What Will You Choose?

The beginning is the most important part of the work. – Plato Why? Because without the beginning there is no in-between and no ending. So often the hardest thing is to begin. But there’s magic in starting. How? Because it’s always easy to do a little more (once you’ve started . . . ). It…

I was taught that the way of progress is neither swift nor easy. – Marie Curie Success is simple, but hard work. There are no over-night successes or easy paths to riches. Whether it’s the “larger” progress Curie speaks of, or personal success, the truth is that the time must be devoted and the price…

If a person seems wicked, do not cast him away. Awaken him with your words, elevate him with your deeds, repay his injury with your kindness. Do not cast him away; cast away his wickedness. – Lao Tzu I’ve heard that hurt people hurt people. While it’s not anyone’s responsibility to help everyone, we all have…

Seth Godin is a huge mentor and teacher for me. I subscribe to his blog updates and have read several of his books. Lately he has been talking a lot about the importance of shipping. Shipping is actually getting things done. It’s finishing stuff and getting it out the door. Shipping is not about perfection,…

I was reading something from Michael Neill (his e-mail newsletter, if you’re curious) and he said something useful: fear is a function of the mind, not circumstance. So if fear is (just a) thought, and not anything real or tangible, then I can think differently. And not be afraid as much, or even anymore. I…

We hear a lot about soft skills (emotional intelligence (EI) and the like). I’ve always been a bit bothered by the characterization of such vital skills as “soft.” With the exception of such things as pillows and the like, “soft” is a pejorative – especially for men. I’m here to shift that. From now on, let’s…