Richard G. Riccardi

For those who prefer to think rather than be told, weekly messages crafted to spur thought, broaden perspective, and foster growth.

Be prepared to reexamine your views on subjects like hypocrisy, generosity, fear, forgiveness, sex, faith, and any other area warranting sincere reflection.

Join the list:

Susan O’Brien
    Susan O’Brien

    Founder, Hail Merry

    I encourage everyone to read Richard's purposeful words. His writing reminds me of Ekhart Tolle. Richard is becoming his own master of contemporary contemplation.

    Chi Nguyen
      Chi Nguyen

      Founder, Purpose Tea

      There have been so many times Richard's words...have gotten me through the toughest days along this entrepreneurial journey. If you're looking for weekly inspiration, sign up for 52 Steps Forward. You'll thank me later!

      Robb Ziegler
        Robb Ziegler

        Founder, curiate

        Richard crafts a rare combination of gentle, purposeful, meaningful, and incisive thought within each of these pages. I'm left not only with different ways of looking at things, but with means to be a better me.

        William Bigelow
          William Bigelow

          COO, Blount Fine Foods

          Richard’s subject matter and writing style are the perfect combination to provoke and inspire new ways of thinking. I encourage you to read 52 Steps Forward so you can become similarly inspired.

          Recent Posts

          Not Your Fault but Your Responsibility

          Everyone can point to circumstances not of our own doing (impoverished family, highly pigmented skin, surname ending in a vowel, went to Podunk school, etc.) to justify our less-than-desired position. All may be true, but they do not excuse us from responsibility for our response.         The ExemplarsOprah overcame a very disadvantaged upbringing to become a billion-dollar media mogul. A Scottish

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          The Worst Thing that Ever Happened?

          His StoryA crestfallen friend bared his soul and shared his tale of woe with the expectation of a sympathetic response. Instead, I reconstructed his words and offered hearty congratulations.  “Bob” told me that the failure of his business cost him his life’s savings and left him feeling ashamed. With his tail between his legs, he was forced to move back

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          Seek What is Right

          I may have written a message that, despite its accuracy, will disappoint or enflame most. Rather than trying to solve the problem or change your mind, I want to encourage listening to more than the noise and, to the extent possible, receptivity to opposing viewpoints.  FactsIt starts with a country’s obligation to enforce its immigration and border security laws. The

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          Your North Star  

          The Case for ItWe generally have a good idea about what we want to do. We are decent people laboring at a professional endeavor, taking care of our families, indulging in pleasurable pastimes, and are reasonably happy.   However, unless we discover and follow our purpose, we may succumb to the disorienting influence, even if well-intentioned, of family, friends, and society.

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          Made for More

          Why?Our moms were right; we possess and should use our talents. It goes beyond “to whom much is given, much will be required,” the biblically-inspired obligation declared in graduation speeches. We have an emotional need for challenge, growth, and success, Maslow’s esteem and self-actualization needs. Conversely, inaction, especially when coupled with awareness of unfulfilled potential, causes a corrosive malaise.   What?We confuse

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          Less is More

          Last week, I relished my 2025 successes, but 2025 also had non-successes. While there were lessons learned from the “failures,” the most critical lesson came from selecting and focusing on my highest priorities.  The LowlightsFor each failure, ask why and if the objective remains worthy of pursuit.  My marketing plan did not adequately promote the book. Effective marketing required much

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