Naomi Osaka withdrew from the French Open this week. Why? Because she would have to meet with the media right after her play. This is a big deal. She’s one of the top tennis players in the world. I suspect that she’s a big draw for the television rights. Naomi asked for what she wanted. […]
When and How Do You Ask for What You Want? Read More »
Think back to before the pandemic. How well did you create a difference between the time you spent at work, home, and for yourself? Now, think about where you are now. Where would you say you are now with your time at work, home, and for yourself? Before the pandemic, my days look a lot
What Does Work/Life Balance Mean to You? Read More »
I spoke with a job-seeker the other day. He needs a new job. He feels as if he made some bad choices for previous positions. Those (bad) choices weigh him down. He’s not sure he has anything to offer a new company. Here’s what he told me about his experience: Several years of experience as
How Do You Work to Increase Your Self-Esteem? Read More »
Have you ever received feedback that said you could do so much better? In school, many of my teachers decided I underperformed. I could do more and better. I never quite understood how those people could see inside my head. How could they read my mind? (You might like Secrets to Catch Yourself Mind-Reading.) I
How Can You Be the Best Version of Yourself? Read More »
Every community contains “messy” humans. We are all imperfect in many ways. Too often, we show these imperfections in our communities. That’s when our professional contributions collide with our personal messiness. Let me confess right now: I am not perfect. At all. I have a healthy ego. I often wonder when my ego crosses the
How Do We Reconcile a Person’s Professional Contributions with Their Personal Behaviors? Read More »
I’ve been thinking about perfection these days. As a society, we seem to want it all. We want everything open. We don’t discriminate between schools and airplanes. And, several people have written to me, saying they want to be perfect in some or many areas of their lives. I wish I was perfect. Not only
How Much Imperfection Can We Live With? Read More »
In How Do You Manage Imposter Syndrome? one of the commenters asked how I take that first step. It depends. And, it depends—for me—on these things: I can think, not just react. The state of my emotional resilience so I can access my courage. The risk of taking that first step. How vulnerable I can
How Do You Find the Courage to Take the First Step? Read More »
Every so often, you see someone who inspires you. These people seem to achieve “more” in some way. You respect them for their actions. Sometimes, you see people who talk a good game. And, their actions don’t appear to live up to their talk. You might not disrespect them, but you don’t respect them. That
Who or What Deserves Your Respect? Read More »
I spoke with a colleague and explained how I had improved writing over the past year. That person said, “I’m proud of you.” I said, “Thanks.” And, I wondered why this person felt pride in me, in my accomplishments. I was proud of my accomplishments. I’d worked hard. I’m sure my colleague didn’t mean to
Who Can Be Proud of You? Read More »
Too often, I hear the word “just” when modifying a feeling. “Can’t you just shake it off?” Or, “Can’t you just move on?” Or, “Can you just go along with what I want?” Every single one of those “justs” are about ignoring what the other person feels. If you’re on the receiving end of these
Can You “Just” Anything? Read More »