Category Archives: Life

Better than worst

What’s the worst that could happen?

Ask yourself this question when you’re stuck. When you’re feeling afraid. When you’re feeling self-doubt.

Then, once you’ve answered, make a small modification which causes the new worst-case scenario to be a little better than the old one.

Finally, take the plunge.

You know the worst that could happen.

And it’s not even the worst anymore.

Last in your mind

Two great times to quit:

  1. Quitting while you’re ahead. Never easy, but never regretted either.
  2. Quitting just before you’ve lost it all. Never easy to consider losing 90% a win. But if you don’t, you’ll likely lose 100% and miss out on an easy 10% win.

Small wins aren’t sexy. But if they’re the last in your mind, big wins will follow.

You’re not alone

My favorite parts about writing a daily blog:

  • I’m more likely to listen to my own best advice. For example, laugh instead of…
  • My friends and family (all readers are either) hold themselves to a higher standard, especially when they’re around me.
  • I accomplish something every day, even on days that I feel like I get nothing done.
  • I get to create that something that’s permanent. Contrast that with a tweet or Facebook post, both of which are temporary and basically unsearchable.
  • I turn what may ordinarily require psychotherapy into self-help for myself and others. See the positive spin cycle…
  • It makes me feel like I’m going to live forever.

Interested in these benefits, too?

You’re not alone.

But you’re used to it

What do you think if it’s all you know?

You still think the weather is cold. And that the party is wild. And that the holy services are not short. And that the mosquitoes are a force. And that the second hand smoke is disgusting.

You’re human.

And that means you also don’t appreciate being reminded that that’s all you know.

More than two

When making decisions, you have two choices. Either:

  • Give yourself two options (or worse, just one).
  • Give yourself MORE than two options.

Two options is good for getting people (yourself) to have no choice at all.

More than two options is good for making good decisions.

Who isn’t going to choose the second option?

Mind readers

What do you want?

  • Referrals for your business?
  • Direct replies to your newsletter?
  • Your omelet made a certain way?
  • The ability to bring your dog to work?
  • More vacation days?
  • A 5-minute back rub?

Very few are able to read minds.

But offering “the why” followed by “a direct ask” seems to do wonders.

Hey, 13

Things I would tell my 13-year old self:

  • Embrace the weird. You won’t look, sound, smell that strange ever again.
  • Accept imperfection. 99% of your audience won’t notice mistakes. The 1% who do doesn’t care.
  • Watch yourself speak. Best way to improve confidence.
  • Don’t compare savings account (or schmeckle) size. They change and don’t really matter after high school.
  • Ditch the TV, get a guitar. Serves the same purpose for introverts. The latter has much more long-term benefit.
  • Back up your music collection to Dropbox (not an external hard drive).
  • Get pictures with grandparents. Just you and them.

Who knows, though. Would I be where I am today if I wasn’t an awkward, self-conscious, lazy, scared, envious little bitch?

Guess that’s the fun of looking back.

[Happy bar mitzvah anniversary to me.]

Thanks, mailman!

What are the worst things about email inbox management?

  • Sorting through the junk mail offers?
  • Never-ending deliveries?
  • Keeping track of important messages?

All that stuff is challenging. A pain, really.

But it’s only a fraction of your job.

For postal workers, however, that’s 100% of their job.

All day. Every day. Forever.

Moral of the story?

Appreciate your mailman.

Make the call

What’s the most important day of the year?

Your birthday.

It’s the annual audit of your people:

  • Who cares about me?
  • Whom do I care about?
  • Who am I?

If you want to be part of the answers to the aforementioned questions, it’s simple:

Make the call.

[Happy Birthday, Nana. Hope you got my voicemail yesterday!]

Secrets

Have trouble keeping secrets? Simply cannot resist telling someone about the juicy info you just got?

Here’s the secret to keeping it a secret:

Tell someone.

But have that someone be the person who told you the secret.

Saying, “You would not believe…” or “I have to tell you something…” or “Guess what…” seems to feel good no matter whom you say it to.

Yes, I’m suggesting spilling the beans to the person who confided in you.

It may sound strange, but it works.

Tell someone.