It’s not what you fear, but what you do that counts
What would you do if you were fearless? That question came up during a meeting I attended last Thursday. It was a planning session for a “Fearless Women” event that’s going to take place later this year, and as we discussed the event and the question, I had no idea how – or how often – the issues of fear and fearlessness would come up in the next 30 hours. The first instance, shocking and frightening, was when I woke [...]
Dumb mistakes drive new lessons home
It was a dumb mistake, followed by several more – none of which should have happened, and all of which were my own fault. By the time all was said and done, I was frustrated, embarrassed, angry (at myself), swearing (at myself), crying, and driving home in defeat after more than an hour on the road. And it wasn’t even 7:30 in the morning. I had been on my way to a once-a-month meeting that starts at 6:30 a.m. I [...]
A loving man, a successful life
I always enjoy getting feedback about my column, especially when people mention something helpful they learned while reading it, or a powerful memory it brought out in them. Occasionally, the feedback I receive actually moves me to tears. That happened this week, when I read an email from a friend that I haven’t seen in a long time. What she said was so eloquently expressed that I emailed her back to ask if I could include it here pretty much [...]
Success at last!
In my last two columns, I wrote about failure. So it’s probably time I talk about success instead. That is, after all, the ultimate goal. But the word “success” can be misinterpreted and misunderstood every bit as much as the word “failure.” I think the biggest reason is that many people think of money as the main – and sometimes the only – measure of success. Another is that people also equate success with happiness. Neither of these is really [...]
More failures generate bigger success
“If you set out to fail, and you succeed, which have you done?” I first read – and chuckled at – that question long ago when I saw it on one of those lists that get circulated by email on a regular basis. I thought about it again after writing last week’s column about failure being a prerequisite of success. After all, few – if any – ventures or adventures succeed on the first try, and sometimes we need a [...]
Failure isn’t an option, it’s a requirement
“If you haven’t failed, you’re doing something wrong.” I decided a few weeks ago that that would make a great slogan to put on a t-shirt. Or a coffee mug. Or a poster that should be hanging on the wall of everyone who dreams of great achievements or significant accomplishments in any area of their lives. Below that main slogan, two more lines could be added. “Give yourself permission to dream.” And “Give yourself permission to fail.” Other than political [...]