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You read that correctly. When you apologize for some action or inaction there may well be a reason. If you explain that reason as part of the apology you’re making an excuse, not making an honest apology.

An easy example is when you’re late to pick someone up. The reasons could be the drive was longer than you thought, you lost track of time and left late, you were stuck in traffic, or some similar reason. Of course there was a reason or you would have been on time (or even early). Does it matter why? Not when it comes
Continue Reading It’s not an apology if it comes with an excuse

It’s important to try to maintain some level of organization and structure in your life, as this can help you to feel more in control and reduce stress. However, it’s also important to recognize that some level of chaos and unpredictability is inevitable, and it’s okay to embrace it to some extent.

There are many different ways to organize your chaos and therefore your life. The best approach for you will depend on you. Here are a few suggestions to avoid chaos being your default mode:

  • Make a schedule: One of the most effective ways to stay organized is to

  • Continue Reading Don’t let chaos be the default mode of life

    I recently read this good piece of advice. It’s easy to jump to conclusions or make judgments about people without knowing all the facts. Making assumptions isn’t a good idea, as pointed out to all in the old movies and television shows: https://youtu.be/svkgOsr7pUc.

    It’s generally a good idea to be slow to judge others because jumping to conclusions about someone’s character or motivations based on limited information or how they look can lead to misunderstandings, may cause harm, and may cause you to lose opportunities. It’s important to give people the benefit of the doubt, get to know them,
    Continue Reading Be slow to judge people, and quick to help them

    Curiosity is an essential human trait that drives us to learn new things, explore the world around us, and seek out new experiences. Being curious and having a desire to learn makes life more interesting and can help you to go far in life. Curiosity drives us to ask questions and seek out new information, which can lead to new insights and understanding. It can also help you to stay engaged and motivated, and can lead to new opportunities and experiences. Encouraging a sense of curiosity in yourself and others can be a great way to foster a love of
    Continue Reading Endless curiosity will take you far

    I think I have a pretty good memory. If I dial your phone number few times I will likely remember it. I remember many stories and random details people tell me. But I can’t remember everything I want or need to, and neither can you. For this reason I regularly write things down, makes notes in my phone, or email myself. I try to do something to make sure I remember things so they don’t slip through the cracks.

    You can put in systems that work for you to help you remember things. I have emailed myself while hiking many
    Continue Reading Write it down if you want to remember it

    After losing the Super Bowl last Sunday, Philadelphia Eagles’ quarterback Jalen Hurts responded to a media question about the loss by saying “you either win or you learn.” This response applies to losing or failing in any line of work. It also applies to winning or succeeding in that you learn from that too. It’s just that you learn more from failure. As an Eagles fan I am glad to hear he plans to learn from losing and coming so close to winning the biggest game in his profession.

    I do not remember if I previously heard the term “you
    Continue Reading You either win or learn

    Setting goals and taking action are important because they help you focus on what you want to achieve and give you a sense of purpose. When you have a clear goal in mind, you are more likely to stay motivated and work towards it. Especially if you write it down and tell other people you trust. Once you do this you need to go all in and put your thoughts and ideas into action.

    It’s important to have a clear sense of your goals. By writing them down or discussing them with others you can hone the a goal and
    Continue Reading Determine your direction and then take massive action

    I am speaking about controlling your schedule in an affirmative manner and not just being reactive all day long. There are many ways to do this, some of which I have written about before, which means the first step is to figure out what works best for you to manage your calendar and time each day. Then make sure to put it into play to stay in control of your time. It will help you avoid getting to the end of your day and wondering where the time went and why you didn’t get everything done you planned to.

    I
    Continue Reading Make the day; don’t let the day make you

    When you go through an interview or meet someone, is there something about you or you have done that people will remember? I recently read something that suggested younger adults do at least three fascinating things in their 20s that job interviewers or dinner companions will want to ask about for the rest of their lives. I know, what does that mean? Think about it and it makes sense though. Having a positive story (or three) that people are interested in and remember will help you build your network and be memorable because people will talk or hear about you
    Continue Reading Build identity capital

    Deliberate planning is important for a number of reasons and is important to think about at this time of year. It helps you to set goals and create a roadmap for achieving them. It also helps you to anticipate potential challenges and come up with strategies for dealing with them. Deliberate planning can also help you to use your resources more efficiently, both in terms of time and money.

    Step one in deliberate planning is setting goals and creating a roadmap to reach them. This is important because:

  • Goals provide focus and direction. By setting clear, specific goals, you can

  • Continue Reading Deliberate planning matters

    Presence refers to the state of being aware and engaged in the present moment. It is the opposite of being distracted. Being present can be difficult, especially in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world where we are constantly bombarded with distractions.

    Practicing presence can be beneficial in a number of ways. It can help you to:

    • Be more mindful and aware of your surroundings and experiences
    • Improve your ability to focus and concentrate
    • Enhance your communication and relationships with others
    • Reduce stress and increase feelings of calm and well-being

    I have to work hard on being present at times. My mind drifts
    Continue Reading Presence is a skill we all need to practice

    Ending the year well can mean different things to different people. For some, it might mean achieving a personal goal or completing a major project. For others, it might mean spending time with loved ones or taking some time to rest and recharge.

    Regardless of what it means to you, there are some general tips that can help you end the year on a positive note:

  • Reflect on the year. Take some time to think about the highlights and lowlights of the year, and what you learned from them. This can help you gain perspective and move forward with a

  • Continue Reading End the year well

    Beginning in 2014, many of you probably read my blog regarding having a checkup for you and, if you have one, your business. This does not involve the doctor, but it does involve all the other professionals in your personal and business life. Based on the positive feedback, I have made this an annual tradition.

    Some of you said “What a great idea. I am definitely going to do that.” Others said “Sounds like a good idea, maybe I will look into that.” Another response was “I wish I had thought about this before the end of the year or
    Continue Reading Annual checkup time for you, your company

    Preparation is everything. It makes things look easy and natural. In my world it’s being prepared for a trial, closing of a transaction, oral argument, or the first meeting with a new client. People know when you’re unprepared. When you’re prepared they likely think you just know your stuff and don’t think about the time you put in to perform at that high level. In your world there are equivalents where you can win or lose business based on your preparation or lack thereof.

    My wife has a huge presentation today. She has been preparing for as long as she has
    Continue Reading Always be prepared

    Many of us sit in place all day long working hard. This is bad for you mentally and physically. You know how this works when you’re focused on an important task or project. You’re on a roll and stay in your chair, not even getting up to stretch or walk around. This is something you know isn’t good for you, but are you willing to try new steps to help yourself and lower your stress level?

    Many activities help lower and manage stress. What you have time to do depends on the time you can carve out each day to
    Continue Reading Get moving for your body and your brain

    Whether you are an owner, manager, employee, parent, child, or whatever role you find yourself in the only thing you can control is yourself, which means your decisions, and your actions. When you try to control more than that and if you are aware, you realize your overall lack of control, Instead you realize whatever you have put in motion is subject to the responses and reactions of the others, whose decisions you’re trying to guide or control.

    This doesn’t mean as an owner, parent, or whatever role you are in where are you are supposed to be “in charge”
    Continue Reading Your perceived control is illusory