I often think about the worst thing that could happen, as a way to manage risk. That’s one alternative. Sometimes, when I’m stuck on a problem, I think about the worst thing I could do. Not as a risk management approach, but as a way to create more options for solving my problem. Here’s a […]
What’s the Worst Thing You Could Do? Read More »
If you’re like me, things don’t always proceed as I planned. Sometimes, my plans turn out better. Sometimes, worse. If I want to make them better in the moment, I need to be more adaptable. That means I need to practice my adaptability. Here’s an example. I have many immutable truths in my life. (You
How Do You Build Your Adaptability? Read More »
I’m staying at a lovely hotel this week, speaking at a conference. For me, the bed is comfortable except for the pillows. The feather pillows scrunch down where my head is and raise up around my ears. I don’t feel the benefit of a raised head. I asked for foam pillows. The lovely housekeeping person brought
What New Information Surprised You? Read More »
I was thinking about being transactional: you do this for me, I do this for you. Often, the transaction is about money. When I pay for a thing—a book, a workshop, something that took you time to create—the transaction is a sort of pay-back. I take classes to learn various things: how to write better,
When Do You Pay It Back or Pay It Forward? Read More »
It’s July 4, here in the US, our Independence Day. We celebrate with parades, cookouts, and fireworks. Lots and lots of fireworks. I’m a fan of watching fireworks. And, I’m a fan of independence. And, I bet my notion of independence might not be the same as yours. Here’s what independence means to me: I
What Does Independence Mean to You? Read More »
I recently met a digital nomad. She literally travels the world, writing in various places. She has many chances to experience various cultures. She is open to many possibilities. I said to her, “I can’t do that.” She asked, “Why not?” She’s not the only person who’s challenged my thinking around possibilities or choices. The reality
How Can You Change ‘I Can’t’ to Why Not? Read More »
One of my problem-solving approaches is to generate options. When I don’t generate enough options, I don’t see how to proceed. Before I knew about the Rule of Three, I, often, took the first option I considered. It was often a pretty good option. I learned later that I had more options—and they were often better
How Can You Create Time or Space for More Options? Read More »
I like structuring my work. Some structures don’t box me in. I use timeboxes and a daily structure to organize my time. I have a default set of book and article organizations. Sometimes, that means my Groove Turns Into a Rut. More often, the structure enhances my creativity. I feel more creative because I don’t have
When Can Structure Enhance Your Creativity? Read More »
I meet many managers, coaches, and consultants who say that people “resist” their ideas. I meet too many people with vertigo who say they “resist” their problems. They don’t use assistive devices such as canes or rollators. They fall over. I have a friend who is a diabetic who still eats sugar and carbs. She
Do We Have Resistance or Denial When We Need Resilience? Read More »
I bet you have a person like this in your life: Person says, “I’ve got a problem.” Your ears perk up. A problem! You can help. “Tell me more,” you say. Person explains problem. You start to ask questions, “Have you considered this?” Person turns to you and says, “I didn’t ask for help. I want
When Do You Inflict Help? Read More »