Category Archives: Self-improvement

Imagine watching a football game with friends and family where you’re the only one that knows the final score. You’re team wins. Throughout the ebbs and flows of the game, while everyone else is riding the emotional highs and lows, you’re steady. You can confidently watch the game knowing the outcome everyone wants. You expectContinueContinue reading “Expect It”

In his 1940 book, The Problem of Pain, C. S. Lewis states: Mental pain is less dramatic than physical pain, but it is more common and also more hard to bear. The frequent attempt to conceal mental pain increases the burden: it is easier to say ‘My tooth is aching’ than to say ‘My heart isContinueContinue reading “A Differentially Tempered You”

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, theContinueContinue 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’sContinueContinue 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 thisContinueContinue 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.ContinueContinue 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, theContinueContinue 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, allContinueContinue 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 toContinueContinue reading “Friction. Choices, Choices?”