bhjrnl

  • Reframing Failure as Data: A Modern Application of John Gardner’s Wisdom

    This post is a follow up to my last one, Unlocking Human Potential: Leadership Lessons from John Gardner. John Gardner’s wisdom about human potential finds perfect expression in today’s data-driven world through the concept of reframing failures as valuable information rather than character indictments. Gardner emphasised that most people use only a fraction of their capabilities,…

  • Unlocking Human Potential: Leadership Lessons from John Gardner

    John W. Gardner (1912-2002) was an American statesman, educator, and public intellectual who served as Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare under President Lyndon Johnson. Beyond his government service, Gardner founded Common Cause, a citizen’s lobbying organisation, and was the author of influential books like Excellence, Self-Renewal, and On Leadership. Throughout his career, he moved…

  • Reigniting the Spark: Where to Find Inspiration When Burnout Hits

    Burnout. It’s that heavy, leaden feeling when your passion flickers and the creative well runs dry. We’ve all been there. Whether you’re a writer, artist, programmer, or anyone who relies on a spark of inspiration, burnout can feel like a devastating roadblock. But fear not. Inspiration isn’t lost forever – it’s simply hiding. Here’s a…

  • The Psychology of Being in a Rut: Why We Get Stuck

    I’ve already written about recognising you’re in a rut in life, or a rut at work, and what you can do to drag yourself out of it. In this post I want to circle back slightly, and look at the psychology of being in a rut, and why we fall into one. We’ve all been…

  • Using Zen to Enhance Productivity and Transform Your Work Life

    ,

    Apple co-founder Steve Jobs was deeply influenced by Zen philosophy, which he encountered during his travels to India and through his interactions with Zen masters like Shunryu Suzuki and Kobun Otogawa in the U.S. Jobs practiced meditation, a core aspect of Zen, and was particularly drawn to the Sōtō school of Japanese Zen, which emphasises sitting…

  • How to Get Unstuck by Adopting a Beginner’s Mind

    Beginner’s mind (Shoshin, 初心) is a key concept in Zen Buddhism, emphasising an open, curious, and non-judgmental approach to life and practice. It comes from the Zen teaching that we should approach everything as if we are seeing it for the first time, without preconceived notions or attachments. Shunryu Suzuki’s Definition Zen teacher Shunryu Suzuki,…

  • Feeling Stuck: A Sign That You’re Ready for Change

    Have you ever felt like you’re treading water in your own life, struggling to make meaningful progress, and wondering why you can’t seem to shake that sense of stagnation? I know I have. While it may feel frustrating, this very sensation of being stuck is actually a powerful signal that you’re on the cusp of…

  • The Art of Kaizen: Small Changes for Transformative Living

    ,

    In our fast-paced world of quick fixes and instant results, the Japanese philosophy of kaizen offers a refreshing alternative. This centuries-old concept – which translates to “continuous improvement” – presents a gentler, more sustainable path to personal growth through small, consistent changes that compound over time. What is Kaizen? Kaizen emerged in Japan after World…