The Insight of Connection
Connection implies that all things are interwoven and have a family feeling for each other. This concept can be expanded into cause and effect or dependency arising. If you look closely enough through tension and movement, a familiar essence inspires each action and correlates to the unity of all beings.
What does connection mean to us in the work environment and our nuclear families? The second-century Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius was a Stoic philosopher, and his Meditations offer how one might try to live a Stoic life. He said that all things are interwoven and therefore have a family feeling for each other: one thing follows another in due order through the tension of movement, the familiar spirit inspiring them, and the unity of all beings. Marcus Aurelius said:
“no one can harm me, nor can I become angry with someone who’s related to me, or hate him, because we were born to work together, like feet or hands or eyelids, like the rows of upper and lower teeth.”
How does this work? Choose to be good even when we are surrounded by wrong. When another harms us, we should react with kindness. Advise them of their errors if possible but be okay with it if they ignore this advice. When someone angers us, we must consider their point of view, remember that we have our faults, and respond with positivity and neutrality to any harm done to us. This type of thinking is precisely a parallel course to Darwin’s theory of evolution many centuries later.
Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh founded the Order of Interbeing. This order is dedicated to alleviating suffering, fostering peace, raising awareness of non-duality, and raising awareness of the connection of all beings. He provides a lovely illustration of how a tree is a cathedral in which he can see the entire cosmos. A tree has sunshine, and it is a cloud. Without which, the tree could not grow, and neither can we. Furthermore, we can take refuge in the tree and be nourished by its gifts.
The mystery of the tree is another common theme shared by Shel Silverstein’s famous book The Giving Tree, where the tree gave everything to help the boy in his life’s ambitions and was left with a profound feeling of happiness. If only we all could be so selfless to demonstrate such a practice of connectedness.
What does this journal article mean to leadership life coaching?
1 ) Everything that happens to us is connected; realize this, and you will find strength.
2 ) Treat everyone with equanimity; everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.
3) Look hard for the connections; if it is not apparent today, tomorrow may reveal them.
How Does Life Coaching Work?
Coaching typically consists of one-on-one sessions between you and your life coach, usually lasting 45 to 60 minutes.
In the first or two sessions, your coach will usually review your goals, establishing what you hope to achieve through life coaching.
You may be asked to complete assessments to identify your strengths, values, and what gives you meaning and purpose.
Once you have established your main goals for coaching, the life coach will assess where you are now and the steps needed to get you to where you want to be.
At the end of each session, your coach will ask you to commit to completing certain tasks before the next session.
Life Coaching or Therapy
Therapy is intended to help people recover from emotional or other psychological disorders such as depression or anxiety.
Conversely, coaching is intended to help normal, healthy individuals achieve personal goals such as increased happiness, weight loss, and improved work-life balance.
Solutions
o overcome the Monday morning blues
o build confidence
o find a career that you love
o get clear on your goals
o stay accountable to your goals
o do more of the activities that engage you
o form better relationships
o have more meaning in your life
o develop your purpose
o work on the things that you are passionate about
o feel happier
Five Retirement Surprises
While not many retirees complain about life after quitting work, they report some surprises. Reviewing these can help you avoid your own retirement “gotchas.”
- You may retire earlier and not have a choice.
According to a recent retirement readiness study, about half of those surveyed retired earlier than expected because of reasons beyond their control, such as job loss or health issues. And although 65% of pre-retirees believe they will work at least part-time in retirement, only 7% are doing so now.
65% of pre-retirees believe they will work part-time in retirement.*
One survey reports that in the U.S., the average age people expect to retire is now 67, and some report that they don’t plan to stop working. However, the average retirement age is about seven years younger.
- You may be busier than you think.
Retirees report that they are much busier than they thought they would be. Filling your time may be crucial to retirement satisfaction and health, but it must be balanced. According to the experts at Harvard Medical School, too much or too little activity can have the same effects as anxiety, depression, insomnia, and other symptoms. Having no structure can result in similar ailments as those who are overworked.
- You may spend more, especially at first
Remember that rule of thumb that said you need to have 70% to 80% of your current salary to cover expenses in retirement? It’s not the reality that retirees are experiencing. New retirement rules, especially since the pandemic, indicate that planning for 100% income replacement is better.
100% of income replacement is generally better when planning your retirement, according to new retirement rules.**
Surprisingly, many retirees spend more in the first year (link to retirement budget article) of retirement than they did while working. Data from the Department of Labor Statistics also supports this. However, as you move through the stages of retirement, you might find yourself spending less.
- You may need time to adjust
As much as many of us look forward to the day we will stop working, you may be surprised that it is rarely a single point in time—one day you’re working, the next day you’re not. Retirement may be a series of transitions that begins before you retire.
60% of retirees report that it was somewhat challenging to transition.***
About 46% believe they will phase into retirement, such as reducing their working hours, rather than stopping at a point in time. Regardless of when you start, 60% of retirees report that it was at least somewhat challenging to make the retirement transition, with about half saying it took one to three years to adjust.
- Expenses can catch you off guard
One thing many retirees mention as a surprise is the price tag of essentials such as health care, home maintenance, and car maintenance. Many may not be aware that Medicare does not cover all costs—including long-term care. Others may not have anticipated the costs of repairs.
These may be especially important to plan for if you also carry debt in retirement. While it’s not the end of the world to still owe creditors, the more you can pay down debt before retirement, the more money you may have to cover your necessary expenses.
- Plan for the Surprises
Learning from the experience of others is wise for any situation, but especially for the essential things you can know from current retirees. How can you surprise-proof your retirement? Check your expectations and create a plan that covers all aspects of life—emotionally, physically, and financially. And if you need help with the financial part, our consultants are here for you.
Survey Methodology: The American Century Investments retirement survey was conducted between March 10 and 31, 2020. The survey included 1,508 full-time workers between 25 and 65 saving through their employer’s retirement plan. The data were weighted to reflect critical demographics (gender, income, and education) among all American private sector participants between 25 and 65. Percentages in the tables and charts may not total 100 due to rounding and missing categories. Mathew Greenwald and Associates of Washington, D.C, completed data collection and analysis.
Beyond the Wrench: Unveiling the Psychology of Bike Fitting
Introduction:
For years, bike fitting has been shrouded in the technical mystique of measurements, angles, and gadgets. But what truly drives the perfect fit? It’s not just about numbers. It’s about understanding the psychology of the rider. I’ve spent decades deep in the trenches of bike fitting, witnessing firsthand how this invisible force shapes performance, comfort, and even rider loyalty. Today, let’s unveil its secrets and unlock the full potential of your cycling business.
Pedaling Beyond Pain: Treating Pelvic Floor Woes for All Genders
Pain shouldn’t be a badge of honor in cycling. Yet, countless riders, especially women and men with pelvic floor issues, suffer in silence. Here’s where the psychology of bike fitting shines. Understanding discomfort’s emotional and physical toll can tailor fittings for specific needs. Take Sarah, a passionate cyclist battling chronic pelvic pain. Traditional fits failed her, but a holistic approach considering her fear of reinjury, and riding goals led to a custom saddle and subtle adjustments that transformed her experience. Sarah’s story is a testament to the power of empathy and understanding in fit sessions, opening doors for a previously underserved market and boosting customer loyalty.
From Profit to Passion: Bike Fit as a Business Booster
High-end bike shops often face a conundrum: passionate staff, top-tier equipment, yet stagnant sales. The missing piece? The psychology of bike fitting. Imagine transforming your shop into a haven of personalized optimization, where riders don’t just buy bikes. They invest in their riding future. Remember Tom’s Bike Emporium? They implemented a comprehensive fit program with educational workshops, e-bike fit expertise, and targeted messaging highlighting the emotional benefits of a perfect fit. The result? Soaring sales, increased customer satisfaction, and a thriving community of riders who felt empowered and understood.
Beyond the Bike: Fitting for Body, Mind, and Goals
Technology is a powerful tool, but it’s not the only answer. The psychology of bike fitting reminds us that every rider is a unique puzzle shaped by their anatomy, medical history, cycling experience, and, most importantly, their riding goals. Take John, a weekend warrior with a chronic knee injury. A fit focused solely on geometry would have ignored his fear of reinjury and desire for long-distance comfort. By delving into his psychological landscape, we devised a fit prioritizing stability and confidence, allowing John to rediscover the joy of cycling without fear. This story underscores the importance of moving beyond gadgets and embracing the human element in fitting.
From Toe to Triumph: The Power of Foot Focus
Forget fancy saddles and aero bars. The foundation of a perfect fit lies beneath the pedals. The psychology of bike fitting recognizes the often-overlooked role of feet. Understanding foot discomfort’s emotional and physical impact can unlock improved performance and comfort. Remember Mary, a promising young racer plagued by foot numbness and joint pain? A traditional fit wouldn’t have addressed her underlying fear of injury and desire for peak performance. But a deep dive into her foot anatomy and biomechanics led to custom footbeds and adjustments that eliminated pain and boosted her confidence and race times. Mary’s story is a testament to the power of focusing on the often-ignored microcosm of the feet in bike fitting.
The Ethics of the Fit: Navigating the Moral Maze
With the rise of automated fitting systems and software, the ethical landscape of bike fitting has become murky. The psychology of bike fitting demands a clear moral compass. We must prioritize the rider’s well-being over technology, resist the temptation of quick fixes, and cultivate trusting relationships with coaches, trainers, and other referral sources. Remember the case of FitCo, a chain that embraced automated fitting software, leading to a surge in customer dissatisfaction and injuries? Their story is a cautionary tale, reminding us that ethics and trust are the cornerstones of a successful and sustainable bike fit practice.
Conclusion:
The psychology of bike fitting is not just a technical skill; it’s a philosophy. It’s about understanding the emotional and mental aspects of riding and using that knowledge to create a fit that fosters confidence, performance, and a lifelong love for cycling. By embracing the human element, we can transform businesses, empower riders, and unlock the true potential of this transformative practice. Remember, the perfect fit isn’t just about numbers. It’s about creating a symphony of body, mind, and machine, one pedal stroke at a time.
Call to Action:
Ready to unlock the power of the psychology of bike fitting in your business? Let’s connect and embark on a journey.