Do You Have A Couple Of Minutes

We've likely all seen people argue their opinion or preference as if it is right or wrong.  Now, there's a place for right and wrong.  However, many of the things we choose to defend our opinion.  For example, in the last three weeks, I've heard several people discuss how they pack versus how their companion packs for a trip.  in all 3 situations, one person seemed t be a more...

Time is a gift that can help us to realize our progress.  This time of year, we celebrate with graduations made possible through many hours of intentional hard work coming together.  However, many times when we look to accomplish a goal or reach some success we discount the effort it will take.  We want success without the hard work that validates the success and gives it substance....

This week I was reminded in conversation about one of my favorite quotes attributed to Oliver Wendell Holmes which states: “ I wouldn't give a fig for simplicity on this side of complexity, but I would give my life for simplicity on the far side of complexity.”   I've long liked this quote because it speaks to me of making the effort to get through the tough stuff for the reward and enjoyment...

Let's talk about getting some perspective on what you are sacrificing.  First let me say, this topic is about helping you to live in the fullness of your energy and authenticity.  It's not about guilt or shame.  I've talked to several professionals who are on the edge of exhaustion or are lying to themselves about not already having crossed over.  In helping, service, and leade...

Yesterday we talked about intention, and direction, today we will talk about focusing our energy.  When I was young my older sister engaged me in a race to see who could get dressed the fastest for bed.  She was 11 years older than me and loved a good game and challenge - so did I.  Full of anticipation and energy I listened as she said: "On your mark, get set, go!"  I squealed...

We've heard the saying that being full of good intentions is not what matters, but it is the action that takes place.  While true, the starting point of an intention is important.  Intention provides us with direction and can help provide us with some clarity in developing a beneficial routine.  For me, intention guides me in how I progress through the day.  I have a daily inte...

Today in the US is the day we celebrate Memorial Day.  it is a day we remember and pay honor to those who sacrificed their very lives for the freedoms we enjoy.  Freedom to live lives of integrity and honor, as well as lives of whimsy.  Today I am reminded of the intention exercised by each of those who perished for the sake of freedom and free will.  Some gave more willingly t...

Listening to learn and understand versus responding is the key to relating well with others. Take time to get to know others, empathize with them. You will find common experiences and even just the sharing of experiences that result in understanding and empathy, will help build relationship. Be intentional about your interactions, keep in mind the power of words and behavior and you will be on you...

Many times we try to avoid conflict in relationships.  We have been conditioned to see conflict as a bad thing versus a normal thing that is part of the process.  I like what John Maxwell has to say about conflict, which is that how we manage our conflict in a relationship will determine the quality of that relationship.  This is so true. Think about a time that you successfully man...

John Maxwell says there are 4 levels of relationships: Surface - which is passive and requires no dedicated intention Structural - which is based on routine, common interest, Common occupancy of space Secure - When people want to spend time with one another, have trust, and comfort, and can test the friendship Solid - when people serve & give to one another, talk from the heart, and have deep...

So, when we show respect to one another and we want to intentionally relate with one another on a meaningful level, what does that look like?  how do we show up in authenticity with respect in a relationship?  Probably easier to do when we agree than not, but what does it look like? It looks likes accepting differences and being able to interact with respect and appreciation for authenticity.

This past weekend I was at a conference and one of the presenters shared that in the company e-mail signature lines, there is an interesting personal fact about each person.  It could be that they like classic cars or classical music, or like me, they enjoy a relaxing day of fishing.  But why does it matter that we take time to learn about others?  Because in the end, it all boils d...

Show-Up, yes show up!  When you are present you can respond to the opportunities that come your way.  When you are not present, even the opportunities labeled just for you, may elude you. Show up being ready for the expected and the unexpected.  Life is full of variety, in order to fully appreciate and learn from all life has to give us, must be present to receive it.  Sometime...

We've probably all heard that two wrongs don't make a right and we've also probably heard that sometimes we must pay our dues.  There is simple wisdom and truth in both.  But let's take it a step further.  When there is a wrong done, we have the opportunity to respond in a way that helps us move up through the situation, versus getting stuck in it.  In order to learn, grow, and...

We've probably all been told at some time in our lives to "pay attention."  Sometimes it's to avoid physical danger, and other times it's so that we don't miss out on something that might be of benefit to us in the future. As we mature, these simple phrases can take on a deeper meaning in their simplicity.  Paying attention still provides benefit for self, however, it also serves to help...

We continue our series on Everyday Wisdom and Common Sense with things that have been impactful to me and that I hope you will find meaningful in your quest to live a life of maximum fulfillment.  Today I want to share something new.  Sometimes people share information in a way that is simply brilliant.  Today was one of those days, I had the opportunity to hear Tunde Ayenyin speak....

I love learning and gaining insights.  And I like sharing what I have learned.  I love getting insights and seeing how things fit together and sharing that so others can get that same joy of learning and knowing. But I am guessing like many of you, there are things we learned as a part of our experience and we assume other people must have certainly learned those things as well.  Be...

We started the week by Evaluating, Habit Reset, Saying No to Say Yes, & Refining.  In our final segment on Reset and Rhythm, we talk about Celebration!  Because change is incremental and continuous, it is important to celebrate wins, progress, and changes along the way.  To do this we can be intentional about measurement and observation of change in reference to the initial stat...

So now that we have talked about Evaluation, Habit Reset, and Saying No to Say Yes, let's take a look at Refining.  Refining is the stage where we make adjustments.  Think about it as Continuous Improvement.  When we refine, we make changes to our processes to positively impact future outcomes. As we continue our process of refinement for continuous improvement, we move closer to ou...

We've talked about Evaluating our Circumstances, Resetting our habits, and Today we'll Talk about the Counterintuitive approach of saying "No" to Say "Yes" in order to remain aligned with the new habits and rhythm of life we want to achieve. Sometimes saying no makes us feel like we may be missing out.  However, if we say No to the things that no longer serve our long-term goals, we are allow...

Yesterday we talked about evaluation and today we talk about using our findings to initiate a reset.  To reset we need to STOP doing what is not working for us.  We need to KEEP doing what is working.  Sometimes stopping isn't as easy as it may be attached to commitments, but we can make a plan to change and stop and work toward that goal.  When we embark on change, even keepin...

We can get into ruts that require us to reset and get into a new rhythm.  I'm convinced that the great resignation we're witnessing has a lot to do with people wanting to hit the reset button on what matters to them and how they will spend their time.  Many people change jobs in hope of a clean slate.  Wanting a fresh start is part of life.  We wake up each day, hoping for that...

We end the week with the Need for Self-Actualization, which is at the top of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Pyramid.  The thing about pyramids and skyscrapers is that you can see the top of the structure from a distance, and you can see the outside shell of a structure, but both are massive undertakings with foundations and internal structural engineering to support their height.  Similarly...

Today we get the 3rd level of need which is a need for Love and Belonging.  Once our physiological and safety needs are met, there is a need to be a part of something bigger than ourselves  To love and to be loved, to belong.  This belonging can be to a small group such as a family unit or workgroup or something larger such as a large altruistic organization, professional society, c...

We started the week with a theme of taking care of first things first, referring to an order or sequence for progression.  Yesterday we introduced Maslow's Hierarchy of needs and noted that foundationally physiological needs must be satisfied.  The next level of needs has to do with safety.  This is both physical safety and psychological safety and it allows for a level of predictab...