At this point in my career, I’ve sold a lot of books. But I was hardly an overnight success. First came work in publishing and agenting. I learned how book sales worked—and didn’t work—well before I published a word of my own. I want to use my experience here to puncture a thought bubble I […]
Archive for creativity
How Do You Stand Out in Today’s Crowded Marketplace?
4 Lessons on Innovation from a Successful Female Entrepreneur
The economist Tyler Cowen says the last few decades have seen the rise of what he calls the complacent class. It may not seem like it, but the numbers show people are sticking with jobs longer, relocating rarely, and innovating less. In the midst of this complacency, there’s tremendous opportunity available for the non-complacent. I […]
10 Research-Backed Ways to Create the Breakthrough You Need
Including One Trick that Works Especially Well for Introverts
Leadership and entrepreneurial breakthroughs depend on creativity. But we don’t always feel very creative, do we? Thankfully, research suggests we all have access to the kind of creativity we need to get the results we want—even if you don’t feel especially creative. Last week I went fly fishing on Hesse Creek in East Tennessee. Nothing […]
Are Limiting Beliefs Keeping You Trapped at Work?
Why Some People Get Stuck—and How You Can Get Free
A year after the New York Times published a brutal exposé on Amazon’s 24/7, on-the-job culture, the retail giant announced it was experimenting with a thirty hour workweek for some of its employees. As far as I’m concerned, this is great news. When I talk with entrepreneurs, executives, and other leaders, I regularly hear they’re […]
3 Reasons to Keep Your Laptop Closed This Weekend
Power up by Unplugging
The weekend gives most of us the chance to downshift and recharge. But how often do we seize on it to catch up or get ahead on our work instead? If researchers are right, more than ever before. Not only are we working more hours on the weekend, we’re cramming the time with more chores, […]
One Key Ingredient in a Team Worth Working For
And Here’s a Hint: It’s Not Talent, Skill, or Expertise
Is there anything more frustrating than trying to accomplish a big goal with someone who’s negative, unimaginative, and defensive? Thankfully, it’s been a while since I’ve tried. But I’ve had my share in the past, and I can tell you that nothing will kill an organization’s productivity and vision like a can’t-do person. But if […]