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

          Attaboy/girl for All the Right Reasons

          What is the purpose of accolades and what do we do with them? Acceptance First, accept the compliment graciously by thanking the person who provided it. Often, we respond flippantly in an attempt at humility. Have you ever said, “Yes, the dress is pretty but it makes my butt look big” or “Yes, I finished the marathon but I ran

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          Keep Your Head Up or You Will Miss the Best Part

          How did we get here? In an information age that has (i) morphed from two cans connected by a string to wireless connectivity reaching every corner of the globe, (ii) expanded from three network TV channels to hundreds of 24-hour cable/streaming channels, and (iii) social media networks with millions of accounts controlled by provocative influencers, our minds are unavoidably lured

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          Not Everything of Value is Worth Doing

          Do you know what frequently stops you from doing what you want and should do? It is simply saying “yes” to things you should say “no” to. Today’s message is not about deciding which activities are consistent with your goals (essential and the subject of another article), but deciding among those activities that lead you to accomplish your goals. Given

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          Learning Brilliantly Delivered as the Revelation of Ignorance

          The Regret All learning fills a void where ignorance once occupied. Perhaps a less off-putting word may be “unknowing,” but we must accept the harsh light of reality. When you have a little length in the tooth, there can be a tendency to feel bad you remained ignorant of particular information for so long. Of course, you are in good

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          The Worst Thing that Ever Happened? You Don’t Say…

          His Story A crestfallen friend bared his soul and shared his tale of woe with the expectation of receiving sympathy. What I heard was a tale of triumph and offered my congratulations. How can one fact situation create a response entirely contrary to the anticipated one? It is all a matter of perspective. “Bob” told me the failure of his

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          It’s Not Your Fault but It Is Your Responsibility

          Each of us can point to circumstances not of our own doing to justify our current state (poor family, “wrong” skin color, surname ends in a vowel, went to Podunk school, etc.). All of them may be true, but it is equally true that all may be overcome if we assume responsibility for our response. The Exemplary We have famous

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