Einstein’s famous theory of relativity (E=MC2) celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. This elegant formula helped us understand how the world works and has impacted scientists and philosophers alike. The business world has it’s own formulas for success. Hard work + dedication = results. Power = money + influence. Big > Small. Fast > Slow. Fancy […]
Read MoreDarth Vader was intent on using his natural abilities to destroy humanity and lure good people to the “dark side.” Produce manufacturers are haunted not only by their direct competitors, but also by the giant salty snack conglomerates that are purveyors of instant gratification but lack nutritional value. Kids in troubled urban areas with failing […]
Read MoreBatman and Robin. Ernie and Bert. Han Solo and Chewbacca. Powerful duos have been a success formula throughout history. Lennon and McCartney. The Wright Brothers. Sergey and Larry (Google founders). Progress often comes in pairs. Today many of us are our own islands. We build our personal brands, focus on self-improvement, and remain staunchly loyal to our own goals. The challenge […]
Read MoreImagine taking up a new hobby such as playing the guitar or learning tennis. You’d begin this process lacking any previous knowledge, so you’d be completely open to learn. With no preconceived notions, you are bound by no tradition and thus fully able to embrace the possibilities. In contrast, getting an “expert” to take a […]
Read MoreHe almost closed the deal. She almost got that big promotion. They almost won the championship. Almost. Near misses can be especially frustrating, since you did almost enough work to make it happen. When a pro football team carries the ball 90 yards down the field, that progress was the sum of great strategy, precision, agility, and powerful execution. But when they fumble […]
Read MoreCustomers lined up, waiting around the block for what you’re selling. This is the dream of all business leaders, especially when those customers come back every single day for more. We all want an infinite stream of buyers, willing to fork over whatever we feel like charging, so we can enjoy the spoils of success. This may […]
Read MoreAs kids, we enjoyed hide-and-seek, scavenger hunts and searching for hidden treasures left behind on sandy beaches. That same sense of curiosity and exploration can lead to our biggest breakthroughs as adults. Opportunity rarely comes by and knocks you in the face. Instead, it requires us to peek around corners and seek it out, often […]
Read MoreEmbarking on something new is the most exciting, energizing feeling in the world. We get fired up and can’t stop talking about it, at least for a while. Then, inevitably, we hit a plateau. Stagnation sets in and we lose our mojo. For the purposes here, I’m assuming mojo refers to desire, passion or motivation. […]
Read MoreThere’s a powerful American Indian fable that has never been more relevant: One evening, an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said, “My son, the battle is between two ‘wolves’ inside us all. One is evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, […]
Read MorePlan Z … Chances are your parents instructed you to always have Plan B. We all are familiar with this concept — a fallback plan in the event things go very wrong. The notion is so widespread that it’s even the name of a morning-after contraceptive pill. Most people first focus on their careers, which […]
Read MoreThink how polished you were on the day you interviewed for your job. Or applied for a small business loan. Or went on the first date with your spouse. You took the time to look and act sharp. You were engaged, thoughtful, and energetic. You were a great listener. You were empathetic. You cared. Fast […]
Read MoreChildren overflow with plans for bold adventure, inspiring careers, and triumphant victories. I’ve never met a seven-year-old who aspires to middle management or wishes they grew up to become a paper-pushing bureaucrat. As we mature, we dilute the potency of our dreams, learning to settle instead of lead. We adults too often let fear impede […]
Read MoreMy friend Les Gold, star of the hit TV series Hardcore Pawn, gave a dynamic speech this week that left the audience mesmerized. His opening line really struck me: “How bad do you want it?” As products of a consumer-driven society, we want just about everything. We want fancy cars, palatial homes, and exotic travel. We also […]
Read MoreTo me, it’s not about comparing yourself to other people or being boastful. It’s about comparing “down” to a previous version of you.
Read MoreNow I’m no prude and I’m all for artistic expression. But peddling obnoxious trash to audiences in order to sell more records can’t be making the world a better place. Sure, these “artists” are scoring a bunch of cash. But at what cost?
Read MoreMy 11 guiding principles for graduates, dropouts, young guns, and seniors alike.
Read MoreThat’s right… the Nest sells for ten times the price of the find-anywhere industry standard thermostat. And they are sold out everywhere you look.
Read MoreThroughout my career, my favorite saying has always been: “Someday, a company is going to come along and put us out of business. It might as well be us.”
Read MoreGo ahead. It’s your turn to spin the wheel.
Read MoreLet the countdown begin.
Read MoreIf you are pursuing anything worth doing, they heat is likely to get really hot. Before you forfeit your dreams, perform a careful examination to see if you are really in a “can’t” dead-end or just a “won’t” situation.
Read MoreTry approaching your next challenge as a detective from 16th century London. Or a heroin-drenched jazz musician from the early 50’s. Or your seven-year-old nephew. Or the warden of a maximum-security prison. Or Kim Kardashian. Or Darth Vader. Or the Octomom.
Read MoreThat dreaded “oh shit” moment will likely crop up when you least expect it. The next time it does, don’t run from it. Seize it. It’s simply an opportunity for you to shine and grow.
Read MoreTurns out that good old-fashioned grit has been statistically linked to being the number one indicator of high performance.
Read MoreYou can’t be great at everything, but you’re probably world-class at something.
Read MoreWe can point fingers, complain the world isn’t fair, and swim in a pot of victim soup. Or we can push ourselves and our organizations to achieve the coveted 1% position.
Read MoreThe sole of every single Louboutin shoe is painted bright red. Pantone 187C to be exact.
Read MoreIt is highly unlikely that this “movement” will accomplish much of anything.
Read MoreSend the critic out for a long walk, ask the right questions, and get busy with manifesting your true potential. Everyone else’s is already taken.
Read MoreMany of us chase success, only to find it to be an elusive tease.
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