People talk about finding their calling as if it exists out there somewhere. I think our calling – doing work we love that matters – emerges from doing and pursuing things that matter to us. It’s not found, it’s forged.
Browsing CategoryLeadership
What Fires You Up? – The Better Newsletter #83
What a joy it was to be interviewed on John Lee Dumas’ pioneering podcast Entrepreneurs on Fire. John and I talked about how having something specific on our calendars gives us IKIGAI, a Japanese word for “purpose, a reason to get up in the morning.”
Pass the Eyebrow Test – The Better Newsletter #82
The first year of the Maui Writers Conference, a woman walked out of her pitch meeting with tears in her eyes. I walked over and asked her, “Are you okay?” “’No, I’m not okay…”
Tell It Like You Want It – The Better Newsletter #81
The day my son Andrew left for Virginia Tech (his brother Tom was already there), I went for my morning walk around Lake Thoreau in Reston. A neighbor joined me, and when she heard both boys were at college, she asked…
The Good Life vs A Good Life – The Better Newsletter #80
Years ago, I was exploring the Morro Bay waterfront on an Easter Sunday. Three of the most famous restaurants were packed—lines out the door.
Turn Reasons Into Results – The Better Newsletter #79
Someone got in touch with me recently and said she has wanted to write a book for years.
I said. “What’s been keeping you from writing?”
“Well you know, I’ve been busy and
What’s Your Moonshot? – The Better Newsletter #78
At a recent event, a founder told me she was feeling lost after selling her company. “I had a nice exit… but now what?” she said.
I asked, “What used to light you up?”
Go Ahead. You First. – The Better Newsletter #77
Have you ever driven California’s spectacular Pacific Coast Highway? If so, you’re familiar with its many hairpin turns.
In the day, you can see what’s ahead and adapt accordingly. Unfortunately, I didn’t get there during the day, I got there at dusk.
From Mid-Life Crisis to Mid-Life Clarity – The Better Newsletter #76
Years ago, when I announced at a National Press Club event that I was taking my business on the road for my “Year by the Water,” most people burst into applause and said, “Take me with you!”
However, two people pulled me aside to express their concern.
One asked, “Are you having a midlife crisis?”
Stop Bringing Your Boss Home – The Better Newsletter #54
Years ago, I presented a Tongue Fu! seminar about conflict resolution and put up a slide with my adaptation of Eleanor Roosevelt’s quote which said, ‘No one can make us mad without our consent.’ A woman raised her hand and said, “I agree because I’ve lived through it.