Self-help

You’re going to take the world by storm. You’re talented and trustworthy, and you have a work ethic that’s second to none. These words probably aren’t coming as a surprise. You’ve already achieved a successful track record and have earned the trust and respect of your peers. Sure, you’ll be faced with obstacles, slammed by adversity, and may even doubt yourself along the way. But I’m confident that you have what it takes to be a success. You’re going to be a star. There’s just one thing I’d like you to keep top of mind: Courage. It’s important for you to believe in yourself, stand up for the principles that you hold dear, and see the world for what it    Read more…

Trust is the fabric that binds us together, creating an orderly, civilized society from chaos and anarchy. Trust is not an abstract, theoretical, idealistic goal forever beyond our reach. Trust –– or lack of it –– is inherent in every action that we take and affects everything that we do. Trust is the cement that binds relationships, keeping spouses together, business deals intact, and political systems stable. Without trust, marriages fails, voters become apathetic, and organizations flounder. Without trust, no company can ever hope for excellence. Understanding the meaning of trust allows you to work toward being a trusted and trusting person. The truth is that trust is never guaranteed, and it can’t be won overnight. Trust must be carefully    Read more…

So, you’re a vegetarian? Great. You go to the gym every day? Wonderful. You lost 14 pounds on your newfangled diet? I’m happy for you. You’re voting for the Democratic (Republican or Independent) candidate? Super. You’re a devoted person of faith? Good for you. Now, do you want my opinion? It’s wonderful that you’ve assumed such a healthy lifestyle; that you’re so passionate about your beliefs and committed to your causes; and that you want to raise your kids just like your parents raised you. But . . . But that doesn’t mean I have to agree with you. Believe me, I’m not trying to pass judgment; quite to the contrary. Unlike multiple-choice tests, in life there may be two    Read more…

Are you paid what you’re worth? Let’s see . . . you’ll probably compare the salary and benefits that you receive with the value that you provide to your organization. Right? Did you ever consider how much you learn every day? Huh? While money gets depleted over time, your experience remains with you for life. You’ll be able to leverage that know-how into a better position within your existing organization or offer it to your next employer. That being said, investing in yourself may be the best investment you’ll ever make. Period. And that begins with learning. The Investment of a Lifetime While the world has changed considerably over the last decade, many people equate learning with the formal education    Read more…

A note to liars, cheats, and other jerks So you cheated on your wife, got caught with your hand in the cookie jar, or got trapped in a lie. Don’t look surprised. You knew there was a chance that we’d find out. What were you thinking? Don’t tell us it was a lapse of judgment. Don’t tell us you didn’t mean it. And please don’t tell us that other people do the same thing. We’re not stupid. Your behavior wasn’t an oversight. It wasn’t an error. The fact is, you did it consciously. Please don’t insult us by trying to smooth our ruffled feathers or by doing some half-hearted damage control. It won’t work. You should have thought twice before    Read more…

“Starting a business is no picnic. It consumes your entire life for the first few years.” “As a medical resident, I’ve been working 15 hours a day, 6 days a week, for a year. I’m exhausted.” “When you ‘hit the wall’ during a race, it’s really tough. Your head says go, but your body says no.” When you hear the words of a flourishing entrepreneur, an aspiring physician, a world-class athlete, or a celebrated musician, you’ll find that they’re likely to mention the hard work and personal sacrifices they endured in their relentless pursuit of success. They may talk about waking up each day at the crack of dawn and pushing themselves to their personal limit. You’ll forgive them if    Read more…

If you’re a parent, it’s time to act like a parent. If you’re a leader, then lead. If you want to be treated as an adult, then act your age. If you’re a politician, remember you weren’t elected to merely show up; you have a job to do. And if you’re not happy with your standing in life, don’t fault others. Success and happiness begin and end with personal responsibility. Take Charge of Your Life Personal responsibility puts you in the driver’s seat to make the most out of your life. You have the freedom to choose the direction that you want to take, determine the choices that you’ll make, and decide how hard you’re willing to work to achieve    Read more…

We’re all confronted by countless choices each day. Some have minimal consequences, such as whether to have our ice cream in a cup or cone, while other decisions can be life changing. And while some of these choices may impact our lives today, other choices may not affect us for years to come. We are a product of the choices we make. Each decision helps to define who we are and how we’re different from one another. Unfortunately, some folks prefer to make their decisions in a haphazard fashion. They “shoot from the hip” or flip a coin rather than reviewing their options in a deliberate manner. Others make decisions in a vacuum without taking time to collect the facts    Read more…

Important Stuff in Life

“Dream no small dreams for they have no power to move the hearts of men.” — Johann Wolfgang von Goethe The American Dream may mean something different to each of us. At its best, it affords each American the freedom and opportunity to pursue happiness according to one’s own priorities. At its worst, the American Dream can be squandered on hollow goals that offer little substance or satisfaction. For these reasons, when choosing your version of the American Dream, be realistic about your choices and bold in your actions. Some people define the American Dream as living “a better and richer life” where everyone should strive to live glamorously like characters in The Great Gatsby, where materialism and excess flourish.    Read more…