Sometimes say softly to yourself: “Now…now. What is happening to me now? This is now.” To live now would be idleness. And because of our fear we have come to think of all idleness as selfish, not as creative and radiant. -Brenda Ueland, If You Want to Write I have a confession to make:
“I love you!” Kari called out to our boys as they got on the school bus recently. “I love you too!” Shelly, the bus driver, yelled back. She was being funny, but Shelly meant it…about every family that puts kids on her bus. She responds to kid’s curiosities, educates around holidays, protects around bullies, anticipates
How do you respond to the big win? If you’re like most of us when you win, you tend to: Look ahead: The win is never enough. There’s always a new challenge around the bend. We look for “what’s next?” Look back: We analyze with the 20/20 clarity of hindsight. We ask ourselves “what can I
Imagine this is your job description: Must interrupt people, usually unsolicited, and try to get them to change or be interested or, most importantly of all, part with their money. Will need to constantly prove yourself, and the people who hold all the cards will often treat you with arrogance in return. To be successful,
I admit to feeling relieved last week after I spoke up in a meeting. I had an opinion on the topic and I wanted to add value, be a leader and improve my credibility. The dialogue moved quickly. I had to act fast, be clear and be compelling. Anxiety was building as I considered this
Maybe it’s the holidays…maybe it’s the winter season. The cards with pictures of old friends and family. The darkness and solitude of memories. Remembering the past and its accompanying emotions should be a more regular and intentional activity. This anchoring to history holds both personal and business lessons for us as leaders—if we’re willing to
For no one can be alive on a pedestal. – Anthony de Mello, in The Song of the Bird “It would really mean a lot to us if you also came to our house for Thanksgiving. We’d be so disappointed to spend the holiday alone.” In the US, it’s the season for giving thanks…and for
It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who
Certain topics are considered off limits at work. In most organizations discussions of faith and religion fall into that category. One of the reasons is that many approach or experience these subjects as “causes” or “judgments” designed to make others uncomfortable and encourage them to change. However, I believe it is possible – and beneficial
Moving through life feels like chasing fireflies. It lights up and you try to capture it, only to find the moments simply can’t be contained. Perhaps the best way to enjoy it is to stand back and just watch the show…letting go of the need to hold onto it. Last week we hosted our twin
Matt Norman is president of Norman & Associates, which offers Dale Carnegie Training in the North Central US. Dale Carnegie Training is a global organization ...READ MORE