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“To know what you prefer, instead of humbly saying ‘Amen’ to what the world tells you to prefer,
is to have kept your soul alive.”
—Robert Louis Stevenson
Last week, I spent time with two groups of leaders I meet once a quarter – both unusually at the same hotel but on different days.
These gatherings aren’t just about problem-solving or tackling the challenges of work and life—they’re about something deeper:
Creating precious time to pause, reflect, and think at a higher level.
It’s an opportunity to lift our perspective beyond the day-to-day grind and reconnect with what truly matters—our values, energy, and purpose.
One of the intentions of these gatherings is simple yet profound:
to keep the fire inside alive.
The inner fire that fuels your soul, your creativity, and your energy.
Years ago, a mentor posed a question to me that changed the way I approach my days:
“With what kind of energy will you create your day, Shane?”
It’s a powerful question because so often, we go through life on autopilot, allowing the world to dictate our pace, our focus, and even our preferences.
We can get overwhelmed by our thinking and emotions and without realising it fall into the trap of not really bringing our best to what we do and where we are. The biggest loser then isn’t our work, or our relationships – but ourselves because the fire within starts to diminish.
The hotel we stayed at last week provided an inspiring example to me.
Several staff members stood out—not because of their positions but because of the energy, passion, and humour they brought to their work. It was pure hospitality on show.
It reminded me that success often isn’t about where you are or what you’re doing but about how you show up.
These staff members—bringing their full energy and presence—are the kind of people who get noticed. They’re the ones who find opportunities opening up to them because their approach elevates not only their work but also the people around them.
On the other hand, I’ve seen people who feel “stuck” in their work, believing they are trapped in roles that don’t reflect their potential or value. You feel their resentment and disenchantment and it never reflects well on the business they work in.
They’re looking for an external escape, missing the profound truth the poet Robert Frost shared:
“The way out is through.”
‘Going though’ is about showing up fully, even when circumstances aren’t ideal in your mind.
It’s about bringing your energy, passion, and focus to the present moment—because that’s where real transformation begins.
So, this week, I’ll leave you with two questions to reflect on:
The truth is, when you show up with energy and purpose, you not only keep your soul alive—you also create a life that reflects the best of who you are.
Best,
Shane
PS – The hotel in question is Kileavy Castle Hotel just outside Newry in Northern Ireland.
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Ep 206: Hard Work vs. Elevated Ambition: Understanding A Difference That Could Change Everything.
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