Accepting Failure

Accepting Failure

Accepting failure is a choice we all must make if we really strive for peace in our lives. One of my favorite books of all time, begins with these powerful words: Life is difficult. This is a great truth, one of the greatest truths. It is a great truth because once we...
Secrets to Building Relationships

Secrets to Building Relationships

A critical aspect of building relationship is the art of following through. We’ve all met the person who does an amazing job listening to our story but then forgets the conversation the next time we see them. We know we’re being sold something and usually call these...
How to Listen

How to Listen

Two simple tactics to help you listen well. Most busy professionals (myself included) struggle with keeping their mouths shut. We allow someone to get about halfway through their thought before we formulate our response and wait impatiently for them to finish. Here...
Start with a Blank Slate

Start with a Blank Slate

As a father, boss and corporate advisor, starting every conversation with a blank slate is extremely difficult for me. I’m often under the impression that people expect me to come to every conversation with the answers. Join me in resisting this urge. Try and approach...
Embrace Differences

Embrace Differences

As a leader, embracing differences is imperative. My son is a senior in high school, and it’s hard for me not to look at the next 10 years of his life and lay out the “perfect” career/life path. It’s almost like an experiment to create a mini-me. But, the important...
Our Obsession with Ourselves

Our Obsession with Ourselves

As leaders, we assume that our direct reports want a career path like our own, filled with promotions, responsibilities and a bigger salary. We assume our friends like to do the same things, watch the same shows on TV and have the same expectations for their kids. All...
Two Truths About Depression

Two Truths About Depression

The holidays can be hard. If you’re suffering from loss, uncertainty or depression, there are two things that I know to be true. This feeling will pass. Ask yourself, “How do I get through the next hour?” If you want to take it a step further, find a way to focus on...
How to win the achievement game

How to win the achievement game

The key to winning is the know what it is you’re actually competing for. CJ McClanahan explains what it means to be an overachiever, and how to break the addictive cycle of more recognition, more acquisition, and more achievement. Listen to the full interview...
How to Compete with a Healthy Mindset

How to Compete with a Healthy Mindset

How do we compete without sacrificing our relationships? CJ McClanahan shares how we can harness our drive to compete and be better without sacrificing our sense of well-being and purpose. Listen to the full interview with Brandon Eastman from The Be Better...
My Giving Tuesday Confession

My Giving Tuesday Confession

I love giving… but not Giving Tuesday. Confession 1: I love giving. In fact, for the last decade, I’ve argued that the best way to enjoy your life is to give generously.Confession 2: Giving Tuesday is my least favorite holiday of the whole year.So why do I have...
Are you a recovering overachiever?

Are you a recovering overachiever?

I’m a recovering overachiever. That means I’ve struggled with the word “No” my whole life. The former people pleaser in me committed to countless activities that jammed my schedule with endless meetings and tasks. Instead of feeling satisfied, all of this endless...
Employee Motivation Made Easy with Bob Nelson

Employee Motivation Made Easy with Bob Nelson

(Download Episode Here) (Subscribe to the Podcast Here) (Connect with CJ) In this episode, Dr. Bob Nelson shares his insights on how businesses can incorporate a ‘fun’ company culture to retain employees, establish creative workspaces, inspire professional and...
Solving the Great Attrition

Solving the Great Attrition

More than 19 million employees have quit their jobs since April, and more than 60% of employers expect that turnover will only get worse. We assume that attrition is due to compensation and/or benefits. But new research shows it’s likely something deeper. No...
The Answer to Life’s Questions

The Answer to Life’s Questions

“More.” It’s our (i.e. overachieving professionals’) go-to answer whenever we consider life’s important questions: How much money do I need to make? How many career accolades do I need? How many clients should I get? How much should I save for...
Do What Matters Most with Rob Shallenberger

Do What Matters Most with Rob Shallenberger

(Download Episode Here) (Subscribe to the Podcast Here) (Connect with CJ) In this episode, we sit down with Rob Shallenberger, author of Do What Matters Most, as he unveils the key to success starts with developing personal visions and goals, maintaining focus,...
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