Monthly Archives: September 2015

Growing up

Life is about figuring what things make you puke.

It doesn’t take many years to figure out what those things are.

But having the confidence and discipline to avoid them?

That’s the beauty of growing up.

When you have to write

Does your job ever require you to write?

  • Documentation?
  • Newsletter?
  • Monthly promotion?
  • Training?
  • Proposal?
  • Email?
  • Evaluation?

Remember this: avoid using your paycheck as reason to do the writing.

Use the recipient, instead.

They need your words. Money does not.

Assumptions

Check your assumptions.

Discuss them. Hone in on them.

Agree on them.

Now you’re solving real problems.

NOT the ones you assumed existed.

Preparations

Where are you gonna go?

  • When you arrive.
  • Once you’re done.
  • When you’re bored.
  • When you’re tired.
  • When you need to make a call.
  • When you need to pee.
  • When you’re thirsty.
  • When you need help.

Not sure?

Me neither.

Promises

Short reads. No pictures. Weekdays.

Positive. Thought-provoking. Relevant.

Timeless. Honest. Growing.

The promises of this site.

What are yours for your work?

Day of Atonement?

The plan was to not publish a post today. Or, perhaps I would publish but claim I wrote and scheduled it way in advance.

The plan was to act as if I am not working today.

Why?

It’s Yom Kippur.

Don’t work, because that’s what Sandy Koufax did (or didn’t do) in the 1965 World Series.

Don’t work because today’s the holiest day of the year for Jews.

Don’t work because God is watching.

But that’s not the truth.

I am working today.

Maybe it’s because I don’t work the man anymore. There’s no opportunity to take a “free” day off (or not work to avoid hearing Gentiles ask why I’m working today).

Maybe it’s because my days are reflective enough every day. This blog is practically a daily atonement.

Maybe it’s because I thrive on being different.

Maybe it’s because I DO want to reap the fruits of my labor today.

Maybe it’s because I was sufficiently moved by the Temple Israel Kol Nidre service we live streamed and projected on our rooftop last night. (Don’t be rigid with your religion, I learned).

Maybe this post is my form of prayer.

Who knows.

Yom Kippur is about trying to be a better person. Being grateful. Truthful.

I do that shit every day and so should you.

Happy Yom Kippur.

Anointed with gladness

Money leads to happiness.

But to a point.

Happiness leads to money.

All that you could ever need.

So get just enough — enough so you’re not sad.

Then get another goal. One which will make you a legend.

Today plus sixty

Look at the date.

Now add 60 days.

Birthdays? Vacations? Marketing campaigns? Product launches? Holidays? Changes in season?

Yes, living in the present should always be the goal.

But don’t forget to consider what’s ahead and get ready for it.

Winter is coming.

Where are you going?

Feeling lost? Or like you’re just treading water?

Put yourself in front of people who will ask you where you’re going.

An interview. Some media. Partners. Whatever.

Assuming you don’t want to tell them “No clue. The journey is the destination.”, you’ll have to have a good answer.

An answer that’s the truth. That’s inspiring (to you and them).

The answer to where you are going.