For years I encouraged my 12-year daughter to read the Harry Potter stories. They were filled with story elements she loves: dragons, magic, power struggles, mystery, awkward teen romance, crazy characters, and more. She resisted, I think mainly because the recommendation came from Continue reading “Let Go”
Category: Personal Growth
The Power To Choose
Here I am in traffic, on my way to an appointment, and the car in front of me is driving slowly.
In this moment can I remember that:
– I am one person among billions, dwelling on a small planet that is hurling through an immense expanse of space?
Practice When It Doesn’t Matter
If I haven’t interviewed for a new job in many years, best to apply to some jobs I’m not really interested in. Get some practice answering questions by phone and in person. Spend time refining my responses and fine-tuning the questions I’ll ask during the interview. Gain clarity regarding my Continue reading “Practice When It Doesn’t Matter”
The Value of Constant Preparation
I met another musician at a wedding several years ago who shared a perspective that has been formative for me not just as a musician but also as a leader, a father, and a friend.
He said once you’ve taken your place on stage with instrument or Continue reading “The Value of Constant Preparation”
Lima Beans
Walking into a roomful of strangers can be a terrifying experience, especially for an introvert. Doesn’t matter if it’s a social event or a structured networking event or lunch with a group of clients, any of these can be intimidating. I find it helpful to have a strategy, such as “I will find Continue reading “Lima Beans”
First Principles
When I say something nice to you or help you in some way that makes you feel valued, there is within you a positive experience. Call this love.
If I hurt you in some way, or hurt something or someone you care about, there is within you a negative experience. Call this hatred.
Time Will Tell
Reading this article in the Boulder Daily Camera about Predatory Towing. The impact of a tow on a family living at or under the poverty line has to be more than just the cost of the tow. There’s the lost wages from a day of work that didn’t happen. And potentially a lost job if the boss wasn’t too Continue reading “Time Will Tell”
Being Tamed
When we make ourselves vulnerable to another person, they tame a piece of us. This is a marvelous experience because being tamed is not about being controlled, it is about being opened.
A Shared Idea Is More Powerful
I am humbly aware I am not remotely the smartest or most experienced person around. In fact I know very well just the opposite is true. Yet I continue to share ideas in this blog and in other places of my life. Why bother? What’s the point of sharing ideas if they are already available?
Essence of Leadership
There’s a scene near the end of the movie Miracle about the 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey team, which won a surprising gold medal and defeated the then-dominant Russian team who had held a worldwide dominance for 2 decades. The coach, played by actor Kurt Russell, walks into the locker room Continue reading “Essence of Leadership”
Your True Voice
No need to worry about whether your thoughts are groundbreaking. No need to be concerned if your notions are filled with insight, or if you possess the perspective that will win the day. These things are not important.
Innovate Every Day
The world is changing at an unprecedented rate. There are many reasons to look at what you’re doing day to day, and how you can begin doing it differently. This is innovation.
Imagine a guitar player who plays the same chords, the same note patterns, Continue reading “Innovate Every Day”
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