THE IDEA: While optimism is a very helpful attitude for success, research shows that it needs to tempered at times. The field of positive psychology, with leaders like Dr. Martin Seligman, has demonstrated that an optimistic attitude can lead to higher levels of success for people in a wide variety of activities. In fact, Seligman and others have developed training … [Read more...] about Be a Flexible Optimist
The Fulfillment of Noble Pursuit
THE IDEA: When we water down our dreams we limit our performance and actually insult our own integrity. Deep in your heart you want something – in a big way. You have a vision of the ideal you want, and you are passionate about it. Yet, many of us hesitate to say it out loud. Rather than boldly saying what we really want, we will instead settle for something … [Read more...] about The Fulfillment of Noble Pursuit
Stretch Goals, Boards, & Banks
One of the difficulties in setting Almost Impossible Goals is trying to figure out how to communicate them to people who just don’t get it. I encourage you to share this article on The Power of Goals with those who have not been exposed. But, let’s face it, even after that – some people just don’t understand. If that is your situation, then I suggest you not push the … [Read more...] about Stretch Goals, Boards, & Banks
Integrating Staff & Strategy
You know you have a brilliant strategy – but it is not working. What’s up? There are a myriad of reasons why excellent strategies are not implemented effectively. Here are two basic pitfalls that you can avoid. #1. Undercommunicating the Strategy. John Kotter, in his classic book, Leading Change, says that leaders very often do not communicate their vision and … [Read more...] about Integrating Staff & Strategy
Fun Improves Persistence
Recent research* suggests that when working on long term goals, it is helpful to find enjoyment in the pursuit of those goals in the short run. For example when people find the process of working out enjoyable, they tend to persist longer. They found the same thing for those who experienced enjoyment with studying. We really don’t need a research study to tell us that we … [Read more...] about Fun Improves Persistence