A mudder is an athlete that performs well in muddy conditions. When I played football as a running back, I was a mudder. When conditions were perfect, I was not the best player on the field. I was above average. However, when conditions were muddy, I was exceptional. In fact, the muddier it was, theContinue reading "Be a Mudder"

In a recent article titled Are You Coachable? in The Deseret News, Timothy R. Clark says about the term coachability: As a term, coachability has not officially entered the lexicon of American usage. But it should and perhaps it will at some point, because coachability is not just teachability. It’s not just a willingness to learn. It’sContinue reading "Lifelong Coachability"

I will always choose grace. Whenever someone wrongs me, I will always pardon them. That is, I will never seek revenge. I will let it go. This is the most powerful thing I've learned so far in 48-years on earth. It started in my mind and ended in my heart. I chose to operate thisContinue reading "Choosing Grace"

You may have a nice house, but someone might have a better house than you. They might brag or think they are better than you. Your friend might have more money than you too. Good for them, but don't brag. And if you have a nicer cave, share it. Don't show it off. Be nice.Continue reading "Wolf with a Better Cave"

Contrary to popular opinion, aha moments happen intentionally. They are not accidental. They are born by the relentless pursuit of an idea. They become possible by mastering habitual creativity. And yes, anybody can learn it. Even you. To excel at it, you must steep your mind in knowledge and information. As with tea leaves, theContinue reading "Steep Your Mind for Aha Moments"

We went against the grain for our daughter’s 10th birthday party. Normally, most birthday parties these days are held off-site in some controlled environment with boundaries. Kids’ creative energies aren’t permitted to be unleashed. They are cold parties, not warm and inviting. They're just a another checkbox. Birthday party, check. Back in the day, allContinue reading "I Cannot Transform if I Conform"

Friction is everywhere. If it wasn't, life would be easy. There'd be no resistance to anything you try to do. Choices would be a breeze. One type of friction is good. It's feedback telling you you're on the wrong path and should adjust course. Another type of friction is bad. It's a test trying toContinue reading "Friction. Choices, Choices?"

Do you fear anything? Do you fret about anything? Do you live by faith? I can honestly answer: no, no and yes. Can you? It took me 46 years to really understand what it meant to live life by faith. I'm 47 now. I thought I understood, but I didn't. That is, living secure inContinue reading "Fear. Fret. Faith."

It's a snowy winter morning, and you're commuting into town listening to the radio. The news reports that "Only essential government personnel need to report to work. All nonessential employees are to stay home." What goes through your mind? If you're like me, you say to yourself, "Well, if someone is nonessential, then why wouldContinue reading "You Are Essential"