Evening Classes Improve Quality of Life Did you know that taking evening classes can improve the quality of your life — regardless of the subject matter? Researchers at Oxford University found that people who took continuing education classes reported improved mental and physical health, as well as more satisfaction with their lives. The participants […]

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How The Quiet Can Contribute A recent WorkingMother.com article looked at the ways people who sit quietly in meetings can become more comfortable with speaking up. Dr. Jennifer Kahnweiler, the author of “The Genius of Opposites: How Introverts and Extroverts Achieve Extraordinary Results Together” offers these four meeting prep tips for introverts. Find out the […]

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My Secret Weapon Question That Instantly Diffuses Anger Whether on the highway, when the driver in front of you won’t get out of your way, or during a conversation when the other person won’t listen to your point, or when a co-worker takes up your valuable time talking about his problems, at times, we all could […]

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Addicted To Being Right Have you ever known someone who can’t stand being wrong? Are you one of the many who is addicted to being right? Judith Glazer says on PsychologyToday.com that this addiction is real. In situations of high stress, fear or distrust, cortisol – a hormone and neurotransmitter – can highjack the brain. […]

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True Empathetic Listening One of the hardest things to do is listen – really listen – to another person. Instead of being fully present as they explain, complain or share, our minds are busy planning what we’ll say next. Even at our most altruistic, we’re contemplating what to say that will help. Parker Palmer of […]

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Summer Reading Suggestion for Personal Growth Summer is a great time to work on personal growth and your summer reading list is one of the best places to start. Here are a few suggestions. StrengthsFinder 2.0 by Tom Rath is a follow up to Gallup’s wildly successful online tool that helped millions discover their top […]

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Have you ever wondered how best to say you’re sorry after making a big mistake or unconsciously doing something that generates unintended negative consequences? According to Psychology Today, for an apology to be effective, it must focus on the other person’s needs – not your own. Too often apologies are ineffective because we’re trying to make ourselves feel better […]

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I’m pleased to announce a wonderful addition to the Spirit of Purpose self-improvement tools. Spirit of Purpose TV will inspire, motivate and transform the way you approach challenges and achieve your goals. We will continue to share written Spirit of Purpose content in my blog, but I will also provide these quick video messages to aide in your successful quest […]

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Keen observers of self and others have a competitive edge. But, too often, our willingness to pay attention is dialed down too low. Much that we should see, and could capitalize on, passes us by. We’re blinded by the habit of inattention. We’re no longer fully present, noticing what’s going on within us and around […]

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Abraham Maslow’s approach to psychology was unique.  He was the man responsible for identifying our “Hierarchy of Needs,” which describes how human beings prioritize getting their needs met.  His diagram placed the most pressing “psychological” or basic needs at the bottom of the pyramid. Breathing, food, water, sex and sleep are among the basic needs […]

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Is there someone in your workplace who you feel is exactly your opposite?  Perhaps, a bit of a thorn in your side?  You don’t understand her thought process or agree with how he operates.  He’s annoying.  She’s difficult to deal with. News flash:  this person may be just the thorn in your side you need.  […]

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You’ve probably heard the news about an interim report issued by Acting Inspector General Richard Griffin on the systemic problems in the Veteran’s Affairs agency.   The report intensified scrutiny and resulted in expansion of the number of VA facilities to be reviewed.  If you’re a leader, consider allowing this situation to stimulate a deeper, broader […]

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Dr. Maya Angelou lived a noteworthy life.  There is no question that her teachings and way of being positively affected the lives of many people around the world. In one of her quotes that I treasure, she said:  “One isn’t’ necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential.  Without courage, we cannot practice […]

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Recently, I had the honor of speaking on a topic that intrigued and inspired me.  The topic was about how African Americans in Atlantic City’s early history created a strong, affluent and successful community in spite of pervasive racism and negative stereotypes.  My talk was among many activities supporting The African American Heritage Museum of […]

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