What’s Rage Really Saying?

What’s Rage Really Saying?

Rage is really just a mask for this tricky emotion that likes to hide behind anger’s facade. <>  There’s a handful of topics that tend to take my anger meter from a 1 to a 10 in seconds. One minute, I’m sitting, enjoying time with the family, and the...
I messed up

I messed up

The next time you make a mistake (and you will), resist the blame game. Try these four steps instead.  <>  Last week, I made a big mistake. Initially, my gut instinct was to look for someone or something else to blame for the screw up.  It soon became abundantly...
You can’t do it all

You can’t do it all

No matter what well-meaning parents, teachers, coaches, etc. have told you throughout the years, you can’t do “anything you set your mind to.” <>  I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but until we recognize that our skills, time, and capacity are finite, we’ll...
Don’t Just Reflect

Don’t Just Reflect

What if, instead of focusing all our energy on our own mission and purpose, we brought that kind of intention to understanding others? <>  “Know Thyself” You’ve undoubtedly heard this philosophical maxim, often attributed to Socrates. For thousands...
No Time Wasted

No Time Wasted

The classic overachiever believes a free afternoon is their opportunity to be as productive as possible. Here’s another opinion… <>  A few weeks ago, I (unexpectedly) found myself with a wide-open afternoon on my schedule.Initially, I was excited,...
Choose Your Perspective

Choose Your Perspective

Overachievers sometimes forget that changing their situation is merely a matter of adopting a different perspective. <>  Several years ago, one of my mentors gave me the following guidance as I was wrestling with a challenging issue: He taught me that, “What you...
Go Big or Go Home

Go Big or Go Home

Overachievers feel deep in their soul that they’re destined for “big things.” But what happens when the mountain top moments aren’t enough? <>  For much of my adult life, I assumed that I was destined for “big” things. I set ambitious...
Joy’s Gritty Price Tag

Joy’s Gritty Price Tag

Nothing has the power to give you more joy than giving in a meaningful way. So, what’s “meaningful”? <>  It’s different for everyone. Even so, the level of commitment required to enjoy the full benefits of generous living has a handful of...
Control’s Mirage

Control’s Mirage

Overachievers believe that with enough planning, they can control the outcome. The truth? Life is in control.  <>  It never ceases to amaze me how often I need to be reminded that control is a myth. Life is uncertain and almost completely unpredictable. Yet,...
It’s official. Giving makes you happier.

It’s official. Giving makes you happier.

There’s a secret to how you give. Get it wrong, and you’ll feel nothing. Get it right, and it’ll change everything.  <>  “Engaging in benevolent acts and expecting kindness from others both matter for individual happiness levels…. the wellbeing...
The M-E in Teams

The M-E in Teams

Overachievers sometimes believe that multitasking makes them smarter or worth more. Here’s what it really says… <>  A few days ago, I was on a Teams meeting, barely participating. I had my camera on (microphone muted) and spent the entire meeting...
The Stillness Beyond No

The Stillness Beyond No

What if fewer commitments meant more peace? <>  I love it when one of my clients sits down across the table from me with a wide grin and announces that they’ve just turned down an opportunity to add another commitment to their plate. Few things bring me more joy...
Put On Their Lens

Put On Their Lens

Better communication requires you to get up and sit in a different seat. Literally. <>  Since I moved into my new office (10+ years), I’ve had a unique ritual. Roughly once a month, I will get up from behind my desk and take the seat my clients normally occupy....
The “Crazy Advice” That Got Me Boo’d

The “Crazy Advice” That Got Me Boo’d

Our culture screams that “constant collaboration” is required to do your job. The truth, however, is a little different. <>  While giving a talk on productivity last week, I made a recommendation that ended up being fairly controversial, earning a...
Honoring a Life Well Lived

Honoring a Life Well Lived

Celebrating a life inevitably leads us to recognize this truth: life is only about relationships. <>  Last week, I had the honor of attending the funeral celebrating the mother of one of my closest friends.  It may seem unusual to use the phrase “I had the...
Behavior Change for Overachievers

Behavior Change for Overachievers

Overachievers tend to be an impatient group. Which, is why true behavior change can be difficult. Here’s one tactic to get you across the finish line. <>  We’ve all seen a documentary about healthy eating or attended a seminar reminding us of the power of...
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