A member of my staff once said, “I work my eight hours so that I can go do what I really want to do.” I responded, “Really, I understand that we work eight-hours a day just to breakeven.” His response was memorable, “That is the most depressing thing I have ever heard.”

Where we focus our attention determines what we accomplish, and ultimately, who we become.

Attention directs our intent and concentrates our efforts. It sets our course, and therefore, determines our destination.

I am beginning to understand my relationship with failure. That’s what it is, a relationship. More precisely, I can now say that I have come to understand that it is not failure that is so frightening; it is the fear of being judged that terrifies and intimidates.

Reflecting on July 4th: Are we declining our independence?

Being independent can be defined as not being influenced or controlled by others in matters of opinion or conduct.

The irony was not lost on my audience. A member of the group asked, gesturing at the wall behind me, “How does that make you feel?”

We hear a lot about innovation these days, but what is it?

Innovation is imagination applied. And by applied, I mean it takes energy. Imagination, without the energy and force of will to achieve behind it, is nothing more than an idea.

Uncertainty invites ideas and ideas invite debate.

I once read that “when everything is uncertain anything is possible.” Stated another way, when everything is uncertain all ideas possess a spark of possibility.

It may be time to climb out of the well and look for a new place to dig! Often, when faced with a problem or a challenging period, we hunker-down and focus on details within the comfort zone of familiarity.

I have a gritty team and I am proud of it!

Recently Forbes highlighted “grit” as a key factor in success. The article states that, “According to psychologist Angela Duckworth, the secret to outstanding achievement isn’t talent. Instead, it’s a special blend of persistence and passion that she calls – grit.”