Hi dear reader, I'm very glad that you're here!
I observe that the vast ocean of self-help literature and podcasts, along with the overwhelming wave of psychoeducational Instagram pages, has swept today's people to the point where they seek solutions to every problem within themselves.
Feeling unsettled? Let it go!
Afraid to take a leap? Identify and transcend your limiting beliefs about it!
This phenomenon manifested interestingly during a recent executive coaching session with one of my clients, a founder of a company. István (not his real name) is planning to launch a new business segment but has been hesitating to take the first step, despite having a detailed plan we worked on for months. Despite having an action plan, a fear is hindering his action.
When we started discussing the fear, it became clear that my client deeply believes it's his personal flaw/cowardice/self-sabotage, and he must work on himself to move beyond the impasse.
The more I understood his problem, the clearer it became that he perceives a very real threat, which is a risk for everyone in his industry. As this crystallized, he could shift the focus from himself to the real problem existing in the external world. By the end of the coaching session, we had a plan to mitigate the risk.
I share this story because we often spend too much time dwelling on ourselves and our own limitations instead of recognizing that there are real problems and risks in the world that require strategies for preparation.
I can't wait for the next session with this client; I'm curious about the successes he has achieved since then!
Have I mentioned how much I love my job? This week, the first group coaching series started, deviating from the usual structured program of 'mindfuck to mindfulness.' It's an open session where previous group members collaborate on their specific challenges over 5 months.
It's very rewarding to receive positive feedback, indicating that the winter program was beneficial, and they want more.
Podcast
An extra episode of HAC was released on Wednesday: '117th Year-End Rush, Planning, and Performance Evaluation at Work.' I believe it's relevant for many of us right now.
The uniqueness of the episode is that when a journalist from profession dot hu interviewed me on the topic, I recorded our conversation. You can listen to it for about 20 minutes on your favorite player.
Please follow HAC if you haven't already, so you won't miss goodies like the free course releasing in four parts next week, created with Tomi Mester of the biznisz bozy and data36 for those interested in healthy entrepreneurship.
I also created a Spotify playlist called 'Lagom Biznisz Kurzus' where the entire program will be available for Christmas. Save it now and listen to the teaser episode, where we talk about who and why the material was created.
If you have 5 minutes of podcast listening capacity left, check out the latest episode of 'Bezzeg a Svédek':
TV-Series on our Biases:
I don't know if you've noticed, but (not just in Hungary) the hatred against foreigners, especially those practicing Islam, is taking an increasingly severe turn. I often catch myself being prejudiced in certain situations—we all are—but I consciously try to base opinions on individuals' behavior rather than their origin or other characteristics. This is particularly important, I think, given that I am the grandson of a Holocaust survivor.
It's crucial to always talk about the problems, and I believe the tension in Europe today was caused by liberal and left-wing governments immediately labeling anyone trying to initiate a political discourse about immigration as a racist or Nazi. Unfortunately, this resulted in extremist voices gaining traction, as seen in the EU's model democracies.
Today's series recommendation, which is none other than "Ramy," from HBO, created by American Muslim comedian Ramy Youssef. He handles the theme of the lives of second and first-generation immigrants incredibly well.
The film features a guy living in New Jersey who seeks spirituality in the Islamic religion while living the typical extravagant, material life of young Americans. It's simultaneously funny, educational, heart-wrenching, but captivating, helping viewers understand a culture they know very little about.
If I haven't convinced you to watch the series yet, I'll just mention that Ramy Youssef also directed the best episode of "The Bear," which takes place in Copenhagen. Any more questions?
That's it for today's lengthy newsletter. Let me know what you think and share this letter with your friends if you find it useful.
Thank you for your attention,
Best regards,
András