This morning, I finished listening to the latest episode of Gyles Brandreth's podcast Rosebud. Brandreth interviewed Björn Ulvaeus, one of the founding members of ABBA. It's a delightful interview, but the statement that particularly caught my attention was something that the 79-year-old Ulvaeus says to himself: "You're so lucky to be still curious." I, too, feel lucky to be curious—about so many things. Ulvaeus' remark reminds me of the Walt Disney quote: "We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths."

"It is never a waste of time to be outdoors, and never a waste of time to rest, even for a few hours."

— May Sarton

Our growth comes from all the demanding stuff we do in our jobs and lives: working hard, often against the clock; figuring out how to do something that's never been done before; solving a problem that has festered for years; investing time and energy in our employees when we're feeling pressed; supporting colleagues to help them succeed; working from home while ensuring our kids keep learning; fighting cancer with dignity and a smile. These are the things that help us to develop and to become the best versions of ourselves.

"Too often, we convince ourselves that massive success requires massive action. Whether it is losing weight, building a business, writing a book, winning a championship, or achieving any other goal, we put pressure on ourselves to make some earth-shattering improvement that everyone will talk about. Meanwhile, improving by 1 percent isn't particularly notable―sometimes it isn't even noticeable―but it can be far more meaningful, especially in the long run. The difference a tiny improvement can make over time is astounding."

— James Clear, Atomic Habits

As I explained to my coach, once I raise an issue with her, I'm more likely to take steps to address the concern, in part so that I can report back at our next call. To me, a commitment to a coach is like a commitment to a teacher. Just as I wouldn't want to disappoint a teacher by not doing my homework, I wouldn't want to disappoint my coach by not following through on a commitment to pursuing a problem. In truth, my coach wouldn't be disappointed; as she said today, coaches are very understanding. In reality, I would be disappointed in myself, as I like to live up to my promises.

Take notes. It's amazing how much we forget and how much we don't actually take in during conversations with healthcare professionals even though we're hearing the words and writing them down. I've often looked back at my notes only to realize that the doctor had said several things that I didn't internalize at the time. Even if your companion takes notes, jot down your own, which makes it easier to compare notes after the appointment.

"Finished crap can be edited. Unfinished greatness languishes forever. The only bad writing is the thing you didn't write!"

— Margarita Gakis

Focus on what you can control. Suppose you are ruminating over an upcoming job interview, said one article, and you can't get self-defeating thoughts out of your mind. "In that case, consider what aspects of the interview you can control, such as pre-interview prepping or ensuring you are well-rested. Determining what you can do to be proactive in a situation and taking action may help reduce rumination."

"As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn't leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I'd still be in prison."

— Nelson Mandela

"A study from 2009 found that reading reduced stress in participants by nearly 70 per cent and was more effective than things like having a cup of tea or listening to music. They even found that reading for as little as six minutes can have a huge impact on stress. Another study found that 30 minutes of reading could reduce stress as much as a yoga session of the same duration."

— The Mental Health Benefits of Reading

"How do you view exercise? Do you use it as a way to burn calories, lose weight, or compensate for what you ate? When we approach exercise this way, it can feel like punishment and wear on motivation, self-confidence and mental wellbeing. The good news—it doesn’t have to be this way. In fact, we’re here to encourage you to explore the joyful movement mentality and learn how to exercise in a way that benefits your mind, body, and soul."

— Elle Schuldt, "How to Find Joy in Exercise"