Quality of Life Project

Knowing who you are and seeking adversity

Kit Cooper — Fri, 10 Apr 2020 15:24:25 +0000

By far, the most important thing in life is identifying who you are, what are you values, what you personally stand for, because you can’t really be successful until you have all of that identified. Then it’s about an approach to life where you discover things that really, really interest you; and then get deeply involved. And lastly the advice a mentor gave to me many years ago: for a meaningful and accomplished life, seek adversity.

Extreme views and identity

Kit Cooper — Fri, 10 Apr 2020 15:08:45 +0000

Don’t allow too much political or religious belief to regulate who and what you are, only add to what you are. If you really want to know yourself, avoid extremes.

Look for the best in people

Kit Cooper — Thu, 09 Apr 2020 21:03:34 +0000

Look for the best in people. Lavish praise on them. Never criticize.

Getting the most out of talented people

Kit Cooper — Wed, 08 Apr 2020 05:16:16 +0000

I love to be around talented people whether in my work sphere or personal life such as house projects. Often times talented people can be difficult to work with. I like figuring out how to get the most of their talents. I try to be enthusiastic, respectful of them and to also infect them with [...]

Keys to getting the most out of life

Kit Cooper — Wed, 08 Apr 2020 05:14:38 +0000

Set objectives. Don’t confuse getting blocked on a particular path as meaning it is a bad objective. Find another path. Keep trying. Be candid with yourself about your strengths and weaknesses. Don’t ever play by the other person’s rules. Insist on playing by your own rules. Success is easy if you’re willing to do anything. [...]

Not trying to impose your will

Kit Cooper — Wed, 08 Apr 2020 05:10:08 +0000

There are two extremes. On one end, if I pick up that someone’s mindset is a certain way and there’s no chance of changing it, I do not bash my head against that wall. On the other end, if someone genuinely wants to know why I feel how I feel, and I see a chance to make a convert, then I do. When I go about it, I like to ask questions to find out how they are getting to the conclusion they are getting to. I find this is an interesting way to see what their logic is, and at times to challenge their position. I rarely attempt the “bring it home / my opinion” mode. I don’t see it to be effective in most cases, so I don’t waste my breath.

Monthly writing session

Kit Cooper — Wed, 08 Apr 2020 05:08:23 +0000

It is a habit of mine once a month to get away from everything and just sit alone with a pen and a yellow legal pad. This is how I see things. What is going to satisfy me? What is not going to satisfy me? What are the positives and negatives of doing that?

Humility

Kit Cooper — Wed, 08 Apr 2020 05:05:40 +0000

I really admire people that have real power but don’t have the need to show it. I think it is a great attribute. My dad told me, “People that really have influence are the ones that feel the least need to talk about it.” I admire those that wear their power lightly. It’s virtuous because those people are usually much better equipped to have others identify with them and follow them.

Taking risks and going off the beaten path

Kit Cooper — Wed, 08 Apr 2020 04:59:56 +0000

To me one of the keys to life is taking calculated risks. Almost always it is better to take a risk and leave the beaten path. Of course you don’t want to take a risk that would result in your being in danger should things not work out but there are many chances we can take in life, that in the worst scenario, we could recover from no problem. If it is not a dangerous risk and something is telling you to consider it, do it. I also think one of the most important things in life is to spend time with people who make you more the person you want to be. Frequently there are people that want to spend time with you that don’t help you out. You don’t need to spend time with them. Spend time with people that make you comfortable being the person you are and want to be. If someone not like this wants to go to dinner with you, don’t go. Life is a journey, keep traveling and be choiceful of where you go. Leaving the beaten path when you can is very important.

Staying grounded

Kit Cooper — Wed, 08 Apr 2020 04:35:37 +0000

I think everyone has an ego, but it is important to try and stay grounded. I think it was helpful that, well before I entered the white-collar workforce, I had a series of what might be described as “character-building” work experiences. In college, I worked one winter at an automotive parts warehouse where I used to haul 55-gallon drums of antifreeze onto trucks on the night shift. When I worked for the US government and as a social entrepreneur, I visited countries suffering from poverty and challenges that dwarf our problems in the US. When a person sees how billions of people around the world live – often without paved roads, without electricity, and without running water – it is a life-changing experience. I think that all these learnings have helped me seek out opportunities without worrying about what others might think.