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 »
Back in the comments for What’s the Difference Between Problem Whining and Problem Solving?, I mentioned we sometimes feel as if we have no choices, no good options. We need to release our preferred option from consideration—at least for now, but probably forever. I find that releasing an option quite difficult, especially if I’m attached
How Can You Generate Options When You Feel Stuck? Read More »
I wish I was perfect in many things: in my writing, in my coaching, in my personal life. I’m often good, sometimes great, and sometimes a disaster. I can only be a disaster if I’m willing to try an experiment. That means I try to live Voltaire’s quote: The perfect is the enemy of the
How Perfect Must You Be? Read More »
One of my readers sent me a private email responding to the When Are You Excessively Above Average? question. The reader felt as if he should want to master some learning. However, the work had no meaning for him. Too often, people feel stuck in their roles, because they should want to master them. Or they should
Are Your Shoulds Trapping You? Read More »
I take multiple walks through my neighborhood to get my steps in. Most of the time, I pass the houses and it’s quiet, just me and my rollator and my thoughts. One house, however, has a totally adorable little white dog on the first floor. Every time I pass by that house, the dog barks
Who’s Your Guard Dog? Read More »
Long ago, I had a huge fight with my grandmother. She said something untrue. I told her it was untrue and I explained why. Her response was, “You have such a black-and-white view of the world.” That’s true. I don’t believe in what we now call “alternative facts.” I call them “lies.” Notice that I
How Can We Discuss a Difference of Beliefs? Read More »
We’ve all heard this phrase, “It’s not personal. It’s just business.” There are several things wrong with that saying. “Just” is a keyword that says, “Don’t look here, you won’t like it. Just ignore me…” (Here’s a writing tip: write a sentence with just in it and then when you edit, remove the just. What
What’s Personal to You? Read More »
I’m working with clients on their agile transformations. I’m working on that book project I alluded to several weeks ago. These efforts have at least this in common: We need to work with other people to finish the work. And, surprise, surprise! People have their own ideas about what to do and when. In at least one
When Do You Go Meta? Read More »
I started a new regimen of PT (physical therapy) to manage my vertigo a little better. Yesterday, I did a ton of leg/balance work. I did too much—I was exhausted. (Balancing on one leg challenges my brain to manage my vertigo. Yes, I need it, and it tires me out.) I came home and tried to
When Do You Take a Break? Read More »
I have a high rate of throughput. In addition to my writing, I offer online and in-person workshops. Plus, I have coaching and consulting clients. I’m busy, just like you. One of my clients asked, “How do you get it all done?” He paused. “I bet you have rules for getting it all done. Care
What Are Your Rules for Getting It All Done? Read More »