Here’s a simple and effective way to change your career over the next 12 months: invite someone you appreciate professionally to lunch once a month. It’s easy, just send a text or an email that goes something like this: “Hey, PERSON, I really admire the way you go about your work and I’m hoping you will let me buy you lunch … Read More
The fundamental problem with saying “yes”
Here’s a perspective shift that might melt your brain: When you say “yes” to something, you say “no” to EVERYTHING else. But when you say “no” to something, you’ve only eliminated one possibility. (This is, of course, assuming you are bound to the same 24-hour day as the rest of us and have to allocate chunks of time you will … Read More
You aren’t in charge of the weather
If you’ve ever woken up, looked out the window at unappealing weather, and immediately felt like the day was off to a lackluster start, well, congratulations, you are a person. Most of us have been there, and yet, it’s worth considering how much power over our outlook and mindset that we give to things we cannot control, like the weather…or … Read More
I want you to make me a promise
I want to make a deal with you. Right now. From now on, come hell or high water, you and I don’t do overwhelm alone. I understand there are a thousand reasons why it feels like you can’t ask for help, or why your professional circumstances are so special that no one else will understand, but none of it is … Read More
John Wick has a broken heart
On the surface, the frenetic John Wick movies follow a man who is impossibly angry. The anger takes top billing, but it is really just a response to being heartbroken. What does this have to do with you? Sometimes the people you work with will make confusing decisions, or react in unexpected ways, because of root causes you don’t understand. Instead of vilifying … Read More
Simply thankful
I think engaging in a posture of thankfulness is far more important than the specific things for which you are thankful.
Safety isn’t always safety
I spent a couple hours last evening watching my nephew, who is a senior in high school, play trumpet in one of his last jazz/symphonic band concerts and I was transported back to when I was playing drums in my high school band. My dad is a drummer, but I didn’t take to the drums until I was about 12 … Read More
This is difficult and I will always hate it
Just like driving a car used to seem a lot more daunting than it does today, you will likely find that the new challenge you are facing will feel very different in the future.
4 ways to break out of a slump
Some days you operate at maximum effectiveness and everything you touch turns to gold. Other days are marked by a lack of focus, listlessness, and ennui. Everyone loses their professional mojo from time to time, so here are four tips to help you break out of a slump and get back in the zone. 1. Be generous Finding yourself in … Read More
The workaround is not the solution
Falling in love with the workaround because it eliminates immediate pain is like asking an attacker to punch you in the face at some undefined future date.
Can we be honest with each other?
If you only make agreements you can keep, then you set yourself up to be trusted. When you agree to things you can’t actually accomplish, you become your own worst enemy.
Do something to help your future self
I spent a couple hours at the dentist yesterday and learned a lot about what it means to be a proactive, disciplined professional. Going to the dentist isn’t exactly the definition of a good time. No one invites someone to the dentist on a first date. No one goes to the dentist on a whim because it’s Saturday and they … Read More
I’m overwhelmed and I don’t know what to do
Moving from something you know to something uncertain is a scary thing, but it’s entirely possible the result of all these changes will be something truly wonderful.
My favorite ways to procrastinate
The best work you will do today just might be the most daunting. It’s okay to use that knowledge to your advantage.
5 simple ways to level up your career
Ready to level up your career? Here are 5 simple ideas that will get you on your way.
Thoughts on disconnecting (I’m on a boat!)
By the time this piece goes live, I will be on a boat somewhere in the Pacific Ocean with my two most favorite people in the world. My wife and I are (purposefully) leaving the internet behind for a week so we can simply enjoy time in the sun with our daughter. The rest of you fine people are great, … Read More