Leadership

The most ridiculously limiting, prehistoric assumption

The most ridiculously limiting, prehistoric assumption that many of you have is that what you’ve always dreamed of doing will not make you enough money, so you settle for something less than your heart desires and less than you deserve, all because you assumed or were told that (fill in the blank) won’t make you any money. What sparked this idea was that in one of my stories, I came across a great quote by Tama Kieves, who said, “I don’t know what your block is, but I changed my entire life (and the lives of thousands of others) by […]

Choose Hope

Like everyone else, years ago, I was so sad to hear about Robin Williams’ death, and I wanted to bring someone on the show to talk about depression, fear, and other maladies that cause people to lose hope. I don’t want to focus on sadness–we have enough of that going on in the world. What I really want to say would be a rant about getting help, seeing your life for what it is, and making the hard decision to fight to live another day, but that would add little value to the conversation, so I’ll hold my tongue and […]

Manners Cost Nothing and Are Priceless

When was the last time someone said “thank you” or “please” to you? Really think about the last time someone out of the clear blue said “thank you” for something kind you did for them or said “please” when something was needed. Oh no! You can’t think of a recent time when someone said those magical phrases in a sincere manner? Well, sadly, that is my point today. It seems so rare to hear a kind word of thanks, praise, appreciation, or encouragement that is not forced or contrived to get you to do something for someone. So, with that […]

One small crack does not mean that you are broken

One small crack does not mean that you are broken; it means that you were put to the test and you didn’t fall apart. Today, I want to shout out a cheer to some of you for sticking with it and getting the hard work done or just accomplishing a goal that you set, and now, friend, you’re basking in the glow of a good job well done. My theme today is a quote from Linda Poindexter, who said, “One small crack does not mean that you are broken; it means that you were put to the test and you […]

If You’re Tired of Starting Over – Quit Giving Up

If You’re Tired of Starting Over — Quit Giving Up I love the quote, If you’re tired of starting over—quit giving up. I am not sure who said it, but wow, if there was ever a billboard that we should put up around the world, it’s this one. If you’re tired of starting over—quit giving up. I hear people say all the time that they are tired of always having to start over, and so many times, I want to ask the obvious question: of why did you stop? Really, why did you stop your diet? Why did you stop […]

If you want to be successful, you must respect one rule

You would think that the admonition of If you want to be successful, you must respect one rule–never lie to yourself, would be a no-brainer, but we all know people who consciously (or subconsciously) lie to themselves about themselves. Or they lie about the most mundane matters or willfully choose not to see the truth because, frankly, it hurts when, due to life circumstances, change must happen. But remember, the lie that seems small and insignificant today may, over time, grow into a habit that can be damaging to your business, your friends, and maybe (not to be dramatic) your […]

Optimism Is a Happiness Magnet

I saw the quote from Olympic gymnast Mary Lou Retton that said, “Optimism is a happiness magnet. If you stay positive, good things and good people will be drawn to you.” Now, I will say the opposite is also true if you are a negative, the-world-is-against-me type of person. Guess what? If that’s how you are, the world will be against you. Why? Because you are making it hard to be around you. Yes, you are causing the few people who can abide you to find other options for dinner, the movies, or a day at the lake. We all […]

Leaving a Life Imprint

Recently, I was at the beach for a quick vacation, and as I was sitting on the shore soaking up the sun, I was fascinated just watching the waves come in and go out, a little closer to me each time, until I had to move my beach chair back from the water onto higher sand or be soaked in the saltwater swirling around me. I couldn’t help but wonder and watch the power of the water on the shifting sands and then how, within a few hours, all the work of little hands that built sand castles all around […]

What’s On Your Life List?

Recently, I heard a speaker ask about a Life List vs. a Bucket List. It was an interesting thought because I know that for many of us, we have this imaginary (or written down) Bucket List of places we’d like to go, things we’d like to see, and experiences we’d like to have, yet, as we hope and pray and wish away the days and months and years, saving for our Bucket List, I’m curious if you have thought about your Life List. And tell me, how are you coming along with checking off that list for becoming the person […]