One of my assignments in high school was to keep a journal for several months about a “significant relationship” in my life. I was, in some ways, a typical high school guy. “Significant relationships” may have been the last thing I wanted to write about. It took me a long time to realize the one […]
Hair Today and Gone Tomorrow Read More »
I was born and raised in the country. There was an annual cycle of cultivation and growing. Each season played its own role in that cycle. The year begins in winter. Winter may appear to be a time of year when nothing really happens. It is, though, a truly important season. Winter sets the tone
Seasonal Cultivating Read More »
1. Is it possible to go to the Rose Bowl game in person three years in a row and still not see the Wisconsin Badgers win? Does that seem fair to you? 2. Is getting my first tattoo a worthwhile incentive for meeting my annual goals? What tattoo would I get? 3. Who are the best guest
12 Questions I Asked Myself This Year 2013 Read More »
Is Thanksgiving still a holiday? On its own? Not merely as a precursor to Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday. Not as the day the “shopping season” begins. Not as Turkey Day. Not as the next stepping stone to BCS bowl eligibility. I understand that retailers are focused on generating revenue, that we
Is Thanksgiving Still a Holiday? Read More »
I really appreciate a good worst case scenario. There is something very satisfying about anticipating the problems that could arise before they do. Someone says, “What is the worst that could happen?” You can give them a detailed description of what that worst might include. It is even more enjoyable when one person gives you
Focusing on the Worst Case Scenario Read More »
It is September. We go back to school. Football returns. With Labor Day, summer unofficially ends. I was raised with certain truths. September was the month when the days got noticeably shorter and started getting cooler. We started harvesting crops, and thinking about the long, dark, cold winter that is just around the corner. We
Focus on Endless Summer Read More »
I have a very persistent focus. People have told me that focus is one of my strengths. When I identify something as important, I can continue to pay attention to it over a long period of time. I can listen to someone tell me their story and stay in touch with their larger themes. Focus
There is power in the unexpected. People who have strong focus tend not to appreciate the benefits of the unexpected. We work hard to plan and prepare, to anticipate every eventuality down to the smallest detail. We do not want any surprises. We are more comfortable when our plans become reality. It reinforces our ability
Focus on the Unexpected Read More »
I came by my independent streak honestly. I grew up in Wisconsin. I was brought up in a time and place that valued being independent. Independent women and men stood on their own two feet, and nobody could tell them what to do or think. We each took the time to make up our own
Focusing on Independence Read More »
I live in Pasadena, California. I was not born in Pasadena, or Southern California. I lived in several places before moving to Pasadena. Pasadena is a pleasant place to live. It is not perfect, but the climate and weather are very nice. Pasadena is not on the beach, but is nestled against the foothills of
