success – Crisbie Coach

Searching for Sugar Man: The Timeless Lessons of Sixto Rodriguez

In the world of documentaries, few stories are as compelling and inspiring as “Searching for Sugar Man.” This Oscar-winning film, directed by Malik Bendjelloul, chronicles the fascinating journey of Sixto Rodriguez, a Detroit-based musician who, despite being largely unknown in his home country, became a cultural icon in South Africa. The documentary is more than just a tale of music—it’s a profound exploration of hope, resilience, and the transformative power of art.

The Enigmatic Story of Sixto Rodriguez

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Sixto Rodriguez recorded two albums, “Cold Fact” and “Coming from Reality.” Despite their artistic brilliance, these records went unnoticed in the United States, and Rodriguez faded into obscurity. However, his music somehow made its way to South Africa, where it struck a chord with the anti-apartheid movement. In a land divided by racial injustice, Rodriguez’s songs became anthems of hope and resistance. Yet, while his music thrived on another continent, Rodriguez himself remained a mystery, with many assuming he had died in obscurity.

The documentary follows two South African fans, Stephen “Sugar” Segerman and Craig Bartholomew-Strydom, as they start on a quest to uncover the truth about Rodriguez. Their search leads to the astonishing discovery that not only was Rodriguez alive, but he was also unaware of his fame on the other side of the world. “Searching for Sugar Man” is the story of how one man’s music transcended borders, and how it changed lives forever.

Lessons We Can Learn from “Searching for Sugar Man”

Resilience in the Face of Failure. Rodriguez’s story is a testament to the power of resilience. Despite the commercial failure of his albums in the United States, Rodriguez never lost his passion for music or his belief in his own artistry. His persistence in pursuing his craft, even when the world seemed indifferent, is a powerful reminder that success is not always immediate or visible. It often requires patience, perseverance, and an unshakable belief in oneself.
The Unpredictable Nature of Success. Success, as Rodriguez’s story illustrates, is often unpredictable and can come unexpectedly. While his music was ignored in the United States, it resonated deeply in South Africa, where it became a symbol of resistance. This teaches us that impact and influence can be far-reaching, often beyond our immediate understanding. The key is to continue creating, sharing, and contributing, even if the results are not immediately apparent.
The Power of Art to Inspire Change. Art can inspire, uplift, and unite people across cultures and continents. Rodriguez’s music became the soundtrack to a movement, giving voice to those who were fighting against oppression. This underscores the importance of artistic expression as a tool for social change. Whether through music, writing, or visual arts, our creations have the potential to make a difference in the world.
The Value of Staying True to Yourself. Throughout his life, Rodriguez remained true to his values and his music, regardless of the commercial outcome. This authenticity is a powerful lesson in the importance of staying true to oneself. In a world that often prioritizes commercial success over artistic integrity, Rodriguez’s story is a reminder that true fulfillment comes from being genuine in our pursuits.

Embrace Your Passion

The story of Sixto Rodriguez and “Searching for Sugar Man” is not just a fascinating narrative; it’s a call to action. It encourages us to embrace our passions, pursue our dreams, and share our stories, no matter how unlikely success may seem. We are reminded that our contributions have value, even if they are not immediately recognized. The world is vast, and our impact may be greater than we ever realize.

As you reflect on Rodriguez’s journey, consider the passions you hold dear. Are you pursuing them with resilience and authenticity? Are you sharing your talents and stories with others? Let Rodriguez’s story inspire you to keep creating, keep striving, and keep believing in the power of your unique voice.

Have you watched “Searching for Sugar Man”? What lessons did you take away from Sixto Rodriguez’s incredible journey? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s continue to celebrate the power of resilience, creativity, and the enduring impact of art. If you haven’t seen the documentary yet, I highly recommend you watch it.

Thank you for reading! Please, subscribe to my blog, for more articles!

How to Thrive Under a Micromanager: Empower Yourself for Success

Imagine Alice, a talented graphic designer at a marketing firm. Alice loves her job and takes pride in her creativity. However, her manager, John, habitually hovers over her shoulder, constantly checks her work, and provides unsolicited feedback on every minor detail. John insists on approving every draft before Alice can move forward, often making her redo tasks multiple times. This constant oversight leaves Alice feeling frustrated and undervalued, stifling her creativity and reducing her job satisfaction. Alice works with a micromanager.

Does it sound familiar to you?

The workplace today can be tough, especially when you are supervised by a micromanager. But what is micromanagement? It can be defined as a management style where a leader controls every detail of their team’s activities excessively. This often signals a lack of trust in employees’ abilities to perform tasks independently. Instead of fostering a collaborative and innovative environment, micromanagement can hamper creativity and reduce job satisfaction. While their intention might be to ensure quality and control, the impact can often feel suffocating.

However, there are strategies you can use to manage this situation effectively. Have a look.

Strategies to Thrive Under a Micromanager

Build Trust Through Communication: Regularly update your manager on your progress. Proactively sharing your achievements and challenges can build trust and reduce their need to micromanage.
Clarify Expectations: Ensure you understand what your manager expects from you. Ask for clear guidelines and deadlines, and confirm your understanding to avoid misunderstandings.
Seek Feedback and Act on It: Request constructive feedback and show that you are implementing it. Demonstrating your willingness to improve can help alleviate their concerns.
Document Your Work: Keep detailed records of your tasks and progress. This can serve as evidence of your productivity and reliability, helping to build your manager’s confidence in your abilities.
Set Boundaries: Politely but firmly set boundaries if the micromanagement becomes overwhelming. Explain how excessive oversight affects your productivity and suggest a more balanced approach.
Focus on Solutions: Instead of dwelling on the negatives, focus on finding solutions. Offer suggestions on how you can work more independently while still meeting their standards.
Seek Support: If the situation becomes too challenging, seek support from HR or a trusted colleague. They can provide advice and help mediate the situation if necessary.

Dealing with a micromanager can be tough, but by taking proactive steps, you can create a more positive work environment for yourself. Building trust, clarifying expectations, and focusing on solutions can help you thrive and succeed, even under close supervision. Remember, your goal is to empower yourself and demonstrate your capability to work independently.

Have you ever worked with a micro-manager? Or if you are a manager, what about your management style? Let me know in the comment box here below and don’t forget to sign up for my blog!

How to Manage Frustration in Modern Life

We’ve all experienced the disappointment of wanting something and not getting it, especially as children. Such moments often led to crying, which our parents might have labeled as a whim. However, frustration is a common emotion that persists throughout life, and our ability to manage it plays a crucial role in our overall success and happiness.

A Zen master encapsulates happiness in a simple formula: happiness is the reality we live minus what we want or hope to achieve. When our desires exceed what we have, we face the dilemma Carl Gustav Jung described: “Life not lived is a disease from which you can die.”

In today’s competitive society, where instant gratification is the norm, frustration is a frequent companion. Another arises as soon as one desire is fulfilled, perpetuating a cycle of longing and dissatisfaction.

Have recent changes in your life affected your sense of well-being? Reflect on the following symptoms to see if frustration has taken hold:

Frequent Melancholy: You often feel sad or downcast.
Increased Irritability: You find yourself more irritable, tense, and stressed. Things that used to be minor annoyances now trigger strong reactions.
Persistent Negative Thoughts: Negative thoughts frequently occupy your mind, draining your energy and sometimes affecting your sleep.
Higher Alcohol and Medication Use: You have increased your consumption of alcohol or medications, often without medical advice.
Desire to Escape: You feel an overwhelming urge to escape your current situation.

Recognizing these signs is the first step toward managing frustration. By understanding and addressing these emotions, you can work towards a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Thank you for reading! Please sign up for my blog crisbiecoach so you don’t miss out on any posts and also for Wise&Shine an incredible online magazine!

Drawing Inspiration from the Secrets of Trees

I recently read Peter Wohlleben’s captivating book “The Hidden Life of Trees“. Wohlleben believes trees talk to each other. Isn’t it fascinating? The world of forests unveils the extraordinary inner workings of these natural wonders. The author explains how trees interact, communicate, move, and defend themselves. He also describes their growth patterns.

From his words, we discover a profound truth: the silent, hidden trees that spend years in the shade foster a resilience that withstands the tests of time. Like whispered secrets shared among the ancient forest, these trees teach us patience and fortitude. Meanwhile, those that hastily reach for the sun find themselves vulnerable to decay, their fleeting growth unable to withstand the rigors of existence.

In nature, we find wisdom – a timeless reminder that endurance often lies in the shadows. Limited sunlight results in slow growth, leading to the development of dense wood that lasts for generations.

On the contrary, trees constantly exposed to the sun rapidly grow, producing porous wood susceptible to fungi, yeasts, molds, and mildew. A tree that quickly grows decays faster and never gets the chance to age.

We may find solace in the profound lessons echoed by ‘The Hidden Life of Trees.’ This insightful narrative reveals the intricate balance of nature, where trees patiently endure in the shadows, fostering resilience that transcends generations. As we grapple with the urgent need for sustainable solutions, we’re reminded that true endurance lies not in rapid growth, but in the quiet strength cultivated over time. Perhaps, in embracing the wisdom of the forest, we can uncover pathways to mitigate our carbon footprint and forge a more harmonious relationship with the natural world.

We can learn a lot from nature on how to apply its principles and strategies for lasting success and resilience. Peter Wohlleben’s storytelling prowess brings the forest to life, offering invaluable insights into the secrets of endurance found within its wooded realms.

Thank you for reading! Please sign up for my blog crisbiecoach so you don’t miss out on any posts.

Revitalize Your Health – Embracing a Month Without Added Sugar

Embark on a transformative journey for your health with the “Month Without Added Sugar” challenge. Drawing inspiration from the well-known “month without alcohol” and “month without tobacco,” this endeavour encourages you to embrace a month free from the clutches of added sugar.

These insidious additives, devoid of nutritional value, are prominent culprits behind the surge in obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and various other diseases. This challenge, with dual goals, sets the stage for personal success and collective exploration.

Primarily, it beckons as a personal odyssey, inviting you to conquer your own limits, experiment with your habits, and cultivate a keen awareness of your sugar intake. Secondly, it extends a collective invitation, encouraging you to engage in a shared experiment that weaves a richer fabric of experiences and insights.

Gather a cohort of likeminded friends or colleagues, and you’re all set to plunge into this enlightening venture. The collective initiation of the challenge fosters camaraderie and resilience — essential tools in the face of cravings. Together, you will engage in thoughtful discussions, exchange experiences, and inspire one another throughout this transformative month-long journey.

Remember, initiating this odyssey on your own can be invigorating, but rallying others to the cause amplifies the impact. During moments when you contemplate wavering, your fellow challengers will serve as beacons of encouragement, propelling you forward.

Reflecting on my personal journey with the challenge, the initial week posed formidable frustrations. Yet, the subsequent weeks brought forth an array of rewards:

A daily uplift in mood.
Reduced inclination towards snacking, thanks to prolonged satiety.
An exponential surge in energy levels.

The surge in energy is particularly noteworthy and deserving of special attention. After a sugar-free month, I felt replenished with vitality. This resurgence was a rejuvenating tonic, especially after a period of intense work preceding a well-deserved break.

However, it’s important to exercise caution and avoid always demonizing all forms of sugar. Curtailing added sugar intake is pivotal for health, yet the occasional indulgence should not be shunned. Savouring a slice of cake on a leisurely Sunday afternoon with friends becomes a delightful respite —nourishing both mood and overall well-being.

Basically, self-care remains paramount. The challenge’s summons is not about perfection but about fostering a deeper bond with oneself.

So, are you prepared to embrace this transformative undertaking?

The summer’s warmth ushers in the ideal ambiance to embark on this journey. As the heat diminishes our appetite, the “Month Without Added Sugar” challenge is poised to unfold. Carve out a month for yourself, your health, and a rejuvenated outlook on life.

Why Accepting That You Cannot Always Be Happy Makes Your Life Easier

After having read a lot about happiness, I found out that you also would need to accept that you cannot always be happy because it will make your life easier.

What is the real meaning of being happy? Is it really necessary to be happy all the time to be successful in life?

Some researchers state that happiness means designing your own quality of life and also finding ways to strive for continuous improvement. They say that we all have a social purpose to live for, that is our mission. If you keep a journal, for instance, you would be able to evaluate the activities that make you happy and compare them with those that make you unhappy. In this way you may have a choice. You can also compare yourself with others’ activities to find out what makes them happy and get inspired. It doesn’t mean that you have to compare yourself with others: you are unique, and in some cases you don’t even know those people very well.

Moreover, there is not a single recipe to be happy. Not everyone will be happy by practicing meditation or sports, for instance. There are, however, common factors that will influence your happiness: valuable relationships, a meaningful job, work-life balance, a great partner and good health. In any case, you may find someone who is not happy in spite of the fact that they have a good job and they get along well with their partner.

Yet, there are also researchers saying that it is not important to target happiness as such, but you would need to to learn how to be unhappy, by accepting the moments of unhappiness without judgement and as part of your life.

Being always positive is not good

Some scientists see with a critical eye today’s trend on being always positive. Avoiding facing distress, sorrow, misery is not a solution. You can’t ignore being unhappy, you have to accept it for what it is. You can also share your negative feelings or emotions with others, it will help you create and strengthen your relationships. When you are worried and you know that someone will listen to you, you may feel a bit better after having shared your distress and discomfort.

Actually, those who pretend to always be happy may end up being alone, isolated and of course unhappy.

Accept what life gives you in the present moment

This sounds like a paradox but if you try to accept your unhappiness as a moment in your life that sooner or later will fade away, you will be more content.

The most important thing is to be happy with the life you live, acknowledging and accepting the ups and downs that are part of your life. As the French say, c’est la vie.

How Discipline Can Lead to Success

Self-discipline is the ability to train your body and mind. Successful people are masters in this art. Sportsmen, stars of the showbiz, great doctors, inventors, researchers, managers, but also parents, teachers, nurses, all those who have achieved important results during their career and their lives, practice fundamental techniques to train their body and mind. They know that thought generates habit and by disciplining their thinking they create the attitude to do better and better. Let’s see some techniques to learn how discipline can lead to success.

Visualization – Listen to audio that explains what visualization is and how to practice it. You will learn to condition your mind to relaxation, and in this state, you will be more receptive and therefore more creative. Write down your goals (not many, maximum three) and read them aloud. Listen to energizing music repeating your goals like a mantra.
When you visualize your goals, visualize them exactly as if they were already achieved. For example, if you want to see yourself slimmer, visualize yourself in a dress that you have not been able to wear for a long time.
Do this exercise daily: repeat to yourself several times that you have already achieved your important goals. Observe yourself in your new “version”. Persevere in wanting to achieve your goals, do not abandon them, take care of them.
Make a list of some important and essential things that you don’t feel like doing because you don’t like them, they’re demanding, or you don’t have time to do them. Set a deadline and comply with it. The action dedicated to performing unpleasant tasks reduces stress and tension (I know, it sounds strange, but that’s how our brain works).
Remember that you need to improve your body’s discipline as well. So practice sports activities, walk at least three times a week for half an hour, rest and sleep regularly, eat healthy, nutritious and balanced meals, try to always maintain the same weight.

Finally, don’t forget that both losing and winning are mental attitudes that can be learned, but it takes days, weeks, and even months of consistent practice to achieve your goals. Discipline can lead to success if you are determined to follow these fundamental steps.

If you want, you can read in my blog more articles about discipline.

Ideas to Improve Your Productivity

man wearing black crew neck shirt and black jeans

Looking at some of the most successful people in their job, I found out that they all seem to have one thing in common: getting up early. But what do they do in the morning? What are their routines to be more productive? Here are some ideas to copy from them to improve your productivity,

By getting up early, you could do a lot of things more in a day and therefore in your life.

However, not everyone likes to get up early, it may depends also on your chronotype. I believe that it is better to wake up naturally, without an alarm clock. Of course, it is not always possible. But as far as I can, I try to avoid meetings in the morning. I prefer to take things calmly when I get up and have breakfast quietly.

More active with physical activity

Getting up early also means that you can workout as first thing in the morning. This workout makes you more alert and active, wakes up the metabolism and, above all, you would not need to worry about doing physical activity for the rest of the day.

Cold shower

You may shiver just thinking about it, actually I do and I don’t take a cold shower but if you can take it you will get some benefits. It improves circulation, reduces stress, and can even help you lose weight.

Read, watch videos, participate in trainings

Successful business people are generally also smart people.

Therefore it is not very surprising that they consider it important to have their brains function well. Some read about 50 books a year, others declare spending 80% of their day reading. There are people who prefer watching videos or participating in trainings. This is also very good to keep your brain active.

Meditation for relaxation

Do you practise meditation? I do for ten minutes a day. Most of successful business leaders practise it. And they all confirm that meditation helps them relax, sleep better, reduce stress and improve their quality of life.

Of course, it is not only by following this morning routine that you will have a successful professional life! You would need to work a lot, follow your talent, develop your passion and competences.

Are you ready to become more productive in your work?

silhouette photography of jump shot of two persons — Success – Photo by Jill Wellington on Pexels.com

Why Perfectionism Is Not Healthy

Extreme perfectionism is a compulsive lifestyle that has a high personal cost and can lead to anxiety or depression. Sometimes it hides a low self-esteem. That is why perfectionism is not healthy.

Being perfect means that you do not have imperfections, defects, or weaknesses. For some of us, perfectionism might seem an advantage, especially if it is referred to the work place. If you want to be successful, you should set high standards, have attention to details, and dedication.

However, this is a myth. Perfectionism does not mean to do things well.

Perfectionism affects people of all ages and lifestyles, and it is on the rise among students. An research in which 41,641 British, Canadian and American universities were included between 1989 and 2016, showed an increase in the percentage of young people who feel they need to aim for perfection to achieve their academic and professional goals.

Extreme perfectionism is a compulsive way of demanding that things and the way you do things shall be perfect and precise.

Aiming for perfection can have a high personal cost, it involves multiple negative effects, such as eating disorders, anxiety, or depression.

Especially among young people, the link between perfectionism and suicide risk is alarming.

According to the study, an increasing number of people have been experiencing what the researchers call “multidimensional perfectionism,” which includes perfectionism aimed at themselves, perfectionism aimed at others, and the socially prescribed perfectionism.

While self-oriented perfectionism focuses on extremely high personal standards, other-oriented perfectionism involves that others shall meet high and unmeasured expectations set by us.

In addition, the socially prescribed perfectionism implies the perception that other people, or also society at large, impose being perfect and having perfect performances.

Every form of perfectionism has a negative aspect. When the person who aims for perfection fails, especially in the presence of others, they feel a deep sense of guilt and shame because they perceive it as a flaw or, even worse, as a failure.

Moving from being perfectionist to being a bit less perfectionist

We stigmatize ourselves when we fail, so it’s important to learn that failure is acceptable. This is an inevitable reality, as perfection does not apply to human beings.

Therefore:

give yourself permission to develop more realistic and flexible expectations;

keep your perspective and focus on what you are passionate about;

if you think, or have been told, that you are in a critical situation, do not hesitate to ask for professional help;

recognize that there is also meaning in failure, because you can learn from it.

To conclude, remember that to invent the light bulb, 2000 attempts were necessary!

What do you think about perfectionism? Do you recognise yourself in one category of perfectionism?

illuminated light bulb — Light Bulb – Photo by Brett Sayles on Pexels.com

Why Saying No To Temptations

How can you resist the temptation to drink a good glass of wine, eat a piece of cake or skip the gym and go to the cinema instead?

“The only way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it” said Oscar Wilde.

Diet, sport, sleeping enough are fine, but sometimes indulging in the breach of the rule helps your psycho-physical well-being and eases the performance anxiety that often accompanies a healthy lifestyle.

However, in addition to giving in to temptations, we can learn to control them.

Have you ever heard of the “Marshmallow test“?

The “Marshmallow test” is a curious experiment, carried out by Professor Walter Mischel in the sixties at Stanford University.

yummy marshmallows heaped on white table — Photo by Arina Krasnikova on Pexels.com

A child is left alone in a room in front of a Marshmallow: they can choose whether to eat it immediately or wait 15 minutes and get two as a reward. Some children will know how to wait; others, unable to resist, will throw themselves on that inviting sugar candy.

The professor compared throughout the years the self-control skills shown by children with the successes achieved in their adult age and found out that those who did not eat the marshmallow achieved more goals in life.

Is self-control therefore the secret of success? Is it postponing rewards really more likely to bring success in life?

The Mischel experiment actually explains how self-control is fundamental in studying, in sport, at work and in many other circumstances of your life.

Self-control means knowing how to make decisions in the right time and in the right place to improve your skills to not yield to the temptation of a marshmallow.

People who are best at mastering their decision-making are generally people who are better off. They eat well, play sports, get enough sleep. These people structure their lives around good habits and build routines that are easy to follow.

Good news are that you can learn new habits.

Eating a piece of pie is not a moral failure, even if you have decided to go on a diet. Giving up on the piece of cake may cause you more stress and therefore cause you more harm than eating it. The trick is rather to avoid buying a cake or passing in front of a cake! But don’t feel guilty if you eat a slice. Don’t forget that an excess of willpower can also be more harmful because, as mentioned before, it can cause additional stress.

Self-control depends on your choices and it is your responsibility. Stress has become a personal burden, which you are called to manage alone with the help of techniques, like meditation, coaching, yoga.

Remember that it is important to recognize your own limits because it makes you become aware of the fact that you cannot be perfect and control everything.

Do you think that you can learn how you can control yourself?