The Masks We Wear
"The human face is, after all, nothing more nor less than a mask."
- Agatha Christie
How Do the Masks We Wear Impact Transparency, Congruence, and Trust?
We all wear masks in life. For some, they have only ever shown up on rare occasion. For others, they have faded over time as self-acceptance and congruence has increased. And then there are those whose masks are more of a permanent fixture, obfuscating the real person for variety of motives.
Sometimes our masks are tied to changes in...
The Gifts We Stretch To Give
"The best way to find yourself, is to lose yourself in the service of others."
- Mahatma Gandhi
What would your workplace (or even your family) be like if you just took a couple of minutes out of your day to lift another person?
For many people, times are stressful. Resources (of ALL types) are stretched. Depending on your circumstances, it may possibly be the most inconvenient time EVER for you to serve someone else.
...but it might just be the most important time, too, and maybe even the...
How does your team deal with differences?
"It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences."
- Audre Lorde
Have you ever stopped to think about how your team deals with differences? You should... because those differences will eventually make or break you.
Which way does your team cleave?
Cleave is such a funny word. It's short, with its singular syllable, and it has two definitions which are completely opposite one another.
According to the dictionary, cleave can...
Focus Up! It's the Red Edition
This edition is inspired by the Reds of the world - those who believe that if you don’t like the circumstances of your life, you should simply CHANGE them.
I love Reds. I love their bold natures and their competitive drive. They get things done. They make things happen, and they are rarely, if ever, satisfied.
To understand the Reds in your life, you have to comprehend what drives them.
For Reds, the engine that powers their personalities - that influences the way they think, feel, and...
What have we learned so far?
"If we always helped one another, no one would need luck."
- Sophocles
The last couple of months of 2020 have been challenging, to say the least.
I don't say that lightly. Millions of people around the world have suffered significantly. Lives, health, employment, stability, hope - and more - have been completely lost or irreparably compromised for so many. Our hearts ache for them, and they have our deepest sympathies and condolences.
On a much smaller scale, most people in the world have...
Do you want to grow? Start with this...
The first principle of personal and professional growth is to learn to value yourself.
Psychiatrist, M. Scott Peck opened his classic book, The Road Less Traveled: A New Psychology of Love, Traditional Values and Spiritual Growth, with a profound three word sentence:
"Life is difficult."
I was probably 21 years old when I first read those words, and I flat out didn't believe them. How could I? I was far too naïve and inexperienced back then (as young Yellows tend to be).
But life...
Brought to you by the Color Yellow
This edition is inspired by the Yellows of the world - those who believe happiness is experienced by CHOICE, and not by chance.
I am a Yellow. Based on Color Code Personality Theory, that means that FUN is my Driving Core Motive and that it is part of the "hard-wiring" of my personality. In other words, I was born a Yellow, and I'll die a Yellow. That doesn't mean that I haven't learned (or can't learn) to be responsible (like Reds), or compassionate (like Blues), or kind (like Whites).
To...
What Matters Most
"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
- New Testament
In times of trial and challenge, as human beings, we tend to cling to and protect the things that are most precious in the world to us.
Our "treasures".
When that happens, a lot of former MUST-haves lose their importance and we become more focused on the fact that often the simplest things in the world bring us the greatest amount of joy and happiness.
We ALL suffer devastating personal losses over the course of...
Your Focus Determines Your Reality
"Always remember, your focus determines your reality."
- George Lucas
I'm a big fan of focusing on what you DO want to happen, as opposed to what you DON'T want to happen.
Have you ever tried to lose weight by making a list of what NOT to eat?
It never works!
If you're constantly telling yourself "Don't eat brownies" or "Don't grab that slice of pizza", all you do is think about brownies and pizza ALL. DAY. LONG.
So then it's just you against your will...
What You Focus On Grows
Have you (like us) had the same conversation with various people at least 50 times in the last week?
You know the one I'm talking about. It starts with something like, "Things are crazy, right?" or "Wild times, eh?" or "Everything is so weird right now", etc.
And how many times do you check the news every day?... (including the news feed on your phone, the internet, and social media).
In times like these, it is completely understandable to want to stay informed, and we SHOULD. It's...
