How to pick out what is essential
How do we know what's essential? Greg McKeown, author of Essentialism, has some ideas. I'll use his emphasis on principles or priorities as a reference point. But I still need to figure out what’s the most important thing to get done right now.
When change comes in a moment
I’m offering a different piece about change this week, very personal, about how suddenly the world can change – and did - in just one moment.
Be In Your Future Now: A conversation with Robert “Jake” Jacobs
Why wait when you can step into your future now? Feel it. Taste it. Put it on like a wrap. Look through it […]
To Unplug or Not to Unplug: Is That the Question?
Last week, I wrote about How the Internet is Warping Our Brain and what to do about it. I told you I’d […]
How the Internet is Warping Our Brains (and what to do about it…)
Our use of computers is shaping our common vocabulary. (Heard on the street, boy to mother: “When are you going to upgrade […]
7 ways to climb out of the pit and get back your mojo
Sometimes when things aren't going exactly right, you can keep yourself going by taking the step that leads you to the next step, and then the next step and the next step.
The Perils of Having a Vision
Edward S. Curtis was a visionary. He was also obsessed. He created a monumental legacy at great personal cost. And so it is with visions - engage at your own marvelous risk.
On Facing the Void
Facing a void means standing in the unknown. it can feel potent, full of possibility, or paralyzing. Without answers, a poem can provide comfort.
Finding Fierce Humility
Nobody I knew in business school used to wander around asking "How can I be humble?" But there's a fierce humility that may well be at the heart of leadership.
Mind Your Cues to Change Your Habits
Habits are useful. They help us not to think. Like checklists they help us navigate complexity. But changing a habit we don't want can be hard -- and understanding cues can help.
A simple tool for managing complexity
I'm not a to-do list obsessive kind of gal. So you wouldn’t think I’d get excited by a book called The Checklist Manifesto. I’ve become a believer in his main premise: In a complex world, the simple checklist can be an extraordinary help (and will save lives.)
Finding the bigger story
Are you feeling tired of hearing all the government-bashing by the punditry? Isn't it time to create some bigger more empowering stories about the institutions and causes we care about?
The secret reason you need to dance (or get moving!) Hint: it’s not fitness…
I’m a dancer. Who stopped dancing. But now I’ve a new reason to move – and it’s not about fitness. Do you […]
How to change your pose to change your life
Can body language, and specifically your posture influence how you think, how you feel, and how you are perceived in the world? Dr. Amy Cuddy thinks so - and presents her findings in her popular TED talk. I do too, except that those power poses all look like alpha males! I think so, and that’s why I wanted to hear Dr. Amy Cuddy’s TED talk “Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are.” It’s one of most viewed TED talks ever. I could see why: Cuddy’s poised, personal, and packs a powerful take-away: the idea that you can become more self assured and be perceived as powerful by simply shifting your stance for a couple of minutes.
Celebrating you
In this season of gifts and celebrations, wise men and pilgrimages, the dark of night, and the light of new beginnings, I […]
When Nurses Speak
Last week, with a partner, I guided 6 nurses to be able to share their stories on stage. The group represented 180 years of nursing experience. Add six stories and you had one big miracle. As a participant with more than thirty years experience wrote after the experience: “The transformation was the highlight of my nursing career.” It doesn't get better than that!
How I found gratitude in the back of my closet
This weekend I cleaned my closet. Not an earthshaking event, but a task I’d avoided. Yet this weekend, as I sorted scarf after scarf, bag after bag, I realized that I didn't even know what I had. And I discovered that paying attention to my belongings, and appreciating them, were doorways to abundance.
50 Shades of Introversion
This week I have a new coaching client and I’m so excited: he’s smart, he’s competent, he listens well and….he’s an introvert. […]
Try the Appreciation Diet Before Thanksgiving
Appreciations are the low-hanging fruit of communications that build better relationships. Yet most of us could offer so many offer. Why not go on an appreciation diet to build your gratitude muscle for Thanksgiving?
When it’s time to go small
Even a good loss, like the departure of a friend, can bring deep feelings. How do we create rituals and give ourselves the opportunity to grieve yet still keep going - by doing something focused and small.
How to create your legend (when your name isn’t Hilton)
The word legend is often associated with celebrities, notorious fame-seekers and dead heroes. But there's a new legend: someone who follows an authentic path, courageously following the call s/he knows to be true. You, too, can be such a legend...if you claim it.
Is technology making you feel dumb?
I wanted to take a four-minute clip from a video interview. It should have been easy. But somehow nothing that involves new software or new technology ends up being that easy. There's always some question I can't answer - which is why I often feel frustrated - or dumb. And with all the software and productivity tools I'm using, I have those feelings a lot these days!
Should we lose or use our anger?
How do you live with ANGER? Would you rather avoid it? Move beyond it? Or use it as a fuel for action? Of all the emotions, anger is the one that I like least. So I was interested in some thoughts from Deepak Chopra about letting go of anger...at the same time I was left wondering, "Aren't there ways to use our anger, too?
Have You Done Enough Today?
As we approach Labor Day, have you ever wondered if you're doing enough? Or, do you, like me, find it hard to stop? Wayne Muller, author of "A Life of Being, Having and Doing Enough" has some insights that were spot on for me.
12 Ways to Find or Build a Tribe
Recently, as part of launching my website, I've had great fun re-connecting with members of my tribe of colleagues who I haven't seen for a while. We still share so much. I've also been relishing making connections to new tribe members! My tribe means A LOT to me - and I'm always looking at how to continue to build it. Here are a few ideas...
Use Your Story to Find Your Tribe
My delightful colleague and operations guru Lauren Lizardo took a big risk last year and told a candid story about being...bald. Out of the story and her willingness to stop hiding came new connections, new work, and a new tribe. And that's how I met her! Her story should be inspiration to any of us who, as professionals wonder...what if I shared my real story?
Take a vision day
As a self-employed professional, I need time away from the day-to-day demands of work to reflect, refuel my creative inspiration, and think about the future. That's why, as the new year begins, I'm taking a Vision Day. Learn how you can create your own retreat - to access a Muse who may surprise you.
Is it Time to Get Your Hands Dirty?
Planning and improvisation often go together. And you can't start a business unless you are willing to plan....and then improvise, or as we say in the garden "go get your hands dirty".
Does Your Contact List Need a Spring Cleaning?
Do you ever wonder - who is your data base, really??? Or feel the urge, as you begin a new project, to let go of what you are dragging around from the past. I did....and it started with my contacts!