Psychologist and author Theodore Issac Rubin said, “Happiness does not come from doing easy work, but from the afterglow of satisfaction that comes after achieving a difficult task that demanded our best.” I tend to agree. How about you? Completing easy tasks does come with a certain sense of satisfaction. Anytime we can check something […]

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 We’ve all encountered people who are quick to say “No” to suggestions or new ideas. Before any apparent consideration occurs, they instantly shoot down most, if not all people, who come to them with their ideas. Here’s what I recommend if you have a person like that in your life. Ask your question and […]

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When doubt starts to come between you and your goal(s), try these three things. Write Out Your Accomplishments. List all that you’ve experienced, learned, contributed and achieved since your last self-inventory. Put it down on paper and keep it handy. Add to it as your stable of successes expands. Notice Clues and Cues.   Whenever others […]

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Recently, a client confided that she tends to present green project dashboards. Green means everything is moving forward, as expected. In taking her all-green, all-good approach, she fails to share the full reality. She wants to present an image of one who is able to handle big challenges. As we continued talking, the realization dawned […]

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The Buddhist and Stephen Covey agree. “To know and not do, is really not to know.” In other words, when learning something new, never underestimate the importance of doing it. For example, if your favorite tennis player told you her secret to hitting a slice backhand, could you do it consistently? Not likely. The same […]

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There’s No US vs. THEM Recently, I facilitated an all-hands meeting where participants talked about state of the business. I repeatedly heard comments like, “The company” doesn’t promote from within. “The company” is risk averse. “The company’s” merit and bonus programs are unfair. It’s hard to know who to trust in “this company.” After allowing […]

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Here are some unexpected things we do that Forbes.com says can determine whether people judge us as likeable or not. How you treat waiters, receptionists and support staff can provide insight into how you treat people you assume don’t have the power to do anything for you. How often you check your phone. If you […]

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Are you riding the wave that life has placed under you? Or are you consciously choosing a life that is personally meaningful and fulfilling. If you’re content being carried along by forces seemingly beyond your control, then stay the course. But, if you’re depressed, anxious, struggling to find happiness and purpose, your life is calling […]

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 How to Stack The Deck In Your Favor Job security isn’t always guaranteed, but according to Fast Company contributor Gwen Moran, there are seven things you can do to stack the deck in your favor. Here are six of them. Channel elite athletes. Strive to improve your performance and up your professional game. Be […]

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It’s human nature to want to leave a legacy. It’s never too early or late to start thinking about your legacy. Legacies can take many forms. Knowing what you’d like to leave behind can serve as a powerful compass – a force that can help guide you over the long term, enabling you to stay […]

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 Lift the Burden By Acting With Integrity Here’s a Zig Ziglar quote I really like: “With integrity, you have nothing to fear, since you have nothing to hide. With integrity, you will do the right thing, so you will have no guilt.” These words make me breathe more easily. What a beautiful, unburdened way […]

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 How to Get Yourself Out of The Middle At one time or another, you’ve probably found yourself smack dab in the middle of other people’s tensions, tussles and antagonistic relationships. A very uncomfortable place to be. Here are a few principles to keep in mind that can help you extricate yourself from the middle, […]

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 It’s wise to think through a sticky, difficult to discuss issue, before raising it for open dialogue. Developed by the late Harvard Professor Chris Argyris, here’s an exercise that can help you think through hard to discuss topics, and perhaps find the clarity and courage to surface them for dialogue: Identify the specific situation […]

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4 Ways to Survive If Someone Loses It On You Here are a few tips to consider when you’re faced with another person’s angry meltdown, in the office, or in your personal life: First, remain calm. Breathe. If you also get upset, the situation is sure to escalate and spiral in the wrong direction. Don’t […]

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We’re more than half way through January. How are you doing with your resolutions? The New York Times offers up these suggestions to help you sustain commitment and stay the course. Be specific and concrete as you set goals. Make goals measureable. Establish milestones to measure your progress. Aim high and make sure your goals […]

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These 3 Questions Can Turn Problems Into Solutions When something bad happens, it can launch us into a negative spiral of thoughts and reactions, “blame-storming” or an overwhelming sense of intractable defeat. Such reactions are not productive, nor do they acknowledge the full reality of the situation. Remember, there are opportunities within what is perceived […]

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Is Your Comfort Zone Holding You Back? Are you ready to move up the ladder, but feeling plagued by the “What if’s?” Are you nervous or unsure about a new role you’ve got your eye on, or a lateral move into an area that will broaden you experience and responsibility. Rest assured. You’re not alone. […]

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If You’re Not Relevant, Your Job May Not Be Safe In your company, are you seen as competent and capable? If you’re not asking that question of yourself, you can bet people who count on you to deliver results, or look to you for leadership, are asking it about you. Here are six questions to […]

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Are your current business goals big, more challenging than ever?  Do they feel unrealistic, impractical, unattainable? What if the goal is not the issue, but you are – you and your limiting beliefs?   You could be rooted in an old story about who you are and what you’re capable of?  Are your thoughts filled with […]

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Let Conscious Choice — Not Emotion — Drive Your Actions When things go wrong, what do you focus on? Identifying who made the mistake or whose fault it was? Do you obsess about the weak link in the chain? Or do you use your finite energy to craft a solution? I’m sure you can guess […]

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