The Blog

I was introduced to Homer's Odyssey in the 7th grade. I read and reread it many times, captivated by the bravery and cunning of Odysseus and the fantastic trials he and his crew endured.

The story arc of The Odyssey follows the hero's journey. It's a tale about someone called...

A mentor once told me that a coach turns on lights and opens doors for others.

That never really rang true for me.

Yes, a good coach (or teacher, or leader) helps you see what you don't see. A great one makes it impossible for you to unsee it. The best generously and empathetically amplify...

Have you ever been admonished? I sure have.

An admonition is a scolding. A signal that you're bumping up against expectations.

But an older meaning of admonition is to exhort—to strongly urge to a duty.

A good admonition reminds us that we've forgotten something important and...

 "The cure for loneliness is solitude."—Marianne Moore

How do you feel when you're alone?

Human beings are inherently social creatures. We need the presence of others as much as we need food, water, clean air, and protection from the elements.

Isolation, whether physical...

I used to think that confidence was something you either had or you didn't—something you were born with or weren't. And me? I had it. I was born ready.

In Latin class I learned that we get the word confidence from confidere which translates most directly as "with full (or intense)...

Mediocrity is a fascinating word. How do you define it?

For me, to be mediocre is to settle for the seductive sufficiency of the status quo. Things are neither good nor bad. Everything, including you, is just fine the way it is.

But the etymology of the word provides additional juiciness.

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Like many, I was introduced to the concept of carpe diem by Robin Williams in his role as an inspiring teacher in the movie The Dead Poets Society. Actually, when the movie came out, I was trying very hard to be that kind of teacher at a small private school in New England.

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Do you find yourself easily distracted when you sit down or set out to get going with the difference only you can make?

Yeah. Me too.

It'd be easy to blame screens and media that are designed to divert and keep our attention. Then there are the friends and family (and more than the occasional...

Begin with the end in mind.

It's an idea often credited to the author and businessman Stephen Covey, but it’s been around much longer than he has.

Beginning with the end in mind encourages you to begin each day, task, or project with a clear vision of your desired direction and...

How are you?

There's abundant uncertainty in the world. What's your relationship with not knowing what's next? Have you considered surrender?

Surrender isn't giving up or giving in. Surrender is letting go of what was not yours in the first place.

What if, just for today, you let go of your...

I've written before about the power of practicing gratitude—appreciation for the simple, everyday conveniences, experiences, and pleasures bestowed upon us.

Today, I'm more interested in thankfulness.

What's the difference?

Admittedly, not much. Most of us use these terms interchangeably.

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The life of a difference-maker is rewarding, for sure. It's also challenging. There are endless opportunities, distractions, interesting problems to solve, and connections to consider.

The irony is, how you lean into navigating these "challenge opportunities" is what makes the work we do so...