A student was in physics class taking a test. The final question on the test was, “Given a barometer, how would you measure the height of this building?” Now, the go-to answer for this is to go to the first floor, note the pressure, go to the roof, note the pressure, and run it through … Read more
beckysue
Getting to the next level means something different to each of us. For you, it could be launching a startup, landing a big promotion, starting a band, being a better parent, or making a bigger impact in your community. The thing all of us have in common – even the best of the best – … Read more
MYTH: Achievement occurs through some gigantic epiphany or an all-at-once breakthrough. FACT: Most things worth accomplishing involve a persistent stream of small advances that, over time, lead to something transformational. Michelangelo once said, “Every block of stone has a statue inside. It is the task of the sculptor to discover it.” His vision was brought to life … Read more
So many people wait around endlessly for the perfect opportunity to emerge. And then, when that big opportunity comes a knockin’, few are prepared to seize it. There are many things outside of our control, but there’s never a shortage of actions we can take right now so that we’ll be ready to grasp opportunity … Read more
Imagine if the Beatles had no Paul, John, or Ringo… just four Georges. Their incredible contribution to the world – their timeless music – would be merely overlapping guitar solos and too many strumming chords. Blah! A great band comes to life through the unique contribution of varying instruments, talents, and perspectives. So why then … Read more
As the waiter told us about the specials this past Saturday night, he didn’t simply drone on with emotionless facts. Instead, with the animation and passion of an opera singer, he told us about the Kobe beef “experience” and the incredible “intensity” of their dry aged steaks. This guy was doing much more than his job. … Read more
In addition to reaching the top of our game in our careers, we feel crushing pressure to excel at nearly every other area of life. The list of “shoulds” puts us in a pressure cooker that could turn coal into diamonds. We should be have a sculpted body, be a perfect parent, be well-read and well-travelled, be … Read more
As events unfold, it’s human nature to interpret situations quickly and reach immediate conclusions. We tend to judge swiftly and prefer the binary view of good/bad, happy/sad, or win/lose. In today’s complex world, reaching early conclusions can cloud your judgment and lure you away from achievement. One of my favorite Zen parables illustrates this beautifully: … Read more
I’m short. And Impatient. I stink at details, I am a horrible dancer, and I am a lousy athlete. Like you, I have dozens of imperfections and spend a lot of time focusing on them. How completely unproductive. Worse yet, I spend far too much time focused on the shortcomings of others. The driver in front … Read more
As basketball fans enter their favorite time of year, all eyes will be on the ever-present JumboTron. In addition to all the flash, this giant scoreboard provides critical information to players, coaches, and fans. In its larger-than-life format, everyone has up-to-the-nanosecond knowledge of the score, time remaining, period, and many other vital stats. Now, imagine … Read more