Category Archives: assumptions

(#299) The First Forty Years


If you held me down to provide the “secret sauce,” I’d say it is simply giving each other space. This week’s blog posting has a more personal indulgence than past posts. Hopefully, in keeping with the theme of this blog, you … Continue reading

Posted in Appreciation, assumptions, awareness, Being REMARKABLE, curiosity, Discipline, Dreams | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

(#298) Do You Have “Hell, Yeah” Goals?


When you establish new goals,  consider these four components. Give your goals a second R.E.A.D. During one of my recent podcast recordings, film producer Pepper Lindsey posed an intriguing question:  “What does success look like to you?” (This podcast will air on … Continue reading

Posted in Appropriate Behavior, assumptions, awareness, Balance, Being REMARKABLE, branding, confidence, core values, courage, creating your future, Dreams, fortitude, Grit, growth, habits, life success, Life's purpose, little pleasures, Motivation, Passion, Personal growth, Relationship, relevance, tenacity | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 24 Comments

(#296) Not Us. Them.


“A building is not just about itself, but the place where it resides.”-Craig Dykers Did you hear the one about the college president’s view of how to handle struggling students? Reportedly his suggestion was to “drown the bunnies.” No, that’s … Continue reading

Posted in assumptions, Choice, collaboration, college retention, common sense, Community, faculty development, ideologies, intentionality, leadership, Life lessons, Making a Difference, Relationship, teaching and learning | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

(#294) Benefits Of Remaining A Continual Learner


It can help us fill in gaps between assumptions and realities. A few months ago on this blog I posed the question, “Do we take time to experience what our customer, client, or student is experiencing?” Regardless of your profession or … Continue reading

Posted in Anxiety, assumptions, change, college retention, Critical Thinking, effective teaching, growth, habits, Integrity, intentionality, Reflection, Reflective practice, resilience, vulnerability | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

(#290) Life Fitness and Mental Discipline


How do you walk around in something you were born with and not know anything about it or not be aware of what affects it? Charles Bailey With December invariably come thoughts of New Year’s Resolutions—and just as inevitably, the … Continue reading

Posted in assumptions, awareness, Balance, Discipline, fitness, fortitude, Goals, Grit, habits, health, information literacy, mindset, Motivation, Personal growth, Personal Wellbeing, Physcial health, resilience, self-efficacy | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

(#287) It Could Be Worse. Comparatory Suffering?


For me, comparatory suffering creates its own issues. My suffering is mine. Yours is yours. Does it really help to compare it to someone or something else— while denying the feelings in front of you? You’ve heard them. Probably have … Continue reading

Posted in acceptance, assumptions, Communication, Friendship, Words | Tagged , , , , , , | 6 Comments

(#284) Gaining Clarity


We would do well to surround ourselves with people who care about us— but won’t allow us to skate by with minimal reflection and action. I first read about the Clearness Committee  (Quaker tradition) in Parker Palmer’s works. This powerful … Continue reading

Posted in assumptions, Balance, collaboration, focus, growth, Integrity, life success, mindset, teaching and learning, tenacity, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

(#257) Sunsets and Sunrises


“You are where I was. And I am where you will be.” This week represents a major life demarcation for me.  After 33 years of classroom teaching, I will be retiring from my college. I am not retiring, however, from my … Continue reading

Posted in Appreciation, assumptions, awareness, Balance, Being REMARKABLE, change, collegiality, effective teaching, Goals, Gratitude, happiness, Integrity, Life's purpose, Mindfulness, Reflection, resilience, retrospective, Success, Teaching | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

(#253) Bridging the Gap: The Stories We Tell Ourselves and the Stories We Live


Stories we tell ourselves vs. stories we actually live. What stories are you telling yourself? For years I’ve been using a professional and personal growth exercises with my students and audiences. Start with one piece of paper and a pen … Continue reading

Posted in assumptions, awareness, Balance, boundaries and limits, core values, creating your future, Integrity, Life's purpose, Mindfulness, self-efficacy, Words and Action | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

(#226) Kaizen: Movement Toward Improvement


Assumptions not only invite us to ask questions, they beg for questions. Last week on this blog we examined the importance of awareness.  Do we really know what we do in any given space in our lives? What strategies can help us … Continue reading

Posted in assumptions, Goals, Motivation, Reflection | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments