Plan Like a Pessimist, Work Like An Optimist

We plan, prepare, work, worry, work some more, use our skills, and employ our tactics and strategies, all in service of bringing about a positive outcome. Myriad causes, conditions, and often competitors add to the soup of our intentions. We like to think we have some measure of control over how things will turn out, […]

Interested. Committed. Obsessed.

Interested. Committed. Obsessed. I heard someone the other day talk about the difference between these ideas . . . about the step-change in focus, persistence, and potential outcomes. Without saying more, I’m sure you can parse the differences. Perhaps you’ll do what I did: I made a mental list. What are the things that interest […]

It’s Not Over Until It’s Over, And Even Then . . .

It’s a jittery time of year. I’m not talking about elections. I’m talking about baseball. In 2023, Major League Baseball teams played 2,471 games. At the end of each, some people went home happy, some disappointed, and presumably some just went for the peanuts and hot dogs and didn’t care. The intensity of those feelings […]

50/10,000,000 is Not Reality

The human brain takes in roughly 10 million bits per second (Mbps) of visual information. Right alongside, it processes another 100,000 bits per second of auditory information, along with a lesser volume of touch, taste, and smell data. By way of reference, the 4k camera on your mobile phone processes about 6,000 Mbps. So what […]

Unfinished Business

I had a conversation with a colleague today. Some months ago, he and a business colleague had a bad breakup over a piece of business they did together. They have spoken since, but the feelings of hurt, betrayal, distrust, mistrust, and disappointment linger on both sides. Whether they are “finished” as business partners or transactors, […]

Sharp Tools

Over the years, I have made many things out of wood: buildings, furniture, cabinets, Art Boxes, doorstops, spoons, and the list goes on and on. To do that, I’ve used saws, drills, chisels, planes (manual and power), scorps, hook knives, carving knives to cut wood; rulers, squares, tapes, dividers, calipers, story sticks, and more to […]

Learning From People Like and Not Like Us

I have a friend named Peter. His sport of choice is Jujitsu. Peter is a big man training in a gym led by a small man. He’s not small in accomplishment, character, or expertise—he’s just eight inches shorter and 90 lbs. lighter than Peter. At some point, he probably needs to go train with someone […]

Look Right, Drive Left

I live in a small town without much traffic. We have no stoplights. Most people pay minimal attention crossing the road. When I travel to the UK, most people to my right and left appear to pay minimal attention crossing the road. They’re used to it. What they’re experiencing is “normal.” Me? I ceaselessly chant, […]

What are Your “No Matter What’s?”

A “No Matter What” is a promise you make to yourself and to the people around you. It’s something they can count on . . . no matter what. It’s the other side of “What happens if” or “I could have if only.” Nope, this you do no matter what. You don’t need many of […]

Boredom vs Tedium vs Mastery

This may sound like a distinction without a difference, but bear with me . . . When you say, “I’m bored,” what are you really saying? I’m not interested? What’s the point? I’d rather be anywhere other than here? You could be bored sitting in a classroom, talking with people you love, or listening to […]