In the Mood: An Interview with Alan Cahn

“There is loss. If you resist loss you get morose. When you accept the loss, when you experience the sadness, then you take the next breath, good. Now, what is the opportunity in front of me.” – Alan Cahn

Show Notes

  • [02:08] Introducing Alan Cahn
  • [06:05] Alan’s perspective on the current reality we face globally
  • [12:15] Our mood is correlated to our acceptance of what is so, acceptance of the facts
  • [19:32] It is likely not the surface stuff that is affecting mood–resources and best practices shift non-productive moods into productive moods
  • [22:11] Self-observation and moods
  • [30:20] Alan’s latest work: reserve funds, “era work,” and dealing with incompletions
  • [33:27] Lesson learned from COVID-19
  • [37:56] Structures and useful practices for navigating moods and achieving goals
  • [47:05] Trends among top performers — a focus on service
  • [51:10] When we detach from the outcome, we leave room for magic
  • [55:41] The difference between contribution and sacrifice
  • [63:25] Dealing with others’ expectations of us
  • [70:31] The importance of structures and practices
  • [74:37] Three principles for being an extraordinary parent
  • [77:59] A time of recovery–four areas to look after: physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual
  • [87:02] Growing and showing up to purpose at 70 years old

Links and People Mentioned from this episode:

Alan Cahn
Alan Cahn has over 40 years of experience as a successful entrepreneur, manager, trainer, executive and coach for high performing teams in business, education and human services. He has a demonstrated track record of success in coaching people with big commitments to realize breakthrough results, working in an international corporate setting as well as with teams, relationships and families. An engaging and relational coach, Alan’s approach starts by collaborating with individuals or groups to identify what truly matters to them and then supporting them in designing clear cut pathways and actions to fulfill that vision – personally and professionally. He has a unique talent for disruptive / context shifting questions and interactions.