By far, the most important thing in life is identifying who you are, what are you values, what you personally stand for, because you can’t really be successful until you have all of that identified. Then it’s about an approach to life where you discover things that really, really interest you; and then get deeply […]
Extreme views and identity
Don’t allow too much political or religious belief to regulate who and what you are, only add to what you are. If you really want to know yourself, avoid extremes.
Look for the best in people
Look for the best in people. Lavish praise on them. Never criticize.
Getting the most out of talented people
I love to be around talented people whether in my work sphere or personal life such as house projects. Often times talented people can be difficult to work with. I like figuring out how to get the most of their talents. I try to be enthusiastic, respectful of them and to also infect them with […]
Keys to getting the most out of life
Set objectives. Don’t confuse getting blocked on a particular path as meaning it is a bad objective. Find another path. Keep trying. Be candid with yourself about your strengths and weaknesses. Don’t ever play by the other person’s rules. Insist on playing by your own rules. Success is easy if you’re willing to do anything. […]
Not trying to impose your will
There are two extremes. On one end, if I pick up that someone’s mindset is a certain way and there’s no chance of changing it, I do not bash my head against that wall. On the other end, if someone genuinely wants to know why I feel how I feel, and I see a chance […]
Monthly writing session
It is a habit of mine once a month to get away from everything and just sit alone with a pen and a yellow legal pad. This is how I see things. What is going to satisfy me? What is not going to satisfy me? What are the positives and negatives of doing that?
Humility
I really admire people that have real power but don’t have the need to show it. I think it is a great attribute. My dad told me, “People that really have influence are the ones that feel the least need to talk about it.” I admire those that wear their power lightly. It’s virtuous because […]
Taking risks and going off the beaten path
To me one of the keys to life is taking calculated risks. Almost always it is better to take a risk and leave the beaten path. Of course you don’t want to take a risk that would result in your being in danger should things not work out but there are many chances we can […]
Staying grounded
I think everyone has an ego, but it is important to try and stay grounded. I think it was helpful that, well before I entered the white-collar workforce, I had a series of what might be described as “character-building” work experiences. In college, I worked one winter at an automotive parts warehouse where I used […]
Humility and openness to others
Every human being on the planet has a story and what you lose by not opening yourself to all the people in your life, whether it’s Walter who works the elevator in our building with grace or the wealthiest people. You are missing an opportunity to know a person with a different set of life […]
Dealing with people that have different values
I am careful to remain open to everyone I meet regardless. I have found that people whose values differ from mine or whose I disagree with are often my greatest teachers. They either provide an unknown perspective or reinforce my existing beliefs in the world, and both are wonderful outcomes.
Forgiveness and Benefit of the Doubt
I was resentful of my father growing up for what he did to my mother and his children, and for not being in my life. He passed away a few years ago from throat cancer but before he died, I had a chance to go see him in Scotland where he lives. It was one […]
Introspection
I’m pretty sensitive and emotionally aware. That came from my early childhood. My father left my family when I was young and a divorce ensued. It was emotional boot camp and I guess I went the direction of many kids in that kind of situation. It heightened my self awareness and forced me to prematurely […]
Lack of arrogance
You have to go back to my roots. We come from a pretty meager economic background. My parents were very talented, yet neither completed an elementary school education. My Mom cleaned houses, and I went with her enough to know how most people too often treat domestic help—respect is not one of the words I […]
Plain Old Execution
Your point about execution and it minimizing dissonance for me…. I haven’t thought about it that way, but I guess I get what I want by always doing what I set out to do. This is not whimsical and often is the result of prolonged thought. A lost art today is plain execution. People will […]