The Development Compass

“Be rich to yourself and poor to your friends.”

“Avoid the crowd. Do your own thinking independently. Be the chess player, not the chess piece.”

“The first and great commandment is: Don’t let them scare you.”

“Love is an act of endless forgiveness, a tender look which becomes a habit.”

I’m fascinated by how much we do, or don’t, understand ourselves, and the ramifications of that in our lives.

I think how much we live in conscious awareness, is vital, and improves the quality of questions we ask of ourselves, which then gives us more options in life

Byron Katie found her life changed dramatically when she was able to ask herself new questions. In the book, “Loving What Is“, she describes how she changed, and shares the questions that drove her onto new and enriched ways of living,  Byron Katie, shows what life was like for her, before she found what she calls ‘ The Work ‘ - 4 simple questions that she says will bring us to the truth of ourselves.

I found it a simple yet powerful tool to challenge painful thinking, and come back to the truth of myself and my circumstances.

Anyone else read this book?  Anyone willing to share how using the 4 questions have developed their life?

In relating the themes of this book to our Foundation Course, I think we share the ability to open up what is true right now for people.  We clearly focus on how they are hardwired to synthesize information, and how they will view the world.  We can also show them how to find others with complementary and contrasting ways of perceiving what is around them.

Specifically, our unique personality questionnaire, shows clearly what each persons strengths and weaknesses are.  Awareness is a powerful fundamental in changing our inner world, so that the outer world improves.

It strikes me that we can have as much difficulty really owning our strengths, and using them in powerful and positive ways, as we do in integrating our shadow, and growing beyond it’s limitations. 

Another area it can be hard to own, because we have a very limiting view of it is where and how you are creative.  We clearly define how you are uniquely creative.  This has surprised many a person who previously thought they were not creative because they could not draw, paint or do craftwork!!

Knowing what motivates you and how to achieve balance, is also vital to avoid ‘burnout’ or ‘overwhelm’.

The glue that holds all this together well, can be described as our ability ‘ to our own self be true ‘, which as we know can be easier said than done! We like to think that we make knowing yourself easier than you ever thought possible.

All the best,

Has anyone read Nick Williams Book, The Work We Were Born to Do: Find the Work You Love, Love the Work You Do

I found he asks a lot of creative questions.  And, some thought provoking comments!

What do you think of this?

“We all long to find our niche, a place where we belong, where our presence is valued and celebrated, where our talents and skills are known and honoured. Finding our niche is finding where we belong, a place not subject to competition, because only we can fill that place in that way, recognising our uniqueness.  Many people tailor their dreams and aspirations to match their circumstances, but we can adjust our circumstances to our aspirations and build from the inside out. The true joy of work is finding the best inside us, and identifying ways of sharing it and enriching the lives of others through our gifts.

Here are some characteristics of finding our niche:
• Our inner and outer worlds become more integrated and balanced
• We can be more of our natural shape, our natural self
• Work and pleasure are unified
• We feel recognised
• We are in a place where we feel safe and belong
• We are home
• We are in alignment with ourselves and have integrity
• We are on track and on purpose
• We support the spiritual side of ourselves in work
• Our niche fits in beautifully with other people’s niches
• We are the right shape in the right hole, a good fit
• Our work is worthwhile and important
• Our joy in doing our work is the reward of our work, not just approval or external rewards

The work we were born to do is about our choices, based on our inner and outer needs and desires. It is unique for each of us. As each of us finds or creates our natural niche, we help others to find theirs, just as we were helped by those who showed us some direction”.

My vision for those who find their way to the Development Compass is that it evolves as a place where we can meet ourselves – via the Foundation Course - in a way where we find our fundamental self answered, and know where our natural niche is.

I know I am happy to be working within my niche, where my signature strengths flow, and with people I am energised by.

How about you, what are you finding out about your niche, and how to use yourself in ways that stretch you and cause you to enjoy growing and evolving?

The Work We Were Born to Do: Find the Work You Love, Love the Work You Do

“I’m not judging people, I’m judging their actions. It’s the same type of distinction that I try to apply to myself, to judge, but not be judgmental.”