Nathan's School of Thought

Episode 84: Curating Photos, and Curating Life - How To Focus On What Matters Most

When I curate photos, as a photographer, I have to decide which ones are relevant, which ones are beautiful, which ones take me back to a time or place or situation, which ones are most likely to be valued by the recipient or by me, and can I get rid of the rest?  Curating life is much the same. What things matter most? What are the greatest distractions in my life? If you were to take the experiences of your life and display them on a wall, sort of a panorama of your loves and your losses, the good and the bad, the lifespan of who you really have become, the picture of who you really are on the inside, the picture of what your life has contained... what are the greatest distractions?   The third thing I would invite you to write down is, "if I am distracted from what matters most, what do I lose?" if you're distracted from something unimportant, you don't lose much. But if you're distracted from those things that matter most, you may lose a great deal.  We live in a world full of distraction. Some of the distractions are really tasty. Some of them are really exciting. Are you willing to let them go? Are you willing to let the focus be the focus?  I invite you to curate your life and join me in that exercise.    Quotes referenced in this podcast are taken from: * https://www.npr.org/2013/05/10/182861382/the-myth-of-multitasking [https://www.npr.org/2013/05/10/182861382/the-myth-of-multitasking] * https://www.breakthetwitch.com/minimalism/ [https://www.breakthetwitch.com/minimalism/]

Managing Conflicts with The Three R's: Respect, Respond, and Redirect, part 1

In this podcast, Nathan discusses the importance of The Three R's™: Respect, Respond, and Redirect™. Nathan helps us understand and address the underlying emotions driving disruptive behavior to effectively defuse conflicts. Illustrated by an incident during a training session in New York City, Nathan explains how to effectively handle interruptions and conflicts in multiple settings, including work, family, and public interactions. By sharing a story where a participant's disruptive behavior was met with understanding and engagement rather than dismissal, the speaker highlights the importance of recognizing the underlying issues behind someone's behavior.  I invite you to find me on Instagram @natesschoolofthought, or go to natewalkercoaching.com/contact-1 and share your thoughts, notes, comments, or aspirations in the comments section. Tell me how I can help you best, and we'll schedule some time together, free of charge, to discuss it.     Let me know if there are topics you would like me to discuss, and as always, please share this podcast if you find it helpful.

Your Life Can Be Better Than You Think

In this episode, I share personal reflections on my 40-year marriage journey with my wife, starting from our humble beginnings with no understanding of how to navigate life together, to celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary. I recount the challenges we faced, including financial difficulties, the birth of our children, and the trials of raising a family, with a focus on the spontaneous and unpredictable nature of life. Despite the hardships, I highlight the importance of gratitude, growth, and the realization that life's meaning is shaped by our responses to experiences. Through the story, I talk about hope, resilience, and the endless potential for learning and becoming better, including an inspiring quote from Jordan Peterson. Ultimately, I encourages you to search for beauty and meaning in your own lives, recognizing the eternal nature of important, true, and real things. I invite you to find me on Instagram @natesschoolofthought, or go to natewalkercoaching.com/contact-1 and share your thoughts, notes, comments, or aspirations in the comments section. Tell me how I can help you best, and we'll schedule some time together, free of charge, to discuss it.     Let me know if there are topics you would like me to discuss, and as always, please share this podcast if you find it helpful.

The Stories You Tell

This podcast delves into the profound impact stories have on individuals and societies, illustrating through historical and literary examples how narratives can inspire change, dictate perceptions, and influence actions. It discusses the effect of literature like Sun Tzu's 'The Art of War', the moral dilemmas in Victor Hugo's 'Les Miserables', the deceptive tranquility in Nazi Germany during the 1936 Berlin Olympics, and the motivational power of Thomas Paine's 'Common Sense' during the American Revolutionary War. I emphasize the dual nature of stories to both build and destroy, and urge listeners to consciously choose and curate the narratives they tell themselves and others. Highlighting the permanence of practiced thoughts and actions, I encourage you to focus on positive, virtuous, and noble ideas to to build the story that becomes a fulfilling life. I can help you get where you want to go. Message me on Instagram @natesschoolofthought, or click the Contact link on my website: https://natewalkercoaching.com [https://natewalkercoaching.com/].

Streams and Swamps and Human Connection

Revitalizing Relationships: Don't Let Your Bonds Become Stagnant In this heartfelt talk, I share analogies that  highlight the importance of keeping relationships fresh, just like spring water. I emphasize the concept of honoring the 'bids', or attempts at connection, from others, to encourage healthy progress in relationships. Stagnant water in a stream is akin to stagnant relationships and in this podcast, I underline the significance of 'emotional deposits' in ensuring the prosperous flow of relationships. I can help you get where you want to go. Message me on Instagram @natesschoolofthought, or click the Contact link on my website: https://natewalkercoaching.com [https://natewalkercoaching.com/].