Many of us don’t feel like we’re the pilot of our time. Months blur into years, and it can feel impossible to get caught up. Taking time to reflect on the people, places, and experiences that mattered is a powerful way to honor what’s been time well spent – and to intentionally pilot the year ahead.
Posts Taggedclarity
Stop Yelling at Barking Dogs – The Better Newsletter #113
Years ago, I signed our Jack Russell Terrier up for obedience training. At our first session, he was so excited he wouldn’t stop barking.
So, I yelled “STOP BARKING!” Our instructor smiled and said, “Yelling at your barking dog just makes him think, Great, now we’re both barking. Try modeling the behavior you want instead.”
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?”
You’re Now Free to Forget – The Better Newsletter #74
As Emcee of the Maui Writers Conference, I walked the beach every morning. One morning, I saw Pulitzer-Prize winning author Frank McCourt (Angela’s Ashes) writing away on two high-school composition notebooks… I was intrigued and asked, “Frank, quick question, what are you doing?”