Are You Productive or Just Busy?
I’ve just begun reading a new book called “Slow Productivity” by Cal Newport. I’ve enjoyed his previous books “Deep Work” and “Digital Minimalism” which have caused me to think a lot about doing what matters most and fighting against our very distracted digital age. His latest book challenges our society’s obsession with “productivity” and defines […]
Transformation May Just Be One Question Away
Last week I was trying to figure out how to update my website and I sent an email to a friend who I thought might know the answer I needed. In just a few minutes, he responded and within an hour or so, my website received an upgrade that I had been wanting to do […]
What’s Your Legacy?
Last week I received news that my beloved babysitter from my childhood passed away at 93 years old. “Miss Pat” was a faithful subscriber to my weekly emails and would occasionally reply to me and tell me how things were going in her world. It was always great to hear from her as she played […]
When There’s a Leadership Void, Step Up to the Plate
It’s not uncommon in organizations to have leadership gaps in different seasons or on different teams. Sometimes it’s ignorant neglect. Other times, complacency sets in and people simply go through the motions. If you find yourself frustrated that there’s a lack of leadership, take the initiative to step into the role that’s needed. As John […]
How’s Your Vision?
When kids are growing up, it’s common to ask them what they want to be someday? Their answers are often amazing. They don’t put a limit on their dreams and worry about what’s “realistic.” Instead, they think of what they’d love to do without limitation. Unfortunately, we grow out of this childlike wonder as we […]
To Succeed Later, You Must Prepare NOW
We’re easily enamored in our culture with those who rise to the top of their fields and win championships. But we rarely consider what it took to achieve those great feats. The reality is that “overnight success” often takes years (sometimes decades) of struggle to get there. No one likes to hear that when they’re […]
The Difficult Lesson of Being Patient
I’ve been sick for the last week and it’s reminded me that I’m not a very good patient! 🙂 It started with a little scratchiness in my chest, then it turned into full-blown congestion and achiness. I know I’m just one person among many who have dealt with this (or worse) this winter, but it’s […]
To Go Fast, First Slow Down
Leaders are action-takers. They have to be because, without action, nothing would get done. However, it’s easy to get so busy taking action that you can overlook the importance of slowing down to make sure what you’re doing is worthwhile. Even a few minutes of strategic thinking can speed up your progress by ensuring that […]
When You’re Struggling, Try a New Approach
It’s commonly said that the definition of “insanity” is doing the same thing repeatedly while expecting different results. If you’re like me, by this definition you’ve been insane quite a few times in life! It’s easy to feel stuck and frustrated when you’re trying to achieve new goals and dreams. The plans we thought would […]
The Never-Ending Pursuit of Greatness
I recently re-read this quote from Jim Collins, which originally appeared in “Good to Great” (an all-time great business book): “Greatness is an inherently dynamic process, not an end point. The moment you think of yourself as great, your slide toward mediocrity will have already begun.” This reminded me of a story I once read […]