We tend to put a much higher premium on action than we do thought. Though we’ve often heard the adage, “It’s the thought that counts,” we all know that just thinking about something isn’t the same as doing it. Even people who ‘get paid to think’ have to communicate those thoughts so that someone can …
By many standards, I have led a very successful life. I worked my way up from humble beginnings to enjoy a long career well suited to my talents and personality. Early in life I made some wise investments that are continuing to pay off today, enabling me to live comfortably and enjoy my ‘retirement.’ And …
One of the very best gifts that we can give to others is absolutely free, and yet extremely valuable. When given thoughtfully and sincerely, this gift will bring smiles and lift spirits. It will not only please and affirm the recipient, but also bring joy and satisfaction to the giver. Giving this gift is like …
“Maybe the most important promises that you ever make are not promises to someone else, but they’re promises to yourself.” – John C. Maxwell In one of his “Minute with Maxwell” videos, renowned author and speaker John Maxwell speaks about the word promises, touching on the critical importance of not just making promises, but …
As much as I’d like to, I can’t do everything. I’ve lived enough years to come to terms with the fact that there are simply some things I am not cut out to do. I will never be a figure skater, violin virtuoso, astrophysicist, or computer hacker.
Yes, I believe in my potential and my ability to learn new things. Yes, the possibilities are virtually limitless. But even out of all the things that…
...In the first chapter of his recently published book titled Sometimes You Win – Sometimes You Learn, John Maxwell correctly explains that many, if not most people believe and live the philosophy of “Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. The message is: hope to win, expect to lose, and live with the results either way.” …
I have long believed and frequently repeated the phrase, “If it’s to be, it’s up to me!” Now I don’t mean that I have to do everything myself, or that I can’t delegate or ask others for help. I mean that I have to take responsibility for my life, my goals, and my …
We’ve all been there. Whether it was at the office, in line at the grocery store, or while shopping for Christmas presents, we’ve all witnessed or experienced those moments when someone becomes rude, unreasonable, or downright mean. At the end of it we walk away shaking our heads, a little angry and maybe a little hurt, but mostly just saddened that people choose to treat each other like that.
And if we’re painfully honest with ourselves, then we have to admit that we’ve been ‘that person’…
...It’s that time of year again. There’s just something about the beginning of a new year that inspires us to make big plans and set impressive goals. No matter that we didn’t quite reach last year’s goals, or that we have a history of reneging on personal resolutions within approximately a week and a …
Wow, what a year! 2013 has been one of a kind. This past Spring I enjoyed several weeks of traveling and photographing America the Beautiful in my Inspirational Vehicle (my motorhome). This Summer I wrapped up my traveling, launched my new website, and buckled down to focus on completing my book. This Fall my …
I read a blog post by Seth Godin earlier this year that reminded me that risks and opportunities often come in the same package. One example can be found in the form of ‘strangers.’ Godin said this: “From an evolutionary perspective, strangers represent danger. They are not only a direct threat, but carry …
Generosity is a beautiful thing. I have been privileged to be an observer, a receiver, and a giver of generosity in many ways throughout my life. Generosity and simple, sincere kindness go hand in hand, and I will never cease to be amazed at the power of kindness. Whether it’s observing a …
Like most people, I tend to spend time with people who are like me. The friends and colleagues who I most often find myself hanging out with and speaking to usually share similar interests, have the same values as I do, come from a background like mine, or are in the same season of life as I am.
As speaker and author Bill Treasurer explains it…
...Cemeteries are sad but often very beautiful places. With exquisite gravestones, carefully manicured landscaping, and lovingly placed flowers, they provide a beautiful, peaceful setting in which to honor and remember loved ones who have passed away.
Unfortunately, most of us have experienced the loss of a loved one or respected colleague at least once in our lives…
...No one likes failure. No one sets out to fail. Even when you fearfully anticipate failure, you still try your best to avoid it. But failure, to some degree, is inevitable. Nobody can do everything perfectly every time. Even the most successful people have and will experience failure.
Highly successful author and speaker Seth Godin shared this piece of wisdom on his blog…
...We live in a world of “easy.” Billions of dollars are spent in every industry designing and marketing “easier,” “simpler,” and “more convenient” products and methods—most of which we take for granted.
When was the last time you considered how nice it is to have running water or a flushable toilet? Do you think about how quick and convenient it is every time you microwave last night’s leftovers? When you drive an automatic transmission car, do you mentally thank the automobile engineers for designing a car that doesn’t require the use of your left foot?
Most likely you don’t think twice about these everyday conveniences…
...Whether your writing is intended for a wide audience, such as through books, articles, or blogs, or your writing is usually more limited to emails, memos, and project reports, it’s important that your words connect and compel.
That email may not be intended to inspire, and that project report may not move someone to tears, but you are writing for a reason. It’s important that your writing’s intended purpose is communicated…
...While you might assume “quitting” isn’t found in the vocabulary of highly successful people, I believe there is significant wisdom in “knowing when to quit.” So what if you feel the time has come to move on from your current job, how do you “quit successfully?”
Dea Lawrence recently wrote a great article for imediaconnection.com on this very topic. In the article Lawrence shares and expands upon 10 tips for quitting your job with grace…
...In my newly released book Presidential Leadership: Learning from United States Presidential Libraries & Museums, I share inspiring stories that highlight the leadership strengths of some of the world’s most influential leaders – former U.S. Presidents. Today I want to share some characteristics of inspirational leaders along with a selection of quotes that appear in …