What does it take to accomplish your goals? Some people think it’s mostly about luck, smarts, good looks, and social connections. Nope. Researcher Angela Lee Duckworth studied West Point cadets, National Spelling Bee contestants, teachers in tough schools, and sales peoples, asking who would succeed and why. “In all those very different contexts one characteristic […]
Archive for Personal Development
How to Maximize Your Conversations This Holiday Season
9 Questions You and Your Family Can Ask Around the Table
We are almost in the holiday season, and that means a lot of great things: fun memories, good food, and more. But it also means a few challenges. You know one of my big ones? Let’s visit the Honest Planet for a minute. It’s awkward conversations. You probably know what I mean. With all the […]
Why You’re Unhealthy, Stuck, and Miserable
One Trick Anyone Can Use to Improve Their Circumstances Starting Today
I hear from people all the time who feel stuck in bad jobs, bad habits, and bad relationships. And when it comes down to it, I have one single piece of advice. It’s pretty simple, actually. Ready? Here it goes: Stop thinking about it. No, I don’t mean live in denial. What I do mean […]
The Secret to Ben Carson’s Success
Hint: You Can Use It in Your Life, Too!
It’s been fascinating to watch Dr. Ben Carson’s recent rise in the polls. Whatever your political bent, he deserves attention. What’s his secret? The deck was certainly stacked against him. He grew up in dire poverty, raised by a single mom in Detroit, Michigan. Success wasn’t even on the radar. I had the honor of […]
The Surprising Power of the One Conversation Rule
One Simple Way to Empower Meaningful Discussions
I love a good conversation. When I think to the most meaningful moments of my life, many of them have happened around a table, talking with the people closest to me. But we all know some conversations are better than others, right? Maybe you’ve had conversations that felt more like competitions. Everyone around the table […]
The Kind of People You Should NEVER Take Advice From
And What to Do Instead
I recently read a post about how to give advice. It had some good pointers. But do you know the one thing it didn’t say? That people giving advice should know what they’re talking about. I don’t know about you, but I get advice from people all the time. Some of it’s good, some of […]