When you share an idea or a goal with people it can be risky because most will have a negative knee-jerk reaction. Whatever their motivation; protective love or bitter hidden jealousy, many will say or do things to squash your dreams. Then there … [Read more...]
Thankless Roles
There are many thankless roles in life, but I take them unconditionally, knowing praise comes in tiny doses. Like a phone call from my daughter, who's "killing it" across the country on her own, or my son making sound ethical decisions. It … [Read more...]
Know Yourself
Know Yourself When I directed, I made sure my crew was staffed with capable people who wanted to learn new skills. In my screenplays, I put my characters in predicaments that test their moral compass and force them to take the path that is … [Read more...]
Stepping Forward
I am not without fear, but I have a knowing. It's not as clear as I'd like, but my inner guide assures me I'm heading in approximately the right direction. A fog of uncertainty obscures the way, and I can only see scant steps before me. … [Read more...]
Do You Think You Are Amazing?
There's really only one person who matters who has to think you're amazing. Yourself. It's nice when others think you're amazing because it feeds your ego. What really sucks is when someone you think is fantastic doesn't think anything of you, … [Read more...]
It’s All A Gift
Did you wake up grateful? For what? For waking up. For each breath. For the ability to see and read. For shelter and food. For fingernails and eyelids. For a thousand reasons … but just pick three and relish in them. The odds of you being … [Read more...]
Don’t Be Afraid to Lead
I come across a lot of capable people who are afraid to lead. Frequently they are blind to the fact that they are already leading. By having a vision, acting upon it, and gathering resources to help fulfill it, they are well on their way. It … [Read more...]
You’ve Got This
Great leaders do not get that way overnight. They face obstacles and the temptation to take the easy way out. Unlike lousy leaders, they do not succumb when things get difficult. Effective leaders persevere through crisis and stay fixated on their … [Read more...]
You Don’t Need Permission to Lead
You don't need permission to lead. You need a purpose. Don't wait to be anointed or appointed. Lead from where you are. If the purpose is important to you, if the timing and circumstances are right, you must rise. Prepare, knowing you … [Read more...]
18 Lame Excuses
Below are eighteen commonly made (and lame) excuses you may have heard -- or made -- for not engaging in something new. See if any of these excuses sound familiar and review the suggested no-nonsense remedies to help you achieve your next great … [Read more...]
Moving Your Passion Toward Excellence
We all have a passion for something, whether it is for golf or little league; cooking or writing; acting or reading. Wine connoisseurs and bottle cap collectors abound. What is your passion? Can you see it? Most of you can. What do you want to … [Read more...]
Stop Wasting Your Talent
A case for your personal and professional development The average person spends more time and money on activities that contribute to their personal detriment than to their personal development. Luckily, you are not average. You are a … [Read more...]
Know Why Privately
The question 'why?', like alcohol, is not inherently good or bad on its own. For some, it can help foster celebration. For others, it can mask pain. It can be used in moderation, abused, or believe it or not, never touched. People put too much … [Read more...]
Leadership Calling
In many ways, modern leadership has become a caricature of itself. Our curiosity to define it, our vigor to pursue it, and our zeal to admonish it from others, does little to improve our current condition. Celebrity gets confused for leadership; … [Read more...]