Common Outlook Consulting Inc. New Perspectives
WHAT YOU SEE DEPENDS ON WHERE YOU STAND
April 2014 - Issue # 14-04

Founder's Message


We've been talking lately about everyday people like you and I in the context of a hero like Nelson Mandela.

The thought underpinning the discussions is this: how do we find and 'live from', the best places in us? The 'us' that listens, sees the other point of view, forgets about recrimination, forgives, and negotiates the way forward for the betterment of everyone, including ourselves.

At Common Outlook Consulting, we think that's really what 'the good life' is about. And, that the reason many of us don't live that way as much as we might like is because we're on the "should-have/could-have-been" train.

We'd like to invite you to look at the thought processes that move that train along (in the hope of helping you break free from them). Rather than offer an article this month, we're simply posing five short questions that will reveal that circuitry. Answer the questions without a lot of pondering, trusting the response that first comes to you. Once you've answered them, take some time to reflect on your responses.

In the May issue, we'll look at why we got on that train and how to get off of it. We'll also offer a connection between this and the ability to break free from any given conflict you find yourself in.  

 

 

Quote

 

"...Once in a while when it's good, it'll feel like it should..."  

~ Stop This Train, John Mayer, Continuum, 2006
               

 

Tip   

 

I thought my life was ahead; but it's not. It's here.
So, the striving for it can stop.


 

Coming Up  

 

A simple way to set your life on the right track - in our May issue 

 

Article

Please take a few minutes to consider whether the statements below are true for you or not. Do your best to keep an 'objective observer' vantage point about yourself as you respond.

In the May issue, we'll talk about how and why our perspectives often keep us from living 'the good life', and how to set your life on a more satisfying track.
  1. I would be happier if I had more material success (e.g. better car, better place to live - generally, more things that I can't currently afford to buy/have). 
  2. I think my friends, colleagues, and acquaintances have better lives than I do.  
  3. I studied this; became that; married her/him, but I would be happier if I had done it differently.   
  4. If I knew what I wanted I'd be more satisfied with my life.    
  5. Once I achieve some of my key goals, I will be happier.
Depending on whether these statements ring true or false, you likely experience a greater or lesser degree of satisfaction with your life. In this issue of the Newsletter, our interest is simply in getting you to reflect on your life by considering these statements.

Next month we will dig into the situation and bring you insights
that we hope will help you feel a greater sense of satisfaction in daily life.

But given our field of practice, we'll go further than that; we will also draw a link between this ability and a crucial skill for resolving conflict. Stay tuned.

Founder:

Peter Hiddema

Photo of Founder: Peter Hiddema

 

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