I went to the bank to get something out of our safe deposit box. The bank is “friendly,” meaning there are no queues so you can stand in line for the right person. (#Fail #1) I first stood in line for a teller because both of the manager-type people were busy. The teller told me […]
Early in my speaking and consulting career, I doubted my abilities. I was concerned I wouldn’t give a good talk. I was worried I would let my clients down. Now, I’m concerned about my ability to write fiction that people will want to read. When you doubt yourself—even when you have the skills—you suffer from
Do You Ever Doubt Yourself? Read More »
I was at a client event this past week with several other consultants. Over a dinner, we discussed some of our choices—when did we say yes and when did we say no. I said something like this: “I have been saying yes more often to new and different experiences, as long as they meet certain
When Do You Say Yes? Read More »
I announced that my estimation book was done and ready for sale today. (See Predicting the Unpredictable is Available.) When I started to manage my book projects myself (as opposed to working with a publisher), I was not sure what to expect. I didn’t know how long anything would take. I didn’t know if I
What Do You Expect of Yourself? Read More »
We all have some resilience. How much? I am a creature of habit for many parts of my life. For example, I like my food routines, such as having the same breakfast every day. I like eating one of the same three lunches each week. While I can change what I eat, I choose not
How Do You Build Your Resilience? Read More »
I went to the grocery store earlier this week. There were no available handicapped spaces. (I know, what a surprise!) I parked in a regular space. I had just enough room to take the rollator out of my car. When I returned to my car, there was a different car next to me. The car was
What Don’t You Say? Read More »
I set an appointment with a potential client to discuss their situation. I said in my email, “I’m looking forward to our discussion.” I look forward to discussing people’s challenges. I look forward to my workouts. I look forward to my talks, workshops, and writing. The real question is why do I look forward to all
What Do You Look Forward To? Read More »
You have many ways to spend your time. You might work, have fun at sports or hobbies, spend time with family. How do you choose? I choose to spend my time on different kinds of “work” depending on who I am focusing on at the moment: I write and publish books to help many people
Are You Working on What Matters? Read More »
I have several reviewers for my email newsletters (this one and the Pragmatic Manager). I have a variety of book reviewers so I don’t release something stupid. I have people I can call when my vertigo goes haywire. They are part of my professional and personal support network. Who do you call: when you need
I tried to make sugar-free coconut macaroons last weekend. I found a recipe that called for sweetened condensed coconut milk, where you simmer coconut milk with erythritol, my sugar-free sweetener of choice. I did. I never did turn my coconut milk into something that looked like sweetened condensed milk. It never got thick. I did
Just Because You Can, Does It Mean You Should? Read More »