by CJ McClanahan | May 22, 2025 | Blog
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,...
by CJ McClanahan | May 15, 2025 | Blog
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...
by CJ McClanahan | May 8, 2025 | Blog
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...
by CJ McClanahan | May 1, 2025 | Blog
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...
by CJ McClanahan | Apr 17, 2025 | Blog
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,...
by CJ McClanahan | Apr 10, 2025 | Blog
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...
by CJ McClanahan | Apr 3, 2025 | Blog
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...
by CJ McClanahan | Mar 27, 2025 | Blog
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...
by CJ McClanahan | Mar 20, 2025 | Blog
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....
by CJ McClanahan | Mar 13, 2025 | Blog
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...
by CJ McClanahan | Mar 6, 2025 | Blog
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...
by CJ McClanahan | Feb 27, 2025 | Blog
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...
by CJ McClanahan | Feb 20, 2025 | Blog
Overachievers can sometimes forget that their identity is not wrapped up in their accomplishments… or failures. <> “I feel like a failure.” Over the years, I’ve heard this phrase many times from my clients. At some point in our journey, we’ve all sized...
by CJ McClanahan | Feb 13, 2025 | Blog
If you’re looking for a life-altering mind-shift, you’ll need to do things differently than you’ve tried before. <> Jotting a note in your gratitude journal or praying at mealtime are great places to start, but these periodic actions alone...
by CJ McClanahan | Feb 6, 2025 | Blog
Do you own your failures, shortcomings, and mistakes? Or do you look for an opportunity to blame someone else? <> I remember the day vividly. My boss (who has since become an important mentor) asked why I had dropped the ball on an important issue. I made an...
by CJ McClanahan | Jan 30, 2025 | Blog
Overachievers constantly strive for a sense of fulfillment, meaning, and mattering. 99.89% of our effort is pointless. Here’s what actually gets us what we want. <> I’ve coached hundreds of overachievers for more than 2 decades. And every year, I...
