More than two thousand years ago the Buddha proclaimed the Four Noble Truths. Suffering exists. The cause of suffering is desire. Suffering can end. The eightfold path is the way to end suffering. Many dedicated seekers have devoted enormous time and energy to their efforts to give up …
Good Thing, Bad Thing, Who Knows? (Part 2)
In my last column, I narrated the tale of “Good Thing, Bad Thing, Who Knows?” My coaching clients and alumni of my course remember this as one of the most useful lessons they learned from me. Suffering does not begin when an event occurs. Suffering begins the instant you label that event ‘bad …
Good Thing, Bad Thing, Who Knows?
I have been teaching my course, Creativity and Personal Mastery, for close on three decades and many of my earliest students are still in touch with me and are part of the alumni community. I ask them what they found particularly helpful in life and what they remembered from the time they took …
The Song That Almost Died
We have a model that talent will somehow come out and be recognized. That, in some inscrutable way, the best will triumph. Maybe. Maybe not. I was in Nashville in August for a meeting of the Marshall Goldsmith 100 and a most xenial event it was. I was at a table with Greg and Susan Jones who …
WHO Makes the Decision?
There was a wonderful gathering of the Marshall Goldsmith 100 in Nashville, and I enjoyed it greatly. I was inducted early into the group so, I guess, I am a senior member. Marshall, as is his wont, makes pithy statements and this event was no different. He said something that I have heard him …
Don’t Be Grateful For … Just Be Grateful!
All the management consultants and trainers are talking about gratitude these days. It is good to be grateful they tell us. Companies want you to be grateful because, when you are, you don’t notice how terrible your work environment is! Appreciation and Gratitude has been one of the cornerstone …
How to Achieve Phenomenal Success
There is a myth peddled by motivational speakers and believed by many. Hundreds of millions of dollars have been spent by people who want to learn how to do what the myth says. And there are many who swear that their immense success is due to their adherence to this fairy tale. Believe it if you …
To Him That Hath Will More Be Given!
These are the dog days of summer and perhaps you are heading out to achieve ataraxy on the beach. Here is something for you to ponder. When I first read, in Matthew, that “... to him that hath will more be given.” It made a deep impression on me. The newer King James version is “For whoever …
How to Truly Enjoy Your Life
I was having lunch with one of my coaching clients – who is also now a dear friend – when he asked me a profound question. “Professor Rao, how can I fully, deeply, enjoy life?” In my public talks I ask the audience, “Does your blood sing at the thought of doing what you do and being who you are? …