“Some of us think holding on makes us strong, but sometimes it is letting go.” ~ Hermann Hesse.

It’s a funny twist of thinking that we often value what we have more than what we could have. The outfit we stopped wearing long ago still hangs in our closet – as if one day we’ll change our mind and it will become our favorite again.

The worn-out athletic shoes that carried us around the track day after day still have their place in the closet. And even though most books you own will never get opened again, they’re still there – crammed into an already full bookshelf.

But, don’t worry – we’re all like this. Continue reading “Are You Hanging On When You Should Be Letting Go?” →

I want you to think about the following question.

What’s the most important thing you can get done today?

I think the most important thing we’ve learned as we’ve grown is that we have to prioritize. We talk about it as ruthless prioritization. And by that what we mean is only do the very best of the ideas. Lots of times you have very good ideas. But they’re not as good as the most important thing you could be doing. And you have to make the hard choices.

If you’re anything like me (an Evernote hoarder), you like to make lists:

• lists of ideas
• to do lists
• lists of people to talk to…

The sense of accomplishment that comes from crossing an item off the list just feels so great.

The problem is it’s easy to get distracted by lists. Continue reading “Why Ruthless Prioritization Is the Key to Great Work” →

Top performers don’t have better ideas,
they simply execute better.

Let’s face it, the best ideas and strategies are worthless unless they are implemented. The marketplace only rewards those ideas that get implemented. You can have lots of great ideas on how to create greater customer satisfaction, increased production, increased sales, more income, and additional free time, but ultimately you have to implement those ideas to realize the benefits.

Ideas without execution are irrelevant. If you want to achieve what you are capable of, stop chasing new ideas and focus on execution.

Download this week’s worksheet: The Rewards of Risk Taking

Sitting among a small group of nervous peers as a college freshman, I anxiously awaited the arrival of a man revered throughout the school for his excellence in achievement and esteemed wisdom.

“What advice would you give new freshman as we face all the choices and uncertainties ahead of us?”

His reply was simple and strong, “Take one bite out of the apple at a time.”

No more, no less. A perfect stress buster for the moment and for all the moments of my life to come. Continue reading “125 Stress Busters” →

Monday Moods

Remembering the inconceivable heartbreaks of 9/11 that directly impacted us on many levels, sending love and support to those already affected by Harvey and Irma, and well wishes to those of us bracing for impact. Stay safe, and hug your loved ones!

“If you take too long in deciding what to do with your life, you’ll find you’ve done it.”
~ George Bernard Shaw

“Before enlightenment – chopping wood, carrying water. After enlightenment – chopping wood, carrying water.”
~ Buddha

You know—we’ve all heard it for years—our life will be happier, more prosperous, more meaningful if we have a plan, know where we’re going, and work systematically at getting there.

If you’ve tried to do that, you’ve undoubtedly met with a great deal of frustration along the way. Continue reading “Chopping Wood, Carrying Water” →