It seems as though the secret to good speeches, winning in sports, and good relationships is universal.
Yes, these things require practice. And they require bouncing back from failure.
But those are no secret.
The real secret is actually ignoring all the practice and blocking out potential aftermath.
The secret is just being present.
When you can’t make it into work, you have two choices:
This morning, I did the latter.
Sure, my work (for this site) is just keeping the promise of an 8 am blog post.
But, no excuses.
New streak starts tomorrow.
And next time, I’ll be sure to call in.
Because there’s always someone who needs to know.
In this case, it was you.
It makes shocking news less shocking.
It makes stressful happenings less stressful.
It makes urgent items less urgent.
It’s time, people.
If you can hang on to the secret, see ahead, and let it simmer for just a few moments, time will work its magic.
It would be absurd to:
These are all obviously absurd.
But, they’re no less absurd than checking email, social media and sales figures every hour.
Set a time. Batch it up.
And relax.
A blog written like a book kinda sucks. Reading it is a chore.
A book written like a blog sucks, too. Reading it is a bore.
So, know you’re audience, writers.
That is unless you don’t want them asking for more.
Have a relationship with a very casual acquaintance. Like a barista? Or the mailman? Or the hotel front desk attendant?
It doesn’t matter if you know their name.
You know them. And they know you.
That makes you friends.
Why not acknowledge it?
Today we celebrate the social and economic achievement of workers.
So if you’re a worker, get off your phone and go celebrate your achievements.
If you’re not a worker, go hug someone who is.
Happy Labor Day.
Love,
America
No, not the one from earlier this year.
The other sister.
Since past behavior is the best indicator of the future, I expect that I will shed lots of tears.
Tears of joy, of course.
But, tons and tons of shameless man-tears.
So proud of you, Kayla.
All my love,
Brother
When you stare at a screen all day with nothing in the background, it’s easy to forget for whom and for what you’re working.
Sure, an image of your family on your desktop background is nice.
But the problem is that you never actually see that picture. It’s covered up by your work.
Here’s what you do: Go old-school with your desktop image.
Place a framed photo of your loved ones on your desk, right next to your computer screen. Put it close enough so it’s in your near-field peripheral vision.
The inspirational effect is profound.
What’s there now? Nothing? A team member’s annoying face?
Tough feeling good doing work for those things.
If you ever work in a coffee shop or diner or travel lounge, this tip is for you.
The results are amazing.
Here it is:
Don’t bring your power cord.
With a limited amount of laptop time, you’ll be 10x more productive.
More productive equals happier, healthier and wiser.
Who doesn’t want that?