I will not be distracted by noise, chatter, or setbacks. Patience, commitment, grace, and purpose will guide me.”

Before we can pursue any other skill, we must work on our patience. Whether you possess it naturally or want to add it to who you are, patience is there for the taking.

Now, let’s get out there and #bebettertoday!

Episode Notes

Be Better Today (Season 2, Episode 51) – Patience: David G. Allen

Today’s insight into patience comes from author and productivity consultant, David G. Allen, who said: “Patience is the calm acceptance that things can happen in a different order than the one you have in your mind.”

We all know that feeling of unease when things do not happen when or how we want them to occur. We must practice, as David Allen says, calm acceptance that each situation happens for a reason, regardless of our preferences. Patience is not easy, but it is vitally important.

Now, let’s get out there and #bebettertoday!

Episode Notes

Be Better Today (Season 2, Episode 50) – Patience: Tony Gaskins

As we start a new week, we turn to the theme of patience. We start with these words from motivational speaker, Tony Gaskins, who said: “Trust the process. Your time is coming. Just do the work and the results will handle themselves."

As you start the day, add patience to your mantra and mindset – it will pay off.

Now, let’s get out there and #bebettertoday!

Episode Notes

Be Better Today (Season 2, Episode 49) – Humor: Ellen DeGeneres

We wrap up this week with this quote from Ellen DeGeneres, who said: “Most comedy is based on getting a laugh at somebody else's expense. And I find that that's just a form of bullying in a major way. So, I want to be an example that you can be funny and be kind, and make people laugh without hurting somebody else's feelings.”

Do not step on others to get what you need. Find humor in everyday life, within yourself, in difficult situations. Those are places where you need humor.

Now, let’s get out there and #bebettertoday!

Episode Notes

Be Better Today (Season 2, Episode 48) – Humor: Anne Wilson Shaef

One of the most poignant and insightful quotes about humor comes from the renowned author Anne Wilson Shaef, who said: “I realize that humor isn't for everyone. It's only for people who want to have fun, enjoy life, and feel alive.”

Humor, laughing, smiling – these things are more important than ever.

Now, let’s get out there and #bebettertoday!

Episode Notes

Be Better Today (Season 2, Episode 45) – Humor: Jimmy Buffett

I originally attributed this quote incorrectly to Bob Hope. My apologies. This quote about humor is awesome, and it comes from Jimmy Buffett, who said: “Humor has bailed me out of more tight situations than I can think of. If you go with your instincts and keep your humor, creativity follows. With luck, success comes, too.”

These words coming from Bob Hope may make more sense, but they somehow have more meaning coming from songster Jimmy Buffett.

Work on your humor and watch your luck increase, and your success, too.

Now, let’s get out there and #bebettertoday!

Episode Notes

Be Better Today (Season 2, Episode 47) – Humor: Edmund Hillary

Today’s quote about humor comes from Edmund Hillary who, along with Sherpa mountaineer Tenzing Norgay, was one of the first confirmed people to reach the summit of Mt. Everest, who said: “Good planning is important. I've also regarded a sense of humor as one of the most important things on a big expedition. When you're in a difficult or dangerous situation, or when you're depressed about the chances of success, someone who can make you laugh eases the tension.”

These words convey the power of humor. Embrace humor in every situation so you are ready to use it when you really need it.

Now, let’s get out there and #bebettertoday!

Episode Notes

Be Better Today (Season 2, Episode 46) – Humor: Charlie Chaplin

As we continue our study of humor, we turn to another comedy legend, Charlie Chaplin, who once said: “A day without laughter is a day wasted.”

When you laugh, you feel better – mentally and physically. Do not waste a day. Find a way to laugh and share that gift with others.

Now, let’s get out there and #bebettertoday!

Episode Notes

Be Better Today (Season 2, Episode 44) – Humor: William Arthur Ward

Continuing this week’s theme of humor, we have a quote from a writer that is famous for his maxims, William Arthur Ward, who once wrote: “A well-developed sense of humor is the pole that adds balance to your steps as you walk the tightrope of life."

Without humor, you are in a continuous state of worry, looking down and going to one foot for balance as your arms flail. With humor, you can stop on that tightrope to steady yourself, using a dependable tool to help you get right.

Use humor as your balancing pole whenever life gets tough.

Now, let’s get out there and #bebettertoday!

Episode Notes

Be Better Today (Season 2, Episode 43) – Humor: Audrey Hepburn

This week's theme is humor and we kick it off with this quote from the legendary actress, Audrey Hepburn, who said: "I love people who make me laugh. I honestly think it's the thing I like most, to laugh. It cures a multitude of ills. It's probably the most important thing in a person."

Laughter is balm for the soul. Make yourself and others laugh every day and find life's joy.

Now, let’s get out there and #bebettertoday!

Episode Notes

Be Better Today (Season 2, Episode 42) – Crisis: Martin Luther King, Jr.

We wrap-up the week of crisis quotes with a beauty by American Civil Rights leader and one of the greatest orators of all-time, the late Martin Luther King, Jr., who said: “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

In one near-perfect sentence, Dr. King conveys that it is easy to be a good person when times are simple, but what matters is where you stand when times are most difficult. Ask yourself during this crisis, “Where do I stand?”

Going forward, I plan to rarely, if ever, mention the pandemic. We will look at quotes that likely will help during this time, but with an eye on a return to normalcy. I hope you’ve found a quote or two to lean on in these extraordinary times.

Now, let’s get out there and #bebettertoday!

Episode Notes

Be Better Today (Season 2, Episode 41) – Crisis: Abraham Lincoln

Without a doubt, Abraham Lincoln is one of the greatest presidents in U.S. history, and here is what he had to say about a national crisis: “I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crisis. The great point is to bring them the real facts.”

Lincoln trusted the people to do what is right in a crisis if given access to the truth. Today’s pandemic is testing Lincoln’s assertion. Will we rise to the occasion or let political views obscure the truth, putting everyone in danger? We each get to make a choice. I trust we will all make the right one.

Now, let’s get out there and #bebettertoday!

Episode Notes

Be Better Today (Season 2, Episode 40) – Crisis: John F. Kennedy

When a crisis arises, we look to our leaders for strength, comfort, and wisdom. Here is a quote from John F. Kennedy: “When written in Chinese, the word crisis is composed of two characters -- one represents danger, and the other represents opportunity.”

While this is not an exact translation of the Chinese word for crisis, the spirit of the quote is what matters.

We have a crisis right now. The danger is well-known and playing out. We have an opportunity to create a much better world on the other side of it. Think about that and how you will make an impact.

Now, let’s get out there and #bebettertoday!

Episode Notes

Be Better Today (Season 2, Episode 39) – Crisis: Michele Rosenthal

Today’s quote comes from trauma survivor and PTSD author and coach, Michele Rosenthal, who said: “The power we discover inside ourselves as we survive a life-threatening experience can be utilized equally well outside of crisis, too. I am, in every moment, capable of mustering the strength to survive again--or of tapping that strength in other good, productive, healthy ways.”

The skills and tools we learn to survive in this crisis will apply to our non-crisis lives as well. Internalize these lessons as you go, embrace the changes, and get ready to live an even better life when normal returns.

Now, let’s get out there and #bebettertoday!

Episode Notes

Be Better Today (Season 2, Episode 38) – Crisis: Brooke Foss Westcott

One of the deeper, more poetic quotes about crisis comes from British theologian, Brooke Foss Wescott, who said: “Great occasions do not make heroes or cowards; they simply unveil them to our eyes. Silently and imperceptibly, as we wake or sleep, we grow strong or weak; and at last some crisis shows what we have become.”

Be sure to follow and trust those that align with what you and the world really need now, and going forward.

Now, let’s get out there and #bebettertoday!

Episode Notes

Be Better Today (Season 2, Episode 37) – Crisis: Jodi Picoult

Today’s quote about the subject of crisis comes from American author, Jodi Picoult, who wrote: “Maybe it did take a crisis to get to know yourself; maybe you needed to get whacked hard by life before you understood what you wanted out of it.”

Find time each day to work on yourself and plan for your future. Once you take care of what must be done for day-to-day life, use the remaining time to relax and build the life you deserve. Before you know it, we will be back to normal and you will be miles ahead of everyone who wallowed in place.

Now, let’s get out there and #bebettertoday!

Episode Notes

Be Better Today (Season 2, Episode 36) – Crisis: Michelle Dean

Given the COVID-19 pandemic and the global economic fallout, the quotes this week are crisis themed. We start with this short, poignant take from Michelle Dean, who said: “Crisis forces commonality of purpose on one another.”

With many countries and communities forced to stay their homes, the human connection we all crave is difficult. Yet, we are finding ways. Applaud, sing, connect, and reach out to those that are alone – together is how we get through a crisis.

Now, let’s get out there and #bebettertoday!

Episode Notes

Be Better Today (Season 2, Episode 35) – Calm: The Serenity Prayer (Reinhold Niebuhr)

We wrap-up this week of examining calm with my go-to prayer/meditation – the Serenity Prayer, attributed to Reinhold Niebuhr, and it goes like this: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.”

I want to first state that I understand not everyone believes in God. If you want to remove that reference, this still works equally as well and maybe think of it as a meditation.

I wake up each day and meditate. Then I say and reflect on this prayer. These two practices help me get centered and prepare for the day’s challenges – and right now there are many. My hope is that this quickcast can be a positive part of your daily routine. And I hope the quotes around calm this week helped you just a little bit.

Now, let’s get out there and #bebettertoday!

Episode Notes

Be Better Today (Season 2, Episode 34) – Calm: Dr. Dorothy Neddermeyer

Looking at calmness in a slightly different light, we turn to a quote from Dr. Dorothy Neddermeyer, who said: “Life is ten percent what you experience and ninety percent how you respond to it.”

If Dr. Neddermeyer is right about overall life being 90% of how you respond to it, that makes a calm mind even more important. Continue this journey to a calm mind and spirit because your life’s experience depends on it.

Now, let’s get out there and #bebettertoday!

Episode Notes

Be Better Today (Season 2, Episode 33) – Calm: Dalai Lama

When people think about calm, one person who comes to mind is the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people, Dalai Lama, who once said: “Calm mind brings inner strength and self-confidence, so that's very important for good health.”

Start practicing a calm mind and watch it manifest in your good health.

Now, let’s get out there and #bebettertoday!

Episode Notes

Be Better Today (Season 2, Episode 32) – Calm: St. Francis de Sales

In trying times, people often turn to their faith for comfort. That got me thinking about a quote from St. Francis de Sales, who once said: “Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.”

Practice calm with things like reading, prayer, meditation, listening to or playing music, or a walk. Find the time to proactively seek calm because that is the only way to ensure it happens.

Now, let’s get out there and #bebettertoday!

Episode Notes

Be Better Today (Season 2, Episode 31) – Calm: James Allen

Today’s inspirational quote about calm comes from British philosophical writer, James Allen, who once wrote: “The more tranquil a man becomes, the greater his success, his influence, his power for good. Calmness of mind is one of the beautiful jewels of wisdom. It is the result of long and patient effort in self-control. Its presence is an indication of ripened experience, and of a more than ordinary knowledge of the laws and operations of thought.”

It takes time to learn calm because it is a skill. Instead of fretting over not being calm today, work consistently to gain that skill and it will happen. Understand where you are in the process and practice grace with yourself and others.

Now, let’s get out there and #bebettertoday!

Episode Notes

Be Better Today (Season 2, Episode 30) – Calm: Lao Tzu

Continuing our theme of calm, we have this incredible quote from ancient Chinese philosopher, Lao Tzu, who wrote: “Make your heart like a lake, with a calm, still surface, and great depths of kindness.”

Stay calm in the chaos and practice consistent – no, make that persistent - kindness.

Now, let’s get out there and #bebettertoday!

Episode Notes

Be Better Today (Season 2, Episode 29) – Calm: Geri Larkin

As I write and record these episodes, we are combating the COVID-19 pandemic. Given that, this week’s theme is calm.

We start off with a quote from the founder of Still Point Zen Buddhist Temple, Geri Larkin, who said: “Calmness is a huge gift. And once you master it, you will be able to respond in a useful way to every difficult situation that decides to walk into your heart.”

Find, practice, and master calmness and your life will always be a beacon for the world to enter and embrace this spirit.

Now, let’s get out there and #bebettertoday!

Episode Notes

Be Better Today (Season 2, Episode 28) – Change: Charles Darwin

We round out this week of exploring change with a quote from the legendary biologist, Charles Darwin, who once wrote: “It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change."

Given what is happening in the world right now with the COVID-19 pandemic, this quote from Darwin is very appropriate. We need to learn to adapt, to change.

Now, let’s get out there and #bebettertoday!

Episode Notes

Be Better Today (Season 2, Episode 27) – Change: Barack Obama

As we continue to explore the subject of change, we go to this amazing quote from former U.S. President, Barack Obama, who said: “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.”

Stop looking around you for a person to be the change. Instead, look in the mirror.

Now, let’s get out there and #bebettertoday!

Episode Notes

Be Better Today (Season 2, Episode 26) – Change: Malala Yousafzai

Today’s quote about change comes from the youngest Nobel Prize laureate and Pakistani activist for female education, Malala Yousafzai, who said: “One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world.”

It is up to us to advocate for education for all children in our community, our country, our world. When we give the next generation an opportunity to learn, we all benefit from the overflow of positive change.

Episode Notes

Be Better Today (Season 2, Episode 25) – Change: Erica Jong

The theme of fear as an unwelcome guest of change continues today with this quote from American novelist, poet, and satirist, Erica Jong, who said: “I have accepted fear as part of life — specifically the fear of change... I have gone ahead despite the pounding in the heart that says: turn back.”

Conquering fear is a skill. With practice, you will recognize your physical and mental state before change. From there, you can normalize it, taking away much of the power from fear. Once you have done that, often with help from others, you are able to conquer the negatives and embrace change. Challenging, but so worth it.

Episode Notes

Be Better Today (Season 2, Episode 24) – Change: N. R. Narayana Murthy

There is nothing easy about change. Today, we have a quote from N. R. Narayana Murthy that drives this point home: “Growth is painful. Change is painful. But nothing is as painful as staying stuck somewhere you don’t belong.”

Facing those fears will not be easy. Find a supportive place to help guide you. Get a therapist if you are in a situation that demands change and you cannot move forward.

I mentioned The No Fear Project yesterday and we end every episode with this – “The way forward is together. The time to conquer is now.” Remember those words as you face the necessary changes in your life.

Now, let’s get out there and #bebettertoday!

This episode’s sponsor:

Episode Notes

Be Better Today (Season 2, Episode 23) – Change: C. JoyBell C.

For today’s quote on change, we turn to author, business investor, and mentor, C. JoyBell C., who writes: “We can’t be afraid of change. You may feel very secure in the pond that you are in, but if you never venture out of it, you will never know that there is such a thing as an ocean, a sea.”

Opportunities are everywhere in the world. Yet, we miss them when fear inhibits curiosity and exploration. To know more, we need to venture out of our comfort zone.

If you want to explore fear and its impact in more detail, check out another podcast I host called The No Fear Project. Fear and change are inevitable. Which one wins out is up to you.

Now, let’s get out there and #bebettertoday!

This episode’s sponsor:

Episode Notes

Be Better Today (Season 2, Episode 22) – Change: George Bernard Shaw

This week we reflect on the theme of change. We start off with this profound quote from Irish playwright and political activist, George Bernard Shaw: “Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.”

It is not only our right to change our minds, but it is also a necessity. Changing our minds is the only path to progress.

Now, let’s get out there and #bebettertoday!

This episode’s sponsor:

Episode Notes

Be Better Today (Season 2, Episode 21) – Leadership: Peter Drucker

We wrap-up our week of leadership quotes with this gem from the legendary Peter Drucker, who once said, “Leadership is not magnetic personality, that can just as well be a glib tongue. It is not 'making friends and influencing people,' that is flattery. Leadership is lifting a person's vision to higher sights, the raising of a person's performance to a higher standard, the building of a personality beyond its normal limitations.”

Go lead in a way that lifts everyone up beyond their wildest dreams.

Now, let’s get out there and #bebettertoday!

This episode’s sponsor:

Episode Notes

Be Better Today (Season 2, Episode 20) – Leadership: Edith Wharton

Today’s quote comes from the first woman to win a Pulitzer Prize, Edith Wharton, who once said, “There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.”

Leaders should be the candle and the mirror – reflect the positive light of others and be the brighter candle to overcome the negative. You are a candle and a mirror. Choose wisely.

Now, let’s get out there and #bebettertoday!

This episode’s sponsor:

Episode Notes

Be Better Today (Season 2, Episode 19) – Leadership: Jeannette Rankin

One of my favorite quotes on leadership comes from women’s rights advocate and congresswoman, Jeannette Rankin, who once said, “You take people as far as they will go, not as far as you would like them to go.”

Don’t force people. Lead people.

Now, let’s get out there and #bebettertoday!

This episode’s sponsor:

Episode Notes

Be Better Today (Season 2, Episode 18) – Leadership: M. D. Arnold

There are many ways to lead. Some are better than others. Today’s quote gets to the heart of the matter. It’s from author M.D. Arnold who wrote, “A good leader leads the people from above them. A great leader leads the people from within them.”

When it is your opportunity to lead, be that person who does so from within. That’s where the path to great leadership begins.

Now, let’s get out there and #bebettertoday!

This episode’s sponsor: