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The saying, "Why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye but fail to notice the plank in your own?"  is a timeless biblical lesson about my tendency to focus on the flaws in others while ignoring the often more significant issues within me.   I met with a client for a life coaching session. She was frustrated with a coworker who she felt was disorganized and always unprepared for meetings. She went on about how this person's lack of preparation slowed everything down and made teamwork nearly impossible.   As I listened, I nodded in agreement, thinking about how frustrating it must be to work with someone so careless. I offered her suggestions on tactfully and professionally addressing her coworkers' issues.   Later that evening, as I prepared for a presentation, I noticed a stack of disorganized notes on my desk. The presentation was less than 24 hours away, and I hadn't finalized my outline, much less practiced. A sinking feeling crept in. I was scrambling, as I often did before big events.   Suddenly, I remembered my client's frustration earlier that day, and it hit me: wasn't I guilty about the same thing I'd encouraged her to confront? How often had I walked into meetings or events without being fully prepared, expecting others to accommodate my last-minute efforts?   The realization, though not a new one, stung. I had been so quick to spot the "splinter"  in her coworker's behavior that I hadn't noticed the "plank" in my own. My tendency to procrastinate and wing it wasn't just an isolated issue; it had ripple effects on those around me, just like her coworker's behavior.   That moment became another turning point for me. When I find myself tempted to critique someone else, I remind myself to pause and ask: Is there a reflection of me in what I see?  This practice keeps me grounded and reminds me that growth begins with self-awareness.   I am reminded to examine my heart, attitudes, and actions. Doing so allows me to see the world more clearly and bring more clarity, kindness, and growth into my life and those around me.   How about you?   Watch for the blind spots. Think you’ve got it all figured out? 🤔 Your blind spots might have other plans. Get copy today. 📚 http://tinyurl.com/yc3usfsp

I am constantly looking for ways to improve myself. Recently, I began examining my habits, especially my bad ones. Bad habits waste my time and drain my energy and success. I started researching habits, and here is some learning I want to share with you.   Habits shape my daily life and define me, but how do habits begin?  I was born without habits, yet as I grew, I naturally picked them up from my environment and family. Some habits help me thrive, while others hold me back. At their core, habits start with choices and, through repetition, become automatic. They follow a simple loop: a trigger prompts a behavior, followed by a reward that reinforces the action . For example, feeling stressed might lead to snacking or having a glass of wine with temporary relief as the reward. Over time, this loop solidifies, making habits more challenging to break and more manageable to automate when beneficial.   Habits matter because they create the foundation of my identity. What I consistently do, how I eat, work, and interact with others, ultimately defines my life. Small, consistent actions have compounding power.  Saving five dollars daily, will become $1,825 annually. Reading 10 pages a day adds up to 12 books a year. On the other hand, bad habits can act like invisible anchors, keeping me stuck. Procrastination might stall my career, while unhealthy eating can affect my health. Understanding my habits allows me to identify and replace destructive patterns with better ones.   Healthy habits also strengthen relationships and build resilience. Simple acts like expressing gratitude or practicing active listening can deepen my connections with others. Journaling can help process emotions during challenging times, while regular exercise reduces stress and boosts mental clarity.   The key to change isn’t motivation but building habits tied to my environment, triggers, and rewards. I don’t get in shape by doing 300 pushups in one day, but 20 pushups daily for 15 days will make a difference. I track success by focusing on consistency, not perfection.   By focusing on habits, I can take control of the automatic behaviors shaping my life.   How about you? What is it like to review your habits?   Watch for the blind spots.   Blind Spots in Relationships unlocks self-awareness for stronger connections. 💡 Grab your copy today! 📚 http://tinyurl.com/yc3usfsp #MindYourBlindSpots #BlindSpotAwareness #SpotYourHabits #UncoverYourPotential #HiddenPatterns #SeeTheUnseen #HabitsAndAwareness #ShiftYourPerspective #ChangeStartsWithYou #MindsetShift #BreakTheCycle #BuildaBetterYou #BetterDecisionsBetterLife #EyesWideOpen #SeeYourSuccess

I am often intrigued by what motivates people. Indeed, there are different strokes for different folks. I was listening to Darren Hardy’s fascinating talk about extrinsic and intrinsic rewards representing two distinct forms of motivation that drive behavior.   Extrinsic rewards are tangible incentives from external sources, such as money, trophies, grades, promotions, or public recognition. These rewards come from outside the individual and are often effective for short-term motivation or tasks requiring little personal engagement. However, over-reliance on extrinsic rewards can reduce intrinsic motivation, create dependency on external validation, and may feel controlling rather than empowering.   In contrast, intrinsic rewards are intangible and arise from within the individual, driven by personal satisfaction or enjoyment of the activity. Examples include a sense of achievement, mastery, personal growth, joy, or alignment with one’s values. Intrinsic rewards are powerful motivators for long-term engagement, particularly in creative or complex tasks. However, they can be harder to cultivate in environments focused heavily on external incentives. They may diminish if the activity becomes repetitive or loses meaning.   The primary difference between the two lies in their source and focus: extrinsic rewards depend on external factors and prioritize outcomes, while intrinsic rewards are self-sustained and centered on the process. Combining both forms of motivation, such as recognizing someone’s efforts with external rewards while emphasizing the meaningful impact of their work, can create a balanced approach that fosters sustained motivation and satisfaction.   A person’s definition of success is tied to numbers and recognition, which makes them vulnerable to feelings of inadequacy when they fall short of expectations. Finding purpose and contentment leads to finding motivation in the joy of work. The intrinsic approach shields us from the stress of constant comparison.   Pursuing extrinsic rewards can lead to visible success but can leave a sense of emptiness in deeper areas of life. In contrast, focusing on intrinsic rewards fosters lasting joy and resilience, though it may come with fewer external accolades.   Motivation varies from person to person. True fulfillment comes from finding balance and pursuing external achievements while staying rooted in the inner joy and meaning that give life purpose.    Watch for the blind spots.     Great leaders understand their blind spots—do you? Blind Spots in Relationships  is your guide to unlocking self-awareness and building stronger connections. 💡 Get a copy today. 📚 http://tinyurl.com/yc3usfsp

I was listening to a sermon that caused me to become very introspective about grace. As I reflect upon it, I see grace as one of life’s most profound gifts, unearned, undeserved, and yet transformative. It is an act of love and compassion that transcends justice, offering forgiveness and understanding when circumstances could easily warrant judgment. When I extend grace to others, I create space for healing and connection. I acknowledge that perfection is unattainable, and mistakes are part of being human. Offering grace allows me to release resentment and choose kindness over retribution. In doing so, I free myself from the weight of anger and extend to others a lifeline of hope and redemption. Receiving grace, however, can be just as powerful, and sometimes even harder. It requires vulnerability, a willingness to admit my faults, and an openness to accept what I feel I may not deserve. Grace reminds me that my worth is not measured solely by my successes or failures but by the intrinsic value of my humanity. It’s a humbling experience that can inspire gratitude and motivate me to do better. The power of grace is most evident in moments of vulnerability, when I falter, when I feel undeserving, when shame looms large. In these moments, grace doesn’t just soften the sting of my failures; it transforms them into opportunities for growth. It replaces moats with bridges and reveals the beauty found in imperfection. Grace, at its core, is a two-way street. As I give it freely to others, I find that it also comes back to me in unexpected ways. It fosters empathy, strengthens relationships, and reminds me of the shared humanity that binds us all. In offering grace, I not only uplift others but also experience the profound healing that grace brings to my own heart. Grace is a gift that enriches both the giver and the receiver. It is a reminder of shared humanity, my need for forgiveness, and my capacity for love. Grace invites me to embrace imperfection, my own and that of others with compassion and humility. How about you? Can you see grace this way? Watch for the blind spots. Great leaders understand their blind spots—do you? Blind Spots in Relationships  is your guide to unlocking self-awareness and building stronger connections. 💡 Get a copy today. 📚 http://tinyurl.com/yc3usfsp

Recently, I was reminded of the old story of the man who reached the gates of Pearl and was greeted warmly by St. Peter. As St. Peter welcomed him and showed him the wonders of heaven, the strange thing that caught the man’s eye was a massive warehouse in the distance. Its presence seemed out of place, and curiosity got the better of him.   “What’s that building for?” he asked. St. Peter initially avoided the question, steering the conversation elsewhere. But the man couldn’t let it go. Each time he asked, Peter seemed reluctant to answer. Finally, St. Peter sighed and said, “Everyone who comes here asks the same thing, and most are disappointed by the answer.”   Still intrigued, the man insisted on knowing. They walked toward the enormous structure, and as they drew closer, the man was struck by its sheer size. Peter explained, “Inside, there’s a box for every person who enters heaven. If you want to understand, you’ll need to find yours.”   When they stepped inside, the man was awestruck by endless shelves, each lined with boxes of varying shapes and sizes. They were arranged alphabetically, and St. Peter guided him to locate his. When the man found his box, it was neatly sealed with a ribbon. Confused but eager, he opened it—only to discover it was filled with smaller, unopened boxes.   Peter explained, “This is a record of the gifts you were given but never used. Inside are the books you didn’t write, the jobs you didn’t pursue because you doubted yourself, the business you didn’t start out of fear, and the apologies you withheld. Here are the acts of kindness you held back, the love you were afraid to give, and the joy you stifled because of life’s stresses. It contains the ideas you didn’t bring to life, the solutions you never shared, and the opportunities you let pass by.”   The man stood silently, overwhelmed by the realization of all the potential he had left untapped.   This story struck a chord with me. It challenges me to reflect on the gifts and opportunities I may be leaving unused—the dreams I’ve dismissed as impossible, the challenges I’ve avoided that could have made a difference, and the love or kindness I’ve held back.   How about you?   Watch for the blind spots.   Great leaders understand their blind spots—do you? Blind Spots in Relationships  is your guide to unlocking self-awareness and building stronger connections. Get a copy today. 📚 http://tinyurl.com/yc3usfsp   Author Jerry D. Clark has faced life’s challenges and created strategies for success—he’s eager to share his insights with you! 🎯   Stay connected with Jerry: 🌐 AUTHOR SITE: www.jerrydclark.com   🔗 LINKEDIN: JerryDClark   📘 FACEBOOK: @JerryDClarkMA   📸 INSTAGRAM: @jerrydclarklpc

At one time, convincing was necessary in conversations when there was a difference of opinion. The longer I stayed in that conversation, usually, the more anxious I would get. The more anxiety I had, the less intellectual and spiritual I became. Winning the argument became my focus, and I lost sight of the relationship. My need to be right overshadowed my ability to listen, understand, or connect.   Over time, I realized that my need to "win"  was often tied to insecurity. Deep down, I feared that being wrong diminished my worth or credibility. But the truth is, being wrong or seeing another perspective doesn't make me lesser; it makes me human. When I embraced this, I started to see arguments differently.   A turning point came when I prioritized understanding over winning or convincing. During disagreements, I learned to ask myself: "What is the greater goal here? Connection or conquest?"  More often than not, the answer was connection. I discovered that the tension eased when I shifted from defending my position to being curious about the other person's perspective. The need to dominate gave way to genuine dialogue.   Letting go of the need to win an argument isn't easy. It requires humility to admit I might not know everything, courage to listen, and grace to let the other person hold their truth, even if it conflicts with mine. But this shift brings a profound reward: healthier relationships, deeper understanding, and inner peace.   These days, I remind myself that the goal of a meaningful conversation isn't to conquer but to connect. Winning an argument might feed the ego, but understanding another person nourishes the soul. I now see that convincing wears us both out and creates separation and resentment.   Again, I will only sometimes get my way, and I will relent when necessary and not waste time trying to convince. However, my no means no.  I may relent, do what I want, or return to the drawing board, but I will not convince.   How about you? Do you prefer to convince or become curious?   Watch for the blind spots.   Think you’ve got it all figured out? 🤔 Your blind spots might have other plans. Dive into Blind Spots in Relationships  and find out what you don’t know you don’t know. 💡 Get your copy today. 📚 http://tinyurl.com/yc3usfsp

Many years ago, my great friend Ron H. introduced me to a biblical concept that has deeply resonated with me: the importance of having a mentor, an encourager, and a mentee.  The Bible beautifully illustrates this idea through the lives of Paul, Barnabas, and Timothy.   Paul was an extraordinary figure. Once a persecutor of Christians, he experienced a dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus, where he was blinded and ultimately transformed into a fervent follower of Christ. From that moment, Paul became a bold preacher of the Christian faith, traveling extensively to teach, mentor, and inspire others.   Barnabas, known as the "Son of Encouragement,"  was Paul’s encourager. He had a gift for uplifting others and served as an influential evangelist, providing Paul with the support and affirmation he needed on his journey.   Timothy, on the other hand, was Paul’s protégé. Under Paul’s mentorship, Timothy grew in faith and leadership, continuing the mission of spreading the gospel.   Paul, Barnabas, and Timothy formed a dynamic team united by their shared purpose. They exemplified the strength that comes from mentorship, encouragement, and mentee ship.   This is a timeless model for personal and spiritual growth. I am reminded of this powerful example in my daily life. I need a Paul in my life to follow, someone whose intellect, life experience, and guidance can help me understand where I am and where I am meant to go. I also need a Barnabas who will acknowledge my strengths, accomplishments, and potential, provide support during challenging times, boost my confidence and self-esteem, and foster a sense of belonging within a community. My Timothy inspires me to be a mentor, teacher, and coach. These roles challenge me to sharpen my skills, intellect, and disposition so that I can be an example for others.   Using the example of Paul, Barnabas, and Timothy to build a better version of myself, I find it essential to equip myself with this biblical framework to guide my life.   How about you? Do you have a mentor, an encourager, and a mentee?   Watch out for your blind spots.   What if your biggest relationship challenges are the ones you can’t even see? 👀 💔 It’s time to shed light on those blind spots! 📖 Grab Blind Spots in Relationships  and start your journey. 📚 http://tinyurl.com/yc3usfsp

As a boy, I often felt invisible. As the fifth of six children, it was easy to feel like another face in the crowd. Dad was a good man, tough but well-meaning, doing his best with no real roadmap for fatherhood. Mom was equally dedicated, working tirelessly to keep our family afloat.   We were a good family, but the dynamics didn’t leave much room for me to feel special. My older brother was ten years my senior and had little in common with me. My three sisters were close-knit, forming their circle. Even my younger brother, just two years apart, felt like a stranger in our childhood.   I didn’t realize it then, but I searched for approval and desperately wanted to feel seen and valued. At school, I kept my head down, blending into the background. I envied the confident kids laughing at their lunch tables, but I never felt worthy to join them. Words like smart , talented , or worthy seemed to belong to others but not me.   The Marine Corps and graduating college gave me a boost of confidence, but deep down, I still struggled with feeling unworthy. It wasn’t until I went to counseling that I came to a crucial realization : I was my own worst enemy.  My mind was filled with relentless negative self-talk, and I had no idea how much it was feeding my sense of inadequacy.   Through counseling, I learned to accept myself, both my strengths and my shortcomings. This acceptance became the key to unlocking a powerful truth: I am enough and worthy.   Now, I see that worthiness was never something I had to achieve . It was always there, waiting for me to recognize it. The freedom that comes with finally embracing this truth is priceless.   Worthiness is the intrinsic value I possess simply by being human. It’s not earned through achievements or approval; I already have it. Worthiness means understanding that I matter, my flaws and all and that I deserve love and belonging just as I am.   How about you? Have you ever struggled with feeling worthy?   Watch for the blind spots. What if your biggest relationship challenges are the ones you can’t even see? 👀 💔 It’s time to shed light on those blind spots! 📖 Grab Blind Spots in Relationships  and start your journey. 📚 http://tinyurl.com/yc3usfsp

I am constantly looking for ways to improve myself. I often use introspection to do this. I want to search daily for ways to build a better me and make a difference. I am certainly not a world changer, but I can assist in making the world around me a better place.   Exploring my mental and emotional processes opens the door to deeper self-understanding. In my busy life, it offers a valuable opportunity to pause, reflect, and reconnect with my inner self.   Beyond fostering clarity, introspection also builds emotional resilience. When facing my inner world head-on, I learn to navigate challenges more calmly and confidently. Over time, this practice lays the foundation for growth and authentic living. By embracing introspection, I can transform how I experience and engage with the world around me.   However, introspection has its limits, especially when practiced in isolation. My self-perception is inherently subjective, shaped by blind spots, biases, and assumptions that can cloud my understanding. Without external feedback, I risk overanalyzing, becoming stuck in repetitive thought loops, or drawing incomplete or inaccurate conclusions. This isolation can reinforce self-doubt, perpetuate negative beliefs, or distort my understanding of relationships and events.   Engaging with trusted individuals (which has been difficult for me)  provides a vital counterbalance to the limitations of self-reflection. Feedback is a mirror, revealing aspects of myself that introspection may lack. Honest input from others challenges my assumptions, broadens my perspective, and highlights areas for growth. Rather than diminishing the value of introspection, constructive feedback enhances it by anchoring my reflections in reality. By approaching feedback with curiosity and openness, I uncover hidden motivations, identify limiting beliefs, and recognize patterns that no longer serve me. This deeper self-awareness empowers me to make intentional choices aligned with my values and goals.   Accurate self-awareness emerges when I blend inner exploration with external perspectives. By coupling introspection with feedback, I understand who I am and how I impact the world around me.   How about you? Do you engage in introspection and feedback?   Watch for the blind spots.   What if your biggest relationship challenges are the ones you can’t even see? 👀 💔 It’s time to shed light on those blind spots! 📖 Grab Blind Spots in Relationships  and start your journey. 📚 http://tinyurl.com/yc3usfsp

I have not had any major setbacks lately but am constantly exposed to daily disappointments. Bad drivers, misunderstandings, the bureaucracy of navigating customer service, and automated telephone answering recordings are but a few of life’s circumstances that interrupt my happiness.   Life has a way of presenting these occurrences beyond my control. They wax and wane like the seasons, and while I can’t control their arrival, I always have a choice in how I respond.   I once believed fighting against my circumstances was the only way forward. If I could push hard and resist strongly enough, I could change things to fit my desires. But over time, I realized this constant struggle left me drained and often disappointed. Life doesn’t always bend to my will.   Acceptance became my answer, not as a form of resignation but as a deliberate choice to stop resisting what I can’t change. Acceptance means acknowledging happenstance rather than wasting energy wishing it were different. It's not about abandoning growth or improvement but realizing that some battles are best fought within myself rather than with the outside world. What a relief that realization brings.   Acceptance brings me peace in uncertainty, letting me focus on what I can control— my perspective, actions, and attitude.  Situations may change like tides, but how I navigate them is always up to me.   Acceptance doesn’t mean I agree with everything, it means I acknowledge reality as it is, not as I want it to be. This clarity gives me the strength to move forward.   Life will continue to shift, bringing joy and challenges. Through it all, I choose the power of acceptance, knowing it is the key to living a life of peace and resilience. My path may be shaped by my experiences, but it’s my choices that define me.   How about you? Can you accept your circumstances and make good choices?   Watch for the blind spots.   Think you’ve got it all figured out? 🤔 Your blind spots might have other plans. Dive into Blind Spots in Relationships and find out what you don’t know you don’t know. 💡 Get your copy today! http://tinyurl.com/yc3usfsp

WOW, I feel empowered today!   I have been a sprinter and a marathoner, and there is a marked difference. At one time in my life (but not today), I loved both races.   The first days and weeks of this new year often bring a rush of energy and excitement about what lies ahead, just like being in a sprint. This year is no different for me. I've set meaningful objectives and crafted a solid plan to ensure I follow through. Tools like The 12-Week Year  and Living Your Best Year Ever  have equipped me to be a "small stepper."  I'll build momentum by taking small, consistent steps daily and steadily working toward my goals.   While imagining the possibilities is exhilarating, I've learned that enthusiasm alone won't carry me to the finish line. The proof of commitment lies in the results, not just the initial excitement. I've been here before, only to see my enthusiasm dwindle as time passed. This year's key is discipline, showing up daily, even when motivation fades.   Another critical element will be support. Having someone walk alongside me, offering input and encouragement at least weekly, will keep me grounded and accountable.   I pray for the strength to stay focused and the resilience to maintain this excitement 12 months from now. Life will inevitably bring distractions, but persistence and the power of small, consistent actions will win the day. Every small step is a victory and a vote for the person I want to become.   This year, I'm not just hoping for change; I'm creating it.  My objectives are clear, my plans are actionable, and my commitment is strong. I'll celebrate progress, not perfection, and adjust as needed to stay on track.   It's not how I start but how I finish that defines my success. Sprinting might feel rewarding initially, but marathons build the endurance for lasting achievement. I am focused on the long haul.   How about you? Are you ready to embrace the challenge of the long haul?   Watch for the blind spots.   Get Blind Spots in Relationships today and start seeing the bigger picture and transform your relationships for the better.   http://tinyurl.com/yc3usfsp

God has blessed us with a new year and a fresh start. How I shape this year will depend on the choices I make. Reflecting on the past year, I recognize there were times I could have done better. Now, I’ve been given another chance.   It’s easy to look forward with anticipation to all the good things a new year might bring. Yet, I know challenges will come too, things that may not be so pleasant. My prayer is to stay grounded in faith, no matter the circumstances.   Right now, things feel positive. After the joy of Christmas celebrations and wonderful moments with family, I feel hopeful as I look ahead to what this year may unfold.   Specifically, I plan to focus on continued learning, maintaining good health, and fostering new friendships. I want to share more smiles than I can count and face each day with love in my heart, ready to give it freely whenever I can.   For instance, just this morning at the pet store, I had a small but impactful moment. As I walked in, I noticed a man coming out, carrying a large bag and looking tired. I thought, here’s a chance to share kindness.  I greeted him with a cheerful “Good morning!”  At first, he seemed startled, but then his face lit up with a big, welcoming smile. It was a simple interaction, but it reminded me how powerful kindness can be—and how much joy it brings.   This year, I’ll give my best effort again. Some results will be great, while others may fall short. Regardless, I’ll remind myself: Good job, keep going.   I also want to take a moment to thank all of you. Your likes, loves, shares, and comments on my posts mean so much. While I may not always reply, I hope my words find their way to you, making a difference in your lives.   As we step into this new year, I wish you peace, hope, grace, and abundant love. May you be equipped to face whatever the year brings and may God’s blessings walk with you every step of the way.   Love you all, Jerry