Priorities

I have news for you. If you wait for the perfect moment to make your next big move, you will likely stay in waiting for a long, long time. No one is going to knock on the door and hand you the perfect opportunity. Don’t wait for perfection. The concept is overrated – it will…

Have you ever felt like you’re in a constant balancing act? I once collaborated with a client facing a familiar challenge. They were gearing up to launch an exciting new product next year, but were bogged down by ongoing issues with their current offering. Addressing these bugs was critical to keeping customers happy, yet focusing…

Imagine seeing an action movie at a large multiplex theater with 30 screens. You purchase your ticket, find your way into Theater 16, where your film is showing, and sit in your seat. As soon as the movie starts, you realize you made a huge mistake. The acting is terrible, the storyline is predictable, and…

Throughout the year, we give gifts to mark various occasions. For many, exchanging presents is not merely tradition but an outward sign of appreciation for another. People put time, energy, and effort into finding the perfect gift. The gift-giving practice often extends to the workplace, where leaders give presents to their team members for birthdays,…

Our son, Clay, once requested a shelving unit for his room. He didn’t want anything extravagant, just a few shelves for books and assorted items. I quickly considered my options. We could go to a furniture store that day and pick up an item, search our house to see what we could repurpose, ask a…

I often find myself immersed in the hustle and bustle of life, focused more on doing than pausing to appreciate. I’m working on this and encourage you to do the same. Gratitude isn’t just a nice sentiment; it’s a catalyst for happiness, better health, and increased resilience. It also strengthens our relationships, whether at work…

Last May, I spent a week on Mt. Rainier, enrolled in a mountaineering training course. The experience reiterated a crucial fact I had already gathered from previous mountains – successful mountaineering pivots on the trifecta of the right mindset, skillset, and toolset. The ‘mindset’ aspect goes beyond just physical fitness. Sure, being fit is essential,…

My wife, Jamie, and I were thrilled about our weekend getaway to Chicago a few weeks ago. We had everything planned out perfectly—a hotel room in the city, tickets to a Cubs baseball game, and dinner reservations at fantastic restaurants for Friday and Saturday nights. We even squeezed in some shopping. It seemed like the…

Leadership is a topic that’s talked about extensively. From articles on what leaders should say to how they should act, there is no shortage of advice on what leaders should be. However, amidst all of this advice, one foundational habit is essential for great leadership: proactivity. Being proactive means taking responsibility, taking initiative, and acting…