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In a few days it will be Thanksgiving 2023 in what seems like a world gone crazy. In thinking about writing about being thankful or gratitude, I looked back to my posts from the week of Thanksgiving in prior years. I can’t say it better, so here is my annual blog for the week of Thanksgiving.

This is a good time of year to think of gratitude generally and what you’re thankful for specifically. At the same time, it’s a great time of year to spread good feelings, which you can do by letting others know when you appreciate something
Continue Reading Show gratitude always; the 2023 version

A recent experience reminded me why preparation matters to all of us heading into an important meeting, presentation, or even a networking event. I called a client to set up time to prepare for an important meeting. The client didn’t understand why we needed to meet and thought we would meet with the other side and see what they had to say. Even though this is a common misconception, it reminded me that many people don’t prepare and just wing it. Many of those people thinks that’s how most people do it. That’s how most people do it who end
Continue Reading Prepare, prepare, prepare

I recently read a quote that said something along the lines of anyone living at the edge of their comfort zone has imposter syndrome and if they don’t, they need to go further. The point of course is to continually push yourself further and harder, to always be striving for more. If you’re comfortable you may remain so for a time, but someone will come along, push you from your perch and pass you by. Instead, enjoy your successes and then challenge yourself to do better, to do more.

In my world I live in a state of constant discomfort
Continue Reading Find comfort in discomfort

We all experience inevitable setbacks and unforeseen challenges in various aspects of our lives. Much like weather patterns, disappointments are unpredictable and can come unexpectedly. These disappointments can manifest in personal relationships, career pursuits, or even everyday activities, causing you to feel frustration, sadness, or disillusionment. Weathering disappointment requires you to be resilient, adaptable, and maintain a positive mindset to navigate through the storm and emerge stronger on the other side.

We all have to come to terms with the fact that setbacks are a natural part of life. Just as weather conditions change, so do circumstances, and disappointments are
Continue Reading Weathering disappointment

Following curiosity in your profession or work can be transformative, leading to innovation, personal growth, and ultimately, success. Curiosity is the engine of learning, driving you to explore new ideas, technologies, and methodologies. It often leads to you asking the right questions, challenging existing norms, and finding unconventional solutions to complex problems. When you follow your curiosity, you are more likely to immerse yourself deeply in your work, which helps you uncover your hidden potential and discover innovative approaches that can set you apart in your career.

Embracing curiosity in the workplace also fosters a culture of continuous learning and
Continue Reading Follow curiosity

I recently heard someone at a networking event I attended seemingly trying to impress others in a conversation by forcefully stating how he lived the mantra “everything all at once” as if he was trying to win a race. My first thought was if you have to say it out loud and in that manner it likely isn’t true. My second thought was about what that phrase really means generally and in relation to my live and of those around me. It caused me to reflect on how I and others I know live trying to balance numerous aspects of
Continue Reading Living “everything all at once” is harder than you think

This is a fundamental truth in business: success doesn’t come to those who sit on the sidelines, but to those who actively participate, take risks, and make strategic moves. In the competitive arena of business, companies and entrepreneurs must be proactive, innovative, and willing to engage in the market actively. This means launching new products, exploring untapped markets, and embracing change and technology.

One crucial aspect of this concept is risk-taking. Business inherently involves uncertainties and risks. Those who fear failure and avoid risks might miss out on potentially groundbreaking opportunities. Calculated risks, backed by thorough research and analysis, often
Continue Reading You have to play to win

This statement encapsulates a powerful psychological principle that emphasizes the direct connection between your actions and your emotional states. This phrase suggests that your emotions are not just passive responses to the world around you but are also influenced by the way you choose to behave. In other words, your actions can shape your moods and overall emotional well-being.

When you engage in positive actions, such as exercising, helping others, or pursuing hobbies, your brain releases neurotransmitters like endorphins and serotonin, which are associated with feelings of happiness and contentment. Conversely, when you engage in negative actions or behaviors, such
Continue Reading Mood follows action

This concept sounds so easy in theory but is very difficult for many people. It carries great significance in personal development and mental well-being. This simple yet powerful mantra encourages you to focus on your own journey and aspirations without getting caught up in the trap of constant comparison.

It seems obvious that comparing yourself to others can be detrimental to your self-esteem and self-worth. It’s easy to fall into the cycle of feeling inadequate or envious when you perceive others as more successful, attractive, or accomplished. This negative self-comparison can lead to feelings of insecurity and anxiety, hindering your
Continue Reading Don’t compare yourself to other people

You need to focus on the present and concrete realities of a situation or event rather than getting lost in speculative scenarios. Constantly dwelling on hypothetical situations can lead to unnecessary stress and anxiety. People often waste precious mental energy worrying about “what if” scenarios that likely will never come to pass. By not playing the hypothetical game, you free yourself from these burdens and can concentrate on addressing actual challenges and opportunities.

Similarly, businesses thrive on informed decisions based on real data and situations. Engaging in hypothetical discussions in your mind or in a group setting without a solid
Continue Reading Don’t play the hypothetical game

The phrase “gratitude unexpressed is gratitude unperceived” holds profound significance. It underscores the importance of not only feeling grateful but also actively communicating that gratitude to colleagues, employees, clients, and partners. Failure to express gratitude can lead to a host of issues in the workplace.

Many times I think about who I want to express gratitude to and even what I want to say but then I don’t make the time to do so. Missing these opportunities may cause long-term harm to existing relationships so make the time to follow through on these thoughts. Even people who don’t like being
Continue Reading Gratitude unexpressed is gratitude unperceived

Overcoming hard mental challenges is a profound journey that can significantly enhance your confidence. When you push yourself to conquer difficult mental hurdles, you develop a deeper understanding of your own capabilities, which, in turn, fosters a sense of self-assuredness and resilience.

Facing and conquering challenging mental obstacles requires you to tap into your inner strengths and problem-solving abilities. This process forces you to confront your fears, uncertainties, and doubts, ultimately leading to self-discovery. As you navigate these difficulties, you begin to recognize that you possess the inner resources needed to surmount even the most daunting challenges. This self-awareness forms
Continue Reading Overcoming difficult mental challenges boosts your confidence

I was in a conversation recently when someone said “Hope is not a strategy.” Though I had heard the phrase before it struck me as a reminder that success and progress is not solely reliant on mere optimism or wishful thinking. Hope can provide the emotional drive to persevere through challenges, but it must be accompanied by thoughtful planning, concrete actions, and strategic decision-making to turn aspirations into reality.

In the realm of business, this phrase underscores the importance of proactive planning and execution. Entrepreneurs and leaders can’t simply hope for their ventures to thrive; they must develop solid business
Continue Reading Hope is not a strategy

“Today is the youngest you’ll ever be, so live like it” encapsulates a powerful reminder to embrace the present moment and make the most of your life. In a world that often encourages you to plan for the future or dwell on the past, this statement encourages a shift in perspective towards living in the now. Each passing day brings you closer to the future, and as time moves forward, your opportunities and experiences continue to evolve. This notion urges you to seize the day, take chances, and cultivate a mindset of enthusiasm and vigor.

Living in the present doesn’t
Continue Reading Today is the youngest you’ll ever be – live like it

This has been a hard and happy week. I dropped my third child off at college. All three drop-offs were happy and sad occasions – happy for your child’s next step on their adventure and sad knowing they are gone from our house. This one was the hardest one yet (I still have one more to go in a few years).

Maybe it’s because it was my only daughter. Maybe it’s because she didn’t make her senior year as tough on my wife and I as her older brothers. I kept thinking about my last post on every adventure requiring
Continue Reading Thoughts and observations on dropping a daughter off at college

In the context of work and your career, the phrase “every adventure requires a first step” takes on profound significance. Just as in any grand expedition or personal endeavor, professional growth and success requires an initial leap into the unknown. This notion emphasizes the importance of taking proactive steps to advance your career, even if those steps seem uncertain or challenging at first.

Starting a new job, pursuing a different career path, or aiming for a promotion all demand that initial act of courage because growth and discovery lie beyond the boundaries of comfort. The first step often involves you
Continue Reading Every adventure requires a first step