Focus on Compassion

Yesterday was a rather special day for me, with three significant milestones all falling on the same date. It was 30 years since my grandfather George passed away, my third year volunteering on London Poppy Day, which celebrated its 20th anniversary and the second anniversary of launching Focus on Why: Create a Purposeful Way of Life, the book I co-authored with George. A day that brought together memories, gratitude and a few reflections on the difference we make to others.

I spent the day at London Bridge Station selling poppies and raising vital funds for the Royal British Legion. I absolutely love volunteering. Meeting people from all walks of life, hearing their stories and discovering the personal reasons behind their donations or their volunteering reminded me of just how much we all have in common. Every conversation is different but there's a shared desire to remember, support and make a difference.

It was particularly meaningful to be doing this on the anniversary of George's passing. Two years ago, we brought our book to life, creating something that continues to share his influence and our story proving that what we contribute during our lifetime can continue to have an impact long after we're gone and that got me thinking about compassion.

We're often encouraged to believe that success comes from being tough, pushing harder and holding ourselves to increasingly high standards. You strive to do better, get things right and achieve more but how often does that come at the expense of being kind to yourself?

When you make a mistake, your inner critic can be quick to point out everything you did wrong. You might replay conversations, question your decisions or berate yourself for not doing better. Yet, would you speak to someone else in the same way?

Compassion isn't about making excuses, lowering your standards or avoiding difficult conversations. It's about recognising that you're human. You can acknowledge where you've gone wrong without making yourself feel wrong. You can challenge yourself to grow without constantly criticising who you are.

The same applies to how you treat others. Taking the time to listen, showing understanding rather than judgement or simply offering someone a little kindness can make more of a difference than you realise.

Yesterday reminded me that legacy isn't just about what you achieve or what you leave behind. It's also about how you make people feel, the connections you create and the contribution you make along the way. Perhaps compassion is one of the simplest, yet most powerful, ways to make a difference.

You don't have to be perfect to make a difference. Be kinder to yourself and others. The impact might last longer than you think.

Focus on Compassion. Focus on Why.

REFLECTION WITH ACTION 

Where in your life could you replace criticism with compassion? Are you showing yourself the same understanding and kindness that you readily offer others?

This week, pay attention to how you respond when things don't go to plan. Instead of immediately criticising yourself, pause and consider what you would say to a friend in the same situation. Then offer yourself that same kindness.