Don’t fall in love with any part of your story. The narrative you live any given day, any given hour is a piece of the fabric that makes us who we are. If the story forwards you, gives you strength, inspiration, energy and momentum for what matters, share it. Repeat it often and let it guide your thoughts, beliefs, language and actions. If the story limits you, traps you, lessens who…
Sometimes, the right question finds you at the right time. As I was reading through some of my journal notes, I found myself learning and re-learning some magnificent lessons. When you’re up early and you have this divine space and time where no one needs you, the day hasn’t begun for the world, and there is nothing but you and the silence of the day, it’s magical. I found…
Incompletions waste energy. Think about it. When something is unfinished, you ruminate on it. Whether it’s a conversation, a puzzle, a task, or a project, your mind and your actions wander back to it over and over. Your energy is trapped as is your momentum. When you’re incomplete, you can’t move on. Not fully. Part of you and your energy remain stuck until you find some form of completion. It’s that simple. …
As a leader, you have the honor of caring for the tone of your culture daily. Some days, that may feel like a privilege and other days it may feel like a burden. What’s the difference? It’s how you’re relating to the complex beings around you and the interpretation you have about how they “should” be versus how they “are.” I often say, business is…
Feedback is like a mirror that reflects how others perceive us, but it’s not always a true reflection of who we are. Imagine yourself as a beautiful mosaic made up of unique pieces. Each piece represents your strengths, talents, and potential. Now, imagine feedback as a spotlight shining on certain parts of your mosaic. Sometimes, the spotlight highlights your strengths and brings out the…
When someone complains, what’s really happening? When we complain it’s because we had different expectations in mind. If you can pause to think, you’ll realize every complaint is a veiled request. When we’re unable to reframe our irritation into a request, we comment about what’s wrong, missing, or shouldn’t be happening the way it is now. It’s easy to roll our eyes or get frustrated and defensive when faced with a complaint, but what could we learn if we slowed down to…
Focus. We sometimes talk about it like a talent we can call upon at will or an elixir we can consume. Sometimes it feels like you’re right on track, incredibly focused. There’s a flow and ease with all you’re doing. Then, there are the other times. The times when you feel scattered, overwhelmed, anxious, or distracted. It feels more productive to be focused, and if you, like me, have an orientation toward being a doer, being…
I like to plan and be efficient. When I look at my actions and patterns, I’m driven to consistently improve and simplify those things I repeatedly do. When Kevin and I travel, we plan things and enjoy our time together regardless. Yet, when I reflect on the most memorable, vibrant and enjoyable times in my life, they were almost always spontaneous. We wake up with no intended plans, begin with a meal and dialog, and something…
Do you really need to learn new things? I was in a conversation with some people hiring us to present a keynote in a few months and they told me they’d heard all they needed to about one of our topics. We suggested another topic and they said they’d heard that as well. After more discussion, I suggested they may need a different speaker. They didn’t want another person, they wanted me. After more…
Say exactly what you mean. There’s a concept! It’s very non-Midwestern. You won’t always be popular or please people, but you will be clear. You’ll also find the world around you (people, opportunities, events and rewards) will amplify. Too often, when trying to please others or deliver the message you think others want to hear instead of saying exactly what you mean in a kind and thoughtful way, you actually deliver a…