Not Everything of Value is Worth Doing
Do you know what frequently stops you from doing what you want and should do? It is simply saying “yes” to things you should say “no” to. Today’s message is not about deciding which activities are consistent with your goals (essential and the subject of another article), but deciding among those activities that lead you to accomplish your goals. Given our finite time resources, every activity...
Learning Brilliantly Delivered as the Revelation of Ignorance
The Regret All learning fills a void where ignorance once occupied. Perhaps a less off-putting word may be “unknowing,” but we must accept the harsh light of reality. When you have a little length in the tooth, there can be a tendency to feel bad you remained ignorant of particular information for so long. Of course, you are in good company. The salt and pepper-haired crowd often say, “All I...
The Worst Thing that Ever Happened? You Don’t Say…
His Story A crestfallen friend bared his soul and shared his tale of woe with the expectation of receiving sympathy. What I heard was a tale of triumph and offered my congratulations. How can one fact situation create a response entirely contrary to the anticipated one? It is all a matter of perspective. “Bob” told me the failure of his business cost him his life’s savings and provoked feelings...
It’s Not Your Fault but It Is Your Responsibility
Each of us can point to circumstances not of our own doing to justify our current state (poor family, “wrong” skin color, surname ends in a vowel, went to Podunk school, etc.). All of them may be true, but it is equally true that all may be overcome if we assume responsibility for our response. The Exemplary We have famous role models. Oprah overcame a very disadvantaged upbringing to become a...
When the Phone Rings, You Need to Answer It
And sometimes it rings when we are unprepared or wish someone else was called. The title refers to the times we are confronted with an opportunity to help someone and need to respond affirmatively even when the timing is wrong, we do not want to, or we do not feel suited for the task. It Rings We would immediately jump to the aid of a heart attack victim and perform CPR armed only with the...