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.

As a father, boss and corporate advisor, starting every conversation with a blank slate is extremely difficult for me.

Embracing what is different is a jarring idea, especially when you’re considering your family and closest friends.

All this activity leads to a lot of effort, stress, frustration and maybe worst of all: sameness.

Have a very blessed holiday season.

My experiences with anxiety and depression have given me a greater sense of who is important in my life. I live with a greater sense of purpose and generosity that I wouldn’t have had without those dark times in my life.

Potential donors (you and me) drown in these messages until the feeling of guilt wins out. We pull out a credit card and make a nominal donation to a charitable organization we know very little about. It doesn’t move the needle for the organization or for our own sense of peace, joy, or satisfaction.

How you spend your time will tell me what is important to you. Take back your calendar and find time for something that is really important.