For years, I’ve delivered talks or written articles for various outlets. I have a simple rule: If the outlet makes money from my speaking or writing, I should make money, too. That rule helps me decide which offers I take and which offers I decline. Recently, many outlets want me to deliver talks or write for […]
What Traps You Into Letting Others Take Advantage of You? Read More »
The recent news about Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka made me sad—for them personally, for their potential accomplishments, and for us as a society. How much pressure do they feel, that they needed to stop competing at the highest level of their sports? When I feel extraordinary pressure, I rely on my support systems. It
Who’s Got Your Back? Pressure and Resilience Read More »
I’ve noticed this pattern in the news. A murder/fire/something bad happens in a normally quiet neighborhood. The news people interview the neighbors, and each one of them says, “This isn’t who we are. This doesn’t happen here.” Except, it did. We literally just saw that occurrence on the news. I see this pattern all the
When Do We Say, “We Need to Change Who We Are”? Read More »
Over the years, I’ve been reading about stoicism in small doses. (I can’t stand some of the acceptance nonsense.) I suspect I’m not a very good stoic. I’m too loud and excitable. However, I do find much of stoicism’s ideas useful. That’s because I suggest: We see our reality, first and foremost. We start small
How Much Stoicism Makes Sense for You? 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 »
What does courage mean to you? Merriam Webster says: mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty Many people translate that to: “Blindly go into danger.” I don’t buy that blindly part. Courage is not fearlessness. Courage is what you can consider, in the face of your fear. If we break
What Does Courage Mean to You? Read More »
I’m writing this newsletter in the time of COVID-19 and the protests about George Floyd’s murder. I feel as if we are in much more chaos, even as we understand more about the virus. (I actually had to write What Do You Do When You’re Off-Center? before I wrote this.) I’ve been practicing these ideas and hope
Three Tips to Help Us Now & in the Future Read More »
I’ve seen many people say, “We need to reopen the economy, now. We can’t afford more people out of work. We need to get the economy moving.” I’ve also seen many people say, “We must not sacrifice the health of people to reopen the economy. If we do and many people die, we won’t have
How Can You Prevent Your Fear From Limiting Your Options? Read More »
As we live through the COVID-19 pandemic, we see cracks in how we support our partners and loved ones. Some couples divide the work so that only one of the partners knows all the passwords. Or, where the important papers are. Or, the typical things that go wrong in the house. And, too few people
How Resilient is Your Family? Read More »
With any luck, you’re working from home this week. I bet you’re thinking of creating any number of possibilities: A schedule you can all live with. Food for three meals a day. How to prevent anyone in the house saying, “I’m bored.” Those are the table stakes—the minimum stakes for times like these. (I wrote
What Can You Create Now? Read More »