Expectation is the root of all heartache

Expectation is the root of all heartache

“Expectation is the root of all heartache.” – William Shakespeare We’re drowning in self-help books, videos, podcasts, and memes promising that if you work hard enough every minute of your life should be filled with unbridled joy. All this success advice...
Be wary of comfortable

Be wary of comfortable

I favor comfort over pain, and I’d rather engage in activities where the outcome was certain. Know anyone like me? Unfortunately, all meaningful growth comes from failure, uncertainty, and heartache. Be wary of the comfortable existence where everything goes as...
The Magic of Surrender with Kute Blackson

The Magic of Surrender with Kute Blackson

(Download Episode Here) (Subscribe to the Podcast Here) (Connect with CJ) Kute Blackson has been called the mindfulness guru that billionaires go to for advice. He’s been featured on Larry King Now, Dr. Drew, NPR, Fox and Friends, Mind Body Green, and many more....
What’s success anyway?

What’s success anyway?

What does it mean to be successful? Over the years, I’ve seen a handful of ideas: Hard work – success is directly related to the amount of effort you put toward any endeavor. Perseverance – success is the ability to bounce back from failure. Making a Difference –...
Worry much? You’re not alone…

Worry much? You’re not alone…

In one of the largest studies of burnout, Gallup found that 60% of people are emotionally detached at work and 19% are miserable. Miserable? The study further found that employees in the United States and Canada are the most worried and stressed-out workers in the...
“I don’t have time.”

“I don’t have time.”

“I don’t have time for… (insert unpleasant activity here, e.g. helping the neighbor move a couch into their basement).” No matter how well you justify it in your head the above statement is always a lie. Unfortunately, we’ve all delivered this lie on hundreds...
Free Time Anxiety

Free Time Anxiety

Like most overachievers, I’m addicted to being productive and take pride in completing a ton of work in a day. A couple of weeks ago, while preparing for a busy afternoon, 2 meetings got rescheduled at the last minute. I was excited about the opportunity to get caught...
If you’re not outraged…

If you’re not outraged…

“If you’re not outraged, you’re not paying attention.” – Anonymous I saw this posted on Facebook last week to which I was tempted to respond with… “If you’re channeling your outrage via social media, you’re only making the situation worse.” – Anonymous Outrage...
What if no one noticed?

What if no one noticed?

Lately, I’ve found myself wondering… What would I do differently (personally and professionally) if no one noticed or cared?   Would I be less focused on non-stop activity and accomplishment? How much money would I need to earn? Would I care if my headshot...
Lucy and the Chocolate Factory

Lucy and the Chocolate Factory

Remember when Lucy and Ethel try to wrap chocolates? No matter your age, you’ve likely seen the famous Lucille Ball episode (Season 2, Episode 1) where she and Ethel struggle to wrap chocolates fast enough to keep up with the conveyor belt. Funny stuff. There was a...
Uncompromised with Steve White

Uncompromised with Steve White

(Download Episode Here) (Subscribe to the Podcast Here) (Connect with CJ) What We Discuss in this Episode: We know life is about compromise, but once we know why you have been placed on this earth, you can life an uncompromised life that centers on your purpose....
Lead with grace

Lead with grace

What if the world isn’t trying to make your life more difficult?   Walking through Kroger over the weekend, I was almost run down by 2 preschoolers who’d gotten loose from their mother. As she came barreling around the corner looking for them, my “critical”...
Baker Mayfield and my predictable gym routine

Baker Mayfield and my predictable gym routine

The art of argument As a creature of habit, I workout at the same time every day (10am). The TV in the locker room is tuned to one channel and daily features a panel of 2 individuals screaming at each other in response to a made-up topic (e.g., “Is Baker Mayfield the...
You’re not the only one

You’re not the only one

Over the years, many accomplished leaders have wondered aloud if they’re the exception to the “happiness/fulfillment” rule. They wonder if they’re missing out on the “magic” because they often feel frustration, stress, and worry. They assume that their peers have...
Choosing Service with Peter Block

Choosing Service with Peter Block

(Download Episode Here) (Subscribe to the Podcast Here) (Connect with CJ) Peter Block is an author, consultant and citizen of Cincinnati, Ohio. His work is about chosen accountability, and the reconciliation of community. Peter challenges us to get back to the basics...
Before You Buy…

Before You Buy…

Do you remember that book you read that you were certain would change your life?   It outlined the “secret” to happiness, washboard abs, 6-figure passive income, better relationship with your kids, etc.   The only catch to all these promises is...
cj mcclanahan logo

Unlock CJ's Coaching Series

Achiever's Compass Coaching Series is designed to bring awareness and generate some momentum in the right direction. 

You have successfully unlocked the coaching series!