Monthly Archives: May 2014

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Wave Your Hands Like You Just Don’t Care?

My mind keeps wandering back to the song Word Up! by Cameo. The lyrics, wave your hands like you just don’t care, are drawing me in as I write this.

I don’t care today. My actions are showing how I feel.

And it’s not pretty.

Who doesn't care?

Image by Mike Baird

While I say this, I’m not sure it’s the truth. Do I really not care? Or is there something deeper, darker going on?

We all have days where we’re trapped in a funk. We feel like we just don’t care. We don’t want to deal with anyone.

You’ve been there, right? I’m not all alone here, am I?

Good, that’s what I thought.

When we’re in the position of “not caring,” we’re in a dangerous position. Our feelings betray us and tell us it’s okay to act out.  Read more...

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How Memorizing Quotes Helped Bolster My Leadership

Since I was a freshman in college, I developed a habit that most would find rather unusual. I collected things. It wasn’t your typical collection of stamps, spoons or baseball cards. I’ve been an avid collector of quotes – words spoken or written by leaders who were beyond themselves and left a dent in this universe.

A book full of quotes

As I look in hindsight, many of these quotes have made an indelible impact in my life, shaping my perspective in life.

For instance, Oscar Wilde was known for saying

Be yourself; everyone else is taken.

When I first encountered this quote, it struck a nerve at me. At that time, I was trying to be someone else. In fact, I was trying to imitate someone I highly admired. The more I tried to fabricate my identity based on imitation, the more I felt empty and inauthentic. Wilde’s words were a profound reminder for me to discover my true voice and my unique gifts and talents.  Read more...

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Seth Godin

The quest for technical best is a form of hiding. You can hide from the marketplace because you’re still practicing your technique. And you can hide from the hard work of real art and real connection because you decide that success lies in being the best technically, at getting a 99 instead of a 98 on an exam.

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4 Reasons Leaders Should Get Out Of Bed Every Morning

Buzz! Buzz! Buzz! The sound of your alarm clock rocks you out of your sound sleep. Your first thought is to hit the snooze button and go back to sleep.

Lately, I’ve found myself doing this more often than I should. I’d rather stay in bed than get up and be productive in the mornings.

I know I shouldn’t, yet I do. Why? Because I’ve let myself get out of the valuable habit of rising early.

I’ve been working at reforming the habit of becoming an early riser. And I think it’s valuable to every leader to rise early and get out of bed.

Everyone can make excuses as to why they want to sleep in. Maybe it’s the fact you had a late night. Or you’re just not feeling well rested. Or it could be you don’t want to face the reality there’s a new day that’s ready to greet you.  Read more...

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The Power Of Having Self Control

God! I just want to kill that person!

Whoa, those are strong words but ones I’ve thought myself. Sometimes more frequently than I’d like to admit.

Ever been there? Ever wanted to hurt someone? Or maybe it was to extract a painful revenge for a wrong inflicted upon you?

The incredible hulk lacks self control

Image via Tony Fischer

Yet you held off. You didn’t act on your impulse. That’s good.

The restraint you showed is part of having self control. And there’s power behind self control.

Could you imagine if you or those around you didn’t have self control? What could happen?

I bet we’d see

More murder

More robberies

More vulgarity

More road rage

More fights

More ugliness

Self Control Is Awesome

Above, you seen the affects of those that lack self control. People who lack self control can do pretty violent things.  Read more...