Times were tough; the stock market had plunged. Retail was dead. The auto companies were in turmoil. Mike understood that if United Way of Southeastern Michigan was going to survive and thrive in the midst of economic downturn, he would have to be a catalyst for change — both for the organization and for the region.
Read MoreWould you be comfortable walking through the Atlanta airport with your Purpose emblazoned across a tee shirt?
Granted, some travelers might avoid you, but I guarantee that some would approach you. They’d ask what your shirt means and where you got it. This latter group would be drawn to your Purpose because it resonates with them!
Read MoreIn today’s pressure cooker world, too many business folks think that if we don’t stay on the treadmill and react instantly to every interruption, we’re somehow not performing at a high level.
I have found the exact opposite to be true.
Read MoreIn my experience, if the road gets too smooth or too easy, I get bored. Complacent. Sleepy. So I throw in a couple of twists just to keep it interesting — and more importantly, to keep me focused and wide awake at the wheel.
The good news is we can learn from failure. In fact, if we don’t see it that way, we’ll find ourselves repeating the same mistakes. But if we do, nothing can stop us. Because with the right perspective, failures are the best teachers
Read MoreThe perspective of age has taught me that even a heroic 26-mile event can only be completed one step at a time. So don’t beat yourself up trying to reach your goals overnight. And don’t despair if you make a mistake. Any runner will tell you that falling down is part of the process. Just get up, learn what you can and press on. It’s been said that perseverance is not one long race; it is many short races one after the other.
Read MoreAs we age and gain experience, our skills get more honed and more adept, as long as we’re committed to lifelong learning. This is where investing in years of reading pays a dividend. I’m able to draw on a “field of diamonds” within my mind to help solve a problem, add value to a discussion, or propose a potential solution — all by drawing on my library of knowledge.
Read MoreIt’s hard to believe, but our culture still promotes the idea that gaining enough financial wealth will cure all ailments and solve all problems. That’s nonsense.
For decades, Growth Minded leaders (I use the term “leader” not as a formal title, but to indicate a certain approach to life) have discovered (through the teachings of Earl and others great thinkers) that the mindset of continuous value creation leads to transformation in both material wealth AND intrinsic wealth.
Read MoreWriters get to craft their own legacy — by design instead of happenstance. Employing this optimistic approach provides an attractive path for others to follow. Since publishing my book, I’ve received numerous affirmations and heartfelt thanks from readers who could relate to my challenges and benefit from my solutions. That is priceless. But even if no one except my own grandkids ever read the book, I’d still consider it a success and a worthy goal.
Read MoreThe one thing I am certain of is that beating myself up and not forgiving myself when I struggle or slip up is the one habit I don’t need or want! So, let’s forgive others and forgive ourselves. Let’s strive for progress, not perfection.
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