Two Questions You Must Answer Today

How you answer two simple questions will lead you down two very different paths in your career. The first path is filled with growth, clarity and fulfillment. The second path is a thorn-filled trail of misused time and energy. 1) Is there someone (at work or school) who encourages your development?  2) Do you have the opportunity to do what you ... Read More

A Good Coach Is Your Secret Weapon [3 of 3 Part Series]

A Good Coach Is Your Secret Weapon
We know from our previous two posts that a good coach helps you discover, grow and focus your natural talents (H/t Obi Wan). A good coach is also a powerful sounding board for helping you assess where you are and how you will achieve your goals (H/t Angelo Dundee). Put another way, a coach brings out the best in you in different ... Read More

Is Your Definition of Entrepreneurship the Same as Gallup’s?

Is Your Definition of Entrepreneurship the Same as Gallup's?
According to “Entrepreneurial StrengthsFinder,” Gallup defines entrepreneurship as “the art of turning an idea into a customer.” I think Bezos, Ford and Drucker would probably agree. With technology changing how we work and live more rapidly than ever before, our need to harness entrepreneurial talent is urgent. Jim Clifton, Gallup Chairman, concisely presents the high stakes of getting our country’s entrepreneurial act ... Read More

What do the double front somersault, Switch 720 and freestyle backflip have in common?

If you’re like me, any of these stunts would earn you a one-way ticket to six months in a full body cast, compliments of “questionable extreme sports decisions”. Instead, you watch in amazement as skilled platform divers, skiers and motocross champs perform incredible athletic feats of balance and precision. As Steven Kotler investigates in his book, “The Rise of the ... Read More

Is Your Life a Tinder Fire, a Campfire or a Bonfire?

Is Your Life a Tinder Fire, a Campfire or a Bonfire?
It’s been said that someone who doesn’t read might as well be illiterate—he’s no better off than the man who can’t. In the same way, neglecting your natural talents denies your friends, family, colleagues and, most importantly, yourself, from achieving your full potential. Let’s break this down.

How Much Time Do You Have Left?

Does this infographic startle you? An entire year in traffic? Six years of cooking, cleaning, and chores? And, the real mind-crusher: nine years watching TV, playing video games and surfing the Web. Ouch… Our limited time on earth is certainly filled with many “must do’s” like eating, sleeping, work. In education parlance these are our “core curriculum” courses. Gotta eat, gotta sleep ... Read More

Lionel Messi Exemplifies Strengths-based Teamwork for Argentina

Lionel Messi exemplifies Strengths-based Teamwork for Argentina
Today’s WSJ: Messi “Idle” 90% of the Time. What Gives? You might assume that Argentina’s Lionel Messi, one of the best football scorers in the world, has one of the highest “activity” rates of any player on the field–chasing down every pass and stray ball. However, there is more than meets the eye to Messi’s success. A study by The Journal of ... Read More

3 Damaging Myths of Personal Development and What It Means to You Today

Three Damaging Myths of Personal Development
In his best-selling book “Go Put Your Strengths to Work,” Marcus Buckingham outlines three damaging myths that hamper our growth and ability to achieve excellence. Why are these myths so prevalent? More importantly, how do we confront these myths, embrace the truth and start improving ourselves today?