One Thing to Help You Sail Through The Season

I write on Mondays. At least I intend to write on Mondays. However, it’s five-o’clock and I’m just now putting my first words to paper. I’ve been wrestling with what to write about, this Thanksgiving week. We all need to take time to feel gratitude and take note of what we are thankful for, of course. I…

Veterans, thank you! #NEVERFORGET

Did you know Veterans Day coincides with holidays in other countries, like Armistice Day in France, and Remembrance Day in the UK? Each celebrates the official end of WWI, and the time major hostilities ended: The 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month, 1918. In the U.S., Veterans Day was originally also known as Armistice Day, but at the urging…

WHAT COMPETING PRIORITY IS HOLDING YOU BACK?

I learned something new recently, regarding why we (humans in general) make commitments to ourselves, and then don’t keep too many of them. New year’s resolutions are obvious examples, but I’m thinking more about work-life or career-oriented commitments. Turns out there is a reason beyond “change is hard”.  That’s true too, but my new information…

ALWAYS RIGHT? You may be listening to the wrong voice

Do you pride yourself in being the one with the answers? The person who, when opinions differ or decisions need to be made, is always right? There was a time I felt that way about myself, until I realized there was something very wrong with being the person who is always right. As a leader,…

FOUR TIPS FOR DE-ESCALATING CONFLICT

We all have conflict.  Sometimes it is internal. Sometimes it is between us and someone else. Sometimes we are a third party to conflict happening between others.  Regardless of its origin, we are human and we experience conflict. When I meet people out and about, and they learn what I do, they often tell me…

What are you committed to achieving?

Have you ever committed to action you believed was important, only to not follow through with it? Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve taken time to reflect on the goals I set for 2017. I also looked at the actions I committed to taking, in order to accomplish them. Sadly I must admit, I flat-out…

Wait, where’s my joy?

I’ve been feeling quite “Eh” (as my beautiful daughter puts it) for a few days now.  “Eh” as in not horrible, but not good. “Dull” is a good way to describe it, and it’s wearing on me. There’s no specific reason. In fact, if I tally the truly important things, everything is actually really good….

7 Common traits of great leaders

Have you ever heard someone speak who really inspired you? One whom you wanted to remember – and share – everything they said? Last week I did! I had the privilege of hearing Pat Williams speak on the seven common traits of great leaders.  If somehow you are not familiar with Mr. Williams, a few…

Gone in 90 seconds: How to move through negative emotions

Negative emotions are normal, we all experience them. There is certainly nothing wrong with them, unless of course we loose control in their grip, or they stick around too long.  When either of those happen, they become distracting, debilitating, and damaging. Think about the last time you experienced strong negative emotions. Regardless of the specific…

Happy Independence Day Everyone!

Happy Independence Day Everyone!

This morning I’ve seen so many lovely 4th of July / Independence Day social media posts. Interestingly a big percentage of the posts share the themes of thanking our active service men and women, our veterans, and honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the United States of America.  I so…

Fact or fiction? How our assumptions can derail us

Have you ever made an assumption about something or someone, only to find out later you were completely wrong? Oh boy, I have. In fact, just yesterday I made a few ugly assumptions about a young lady I have never even laid eyes on. When I found out how wrong I was, I felt terrible….

Internal Struggles: A method for making good decisions

Internal struggles are tough because of the push and pull between intellectual, emotional, moral, and ethical considerations.  Inside those are financial, relational, and even physical elements. They aren’t easy, that’s way we call them “struggles”, but dealing with them effectively, and sooner than later, usually saves us from unnecessary drama and negative consequences. I’m suffering with an…