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The Meaning of Life: Are You Just Clocking Time?

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You could count the days, if you only knew how many there were. And as you get older, though you still don't know exactly how many there will be, the days of your life seem all the more countable. That's what I was thinking about when I finished reading a detective novel last week. Though I enjoyed reading it, after I put it down, I couldn't shake the sense that while I was reading, I was just clocking time... Letting the minutes go by. What Makes Life … [Read more...]

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What’s Your Impact in the World?

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Every once in a while, a few words can change the way you think.  Here are the words that recently rocked my brain. My work is more impact." That's how Seth Godin responded in an interview when asked to describe his work. He didn't say his work was writing books, or selling books, or starting internet companies, or creating internship programs for budding entrepreneurs. Yet, he does all of those things. Instead he said, "My work is more impact." And that caught my … [Read more...]

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Stuck in the Fog of Indecision: 2 Strategies for Getting Going Again

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I didn't write a blog post last night! I simply couldn't decide what subject to write about. In fact, I couldn't decide much of anything and sat in a dull trance watching Olympic athletes ski down big hills. I was a couch potato because I couldn't make up my mind. Even worse than that, I couldn't even shape clear alternatives. I was in a fog of indecision, and I don't like that feeling! (Who does?) Does Indecision Paralyze You Sometimes? What do you do when … [Read more...]

Categories: Making Better Decisions, Productivity Tips

Yes You Can! Learning to Say “Wow!” instead of “Whoa”

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Do your inner voices ever hold you back? Imagine this: A new potential client just called to ask you to submit a proposal for a big job. Great possibilities here. You're the perfect person for the task! You're excited. But then in an eye blink, your "Whoa" voice takes over. Whoa. Whoa. What makes you think you’re qualified to do that? Even though you have a lot of related experience, you’ve never done exactly that before. In fact, pretty much everything you’ve … [Read more...]

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When is it Okay to Change Your Mind?

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Stiffen your spine. Stop whining. Just get the job done. Muscle your way through. Live up to your commitments. You Made a Promise - Follow Through! I have a lot of those disciplinary voices in me. You probably do too. I don’t like to be late. I don’t like to disappoint myself. And I really don’t want to disappoint others. For the most part, when I say I’m going to do something, I get it done. But sometimes, in the excitement of the moment, I promise things to … [Read more...]

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How Do You Make Decisions – Analytically or Intuitively?

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Have you ever noticed that you make decisions in the same way over and over again? I don't mean that you make the same decision all the time, but the process you use to make decisions is probably quite consistent. The way you make decisions may be very different from the way your partner or friend or boss makes them. Understanding your decision-making style and the style of the people around you can make a big difference in how you get along. Analytic Decision Makers If … [Read more...]

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When Opportunity Strikes, Check Your Internal Compass

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Making decisions often begin with a YES or a NO. But that's usually just the start of a more complicated process. For many people, the big questions are decided by instinct. You find the answers not with thorough research, but rather by testing the decision against an inner emotional or intuitive response. And that's what I did with an opportunity that came my way. To try to get a sense of whether I wanted to be the "fundraising guru" for an artists' crowdfunding … [Read more...]

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How to Make Decisions to Expand Your Horizons and Life

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Have you ever noticed that inertia often keeps you from doing things? Do you sometimes find that you don't do things because you're uneasy about them? For many -- even most people -- the natural tendency of inertia combined with a sense of fear keeps them from taking advantage of many wonderful opportunities that come their way. Advice For Generations Many years ago, my father gave me some advice about making decisions that has shaped much of my life. The other day, … [Read more...]

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10 Letters to Live By

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In the rush of your daily life, there are probably moments -- even days and weeks -- when you forget what's truly important. This ten letter alphabet list, developed by Dr. James R. Doty, Clinical Professor of Neurosurgery at Stanford, is a simple way to stay connected to what matters. C for Compassion. Open your heart for yourself and others. D for Dignity. Recognize the dignity of every human being. E for Equanimity. While acknowledging the ups and downs, try to … [Read more...]

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The Open Door That is “No”

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Are you afraid to ask people for things because you dread the possibility of hearing “no?” If so, why? Does hearing “no” feel like a personal rejection — as though the other person is saying that you aren't important or worthy? And if you feel that way, do you also have trouble saying “No” out of concern that you'll hurt someone's feelings? If you’ve answered “Yes” to either of these questions, think again! You’re short-changing yourself and unnecessarily limiting … [Read more...]

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