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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To be happy and feel fulfilled, we have to Master our life. To achieve that goal, we have to dis-identify with limiting beliefs – I call them LIES.  LIES are Labels, Illusions, Excuses and Stories that dash our hopes and dreams and diminish our potential for excellence. Instead of living LIES, make self-mastery – your ability […]

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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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Following through with a desired change in behavior can be a challenge.  Sometimes, its as simple as forgetting what you said you would do.  For example, I recently decided to drastically reduce my intake of processed sugar because I feel SOOOO good when I don’t eat it. But, here’s the rub:  I’m not always conscious […]

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Frequently, when conducting data gathering interviews for qualitative 360s, I’ve noticed raters self-reflecting and assessing their own behavior.  The conversation makes them think. In a recent interview, the boss was describing the person he was rating as “easily distracted.”  All the while, the boss’ computer was dinging, signaling the arrival of email.  Each time it […]

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Remember when your mother told you to sit up straight?  She knew what she was talking about.  Research has validated her good advice. Adoree Durayappah’s article in Psychology Today points out that when a person adopts the upright posture Mom always encouraged, they act in ways that represent power.  And interestingly, as the article points […]

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Do you apologize for everything?  For mistakes others make?  For expressing an opinion that might be unpopular?  For walking into a room?  Do you take the blame for things that have nothing to do with you?  Or when something is clearly someone else’s fault? If you over-apologize, you’re not alone.  For women, it’s very common […]

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Do you ever feel like you’re not really competent, but everyone else is?  Do you sometimes feel like you’re acting as if you belong, but you don’t.  Figure that it won’t be long until you’re found out?  When others praise your work or compliment you, do you doubt their sincerity or feel like the recognition […]

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Do you have the same mindset as Earvin “Magic” Johnson?  He says, “I am a businessman. This is what I do each and every day. I love it. I love coming to work. I never have a bad day.” Do you feel the same way?  Do you love your work?  Daily, do you get up […]

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In the UK, they dubbed it “Fail Friday.”  Friday, January 24th was the day they predicted the Brit’s collective willpower would wain and resolutions would be broken.  Only 3 percent, the “Independent” article says, are likely to keep their resolutions for the entire year. In Canada, CTV’s story “Making, Breaking New Year’s Resolutions an Annual […]

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This year, Today Show’s Natalie Morales said her 2014 resolution is to live in the present.  She said it so fast, that I’m not sure she even took it seriously. Living in the present sounds like such a simple goal – unless you’ve tried to achieve it.  If you have, you know how difficult fully […]

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For nearly everyone, there comes a moment when you know it’s time to make a move.  You may be ready to move up to the next level, make a lateral move into a new functional area to broaden your experience, jump into a new industry or company and apply your skills, or do something entirely […]

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Dear Teressa, With many demanding priorities, it is sometimes difficult to distinguish one’s real purpose from the demands of life.  Even with great desire to know and understand my purpose, it feels as though I am desperately seeking the proverbial needle in the haystack. ~Jenny      Dear Jenny, The tug of war you captured is so familiar. […]

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Dear Teressa, Could you please provide tips to stay grounded and focused despite being surrounded by people who aren’t?  Also how can I cultivate and encourage a friend’s talent without over stepping boundaries? Lilliana   Dear Lilliana, Years of experience suggests that being grounded – with balanced physical, mental and emotional energy and attention focused […]

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I voluntarily had myself videotaped twice in the last few weeks. One taping was of a keynote address, the other of a golf lesson.  Both were incredibly instructive.  I picked up specific behaviors, many of them subtle, that I could only fully understand by watching myself in action.  Pictures really speak thousands of words, but […]

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Whether I’m watching Serena Williams, Roger Federer, Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Tom Brady, Cole Hamels or Michael Vick, I notice how they do what they do – the mechanical and mental aspects of their performance. An important lesson – one many of us can learn from – is the resilience of those at the top […]

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Every week, the content of my blog is based on a real-life scenarios – ones I’ve experienced as a facilitator, executive and personal growth coach, keynote speaker, as well as a manager and leader. Unresolved challenges at work and in life often get in the way of productivity and personal satisfaction. They cause us to question ourselves and the value of contributions we make.  Issues at work also […]

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In the late 70s, Teddy Pendergrass sang a song titled, “You Can’t Hide from Yourself.” The lyrics went on to explain, “You Can’t Hide from Yourself, because everywhere you go, there you are.”  How true! You are the one constant in your life.  So, it’s very important for you to be in charge of you.  […]

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