How can two people view situations with such contrasting conclusions that they’d sacrifice relationships and outcomes? While driving a winding road, I encountered a goose family crossing, forcing me to brake—hard. I knew the driver behind me didn’t see them, given her hand gesture and inexplicable mouthing of “casserole.” (No thanks, I thought, I just…
Category: Challenge Yourself
Combating Gloom-n-Doom “News”
If you follow the gloom-n-doom news of the day, you might conclude that our world, indeed, is going to hell-in-a-hand-basket. Look no further than the COVID-19 pandemic, global warming, natural disasters, wildfires, political unrest, insurrections, geopolitical hot-spots, melting icecaps, unemployment, murder hornets, and polar vortices for evidence that we’ve got our share of challenges. But…
The Truth About Being “Authentic”
Years ago, my marketing person (aka, my wife) came up with a short bio that’s read before I speak to a group. Here’s the short version: Bringing authentic leadership to life, from the board room to the family room. It’s not always read as it’s written. In Alabama, the woman introducing me read that I…
Spark Joy: Declutter Your Mind
Queen of Declutter, Marie Kondo, suggests you hold up an item and ask yourself: Does this spark joy? If the answer is yes, keep it. Otherwise, toss or donate it. This works just as well for things that take up space in our heads. “Do we have to hang that in here? It’s scaring the…
Unknown Doesn’t Mean Without Impact
I watched the 2021 Presidential inauguration wanting to hear President Biden’s address. As a bonus, I saw the first female Vice President sworn in, heard an amazing rendition of the National Anthem by Lady Gaga, and found myself spellbound as Amanda Gorman recited We Climb the Hill. But, I have to admit, the unknown man…
Your Emotions Drive Your Perspective
My morning started with a healthy perspective where I logged many productive hours before daylight. As a treat, I decided to cook a hardy breakfast. Well, I meant to cook breakfast. What I ended up doing was burning breakfast. As smoke filled the kitchen and my eggs turned to charcoal in the pot, I opened…
Two Words for 2021
A “Random” Action I slowed my car while swerving slightly out of my lane, crossing the double yellow line. At the same time, an oncoming car drove towards me more than a hundred yards away. Neither of us were in any danger of collision. I continued to slow down as I gently glided back into…
Virtual Hashtag (#) Community Challenge
I’ve read a few articles about how people are responding to the COVID-19 crisis within the predictable pattern outlined in the 5 Stages of Grief, (denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance). Regardless of what stage you fall into today, I want to challenge you to do something special for yourself on Saturday, July 18th, 2020….
A Time to Listen
As a professional speaker, I know how to project my voice. You’ll hear me from across the room. And when I write, I’ve been known to get edgy or even drop the F-bomb to keep your attention from waning. Suffice it to say that during my 50+ years of communicating as an Italian-Irish man, I’ve…
Your Values Today Can Become Your Destiny
Speaking on the power of values, Gandhi famously said these lines: “Your beliefs become your thoughts, Your thoughts become your words, Your words become your actions, Your actions become your habits, Your habits become your values, Your values become your destiny.” As people across the globe remain on high alert due to the COVID-19 pandemic,…
Three Small Gifts in a Crisis
I’m sure you’ve heard that the optimist looks at the glass as half-full, the pessimist sees it as half-empty, and the pragmatist looks and asks, “What’s in it?” Even when the news seems to be full of half-empty reports these days about the COVID-19 crisis, and we are still preparing for the worst, I remain…
Resilience in Times of Change
When a crisis (like COVID-19) takes over every news story, it’s easy to become full of gloom-n-doom. But don’t stay stuck. Your energy follows your focus. So look for the upside. Because there is always an upside. For example, I’ve been wanting to launch more content using video and podcasts, but I’ve never found the…