Just Start Already!
Failure to Launch If the journey of 1,000 miles begins with the first step, why do we fail to start, and how can we make it easier to begin? It is not about the adequacy or absence of planning. In fact, planning may cause paralysis by analysis. You are still in the profession you wanted […]
Dealing With It
Dealing With It I had diverted Bob’s attention long enough; it was time to address his grief. I am not going to solve grief over lunch or in 700 words (or ever), but I can offer some thoughts for the grieving. There They Go Angst about my granddaughters leaving behind their friends when they moved […]
Be There For Them
Be There For Them My lunch partner became teary-eyed and revealed that a 40-year-old friend had passed away after a long illness. Bob sought relief from the pain of losing a loved one. At these times, we are understandably sad, turn inward and think about other losses we have suffered or our mortality. While you […]
What Did You Say?
To Yourself Too often, we talk to ourselves like no one has ever spoken or would speak to us or in a manner we would never speak to someone else. Negative self-talk is the enemy of a fulfilling life by fostering doubt about our abilities and creating a standard for ourselves below our true potential. […]
Hit the Pause Button
A Tall Order? The year is more than half over! What do you have to show for it? This message is not about goal tracking but the vital practice of periodically investing time to think and generate ideas leading to difference-making actions. The level of contemplation required cannot be accomplished when our minds are smothered […]
A Random Act of Kindness Reveals…
Everything Wrong with Me Today’s message is not merely a confession; I invite you into the conversation by interjecting questions requiring self-reflection. Usually, I would not drag someone else down with me, but “Sam” was my able accomplice. Fortunately, he is good-natured and open to sharing this experience to help others. His presence also illustrates […]
Off the Soapbox; Onto the Pulpit
The Groundwork Just writing the title gives me anxiety, as the word “pulpit” has a potentially negative connotation and can trigger a defensive reaction. I hope you trust me enough to hear (read) me out. I do not approach this subject with any moral or religious authority. I have not been perfect (sometimes not even […]
Love Each One…
And Hate Them All? Examples Abound It is the racist White guy who truthfully has Black friends. It is Bob who announced during bible study that he hates White people. While I am confident his proclamation does not apply to me, I accept his words and believe he generally dislikes White people. It was the […]
Here are the “Receipts”
Here are the “Receipts” Mentees secure the most significant value and express the greatest appreciation of mentorship through their actions. Respectfully listen and carefully consider the information provided or discovered, use what you believe is valuable, and disregard the parts you think are inapplicable or incorrect. Mentors do not expect to be followed like an […]
This is How You Do It
How to Work It Mentees, resist the temptation to implore, “Just give me the answer!” Outside of specific subject matter expertise or in perilous circumstances requiring a strong hand, mentors should not even recommend a course of action. You are not a child needing or seeking parental instruction. There are practical reasons for not feeding […]