The Big Picture

I'm trying really hard to count my blessings as we wind down this terrible year. But that exercise feels a little off when there is so much to be sad and angry about. And while I don't want to linger in the sadness, I want to give it the respect and thoughtfulness that it deserves. … Continue reading The Big Picture

What Are You Passionate About?

If you are passionate about something, find a way to work on it. The work can be small as in the amount of time, but make it consistent. Maybe it’s an hour every Thursday morning without fail. Over the course of 6 weeks or so, you will have made progress. WHY work on things you … Continue reading What Are You Passionate About?

Being Right vs Being Effective

With the polarized political environment we are in, there's a lot of advice out there on how to have effective arguments. An effective argument is one in which both parties remain open and not feel shut down. When we talk to each other in a way that allows us to remain open, then there is … Continue reading Being Right vs Being Effective

UNDERSTANDING POPULISM

Populism - a political approach that strives to appeal to ordinary people who feel that their concerns are disregarded by established elite groups. I don't normally write about politics, but I am very concerned about our recent election. Trump has opened the door to populism and it seems that many in his party are considering … Continue reading UNDERSTANDING POPULISM

Patience

Patience is a skill. It's a handy skill to develop. Patience positions you to see losses as a temporary situation. It positions you to see the big picture and play the long game.

TUNING = STRIVING

For those of us that strive to be better, more empathic, creative, kind, consistent, TUNING is a fun way to think about that striving. TUNING is ongoing, it’s musical, and it’s collaborative. TUNING has three components: Believing, Creating, and Organizing. BELIEVING in ourselves and in others opens our hearts and our minds. It isn’t always … Continue reading TUNING = STRIVING

One Hundred NOs to One YES

This is straight from Arlan Hamilton's book, It's About Damned Time. Hamilton is the founder and principal of Backstage Capital, an angel fund that invests in underestimated founders. She offers great advice throughout the book and this bit is one piece of it: Put yourself out there. Expect to hear 100 NOs before you get … Continue reading One Hundred NOs to One YES

Believe + Create + Organize

In order to make a positive impact in the world, you need to work with three concepts: BELIEVE, CREATE & ORGANIZE.BELIEVE means believing in yourself and in your overarching goal. When you feel tired, believe. When you feel doubt, believe. Just choose to believe. Doubt is useful to a point, but after that, it's merely … Continue reading Believe + Create + Organize

A Pocket-Sized Vision Board – Arlan Hamilton

I've been reading It's About Damn Time by Arlan Hamilton, founder of Backstage Capital, a fund that invests in companies led by underestimated founders. There is a chapter in it called "Write Your Own Headline" that I adore. When Arlan had the idea for Backstage Capital, she wrote an email to herself with the subject … Continue reading A Pocket-Sized Vision Board – Arlan Hamilton