Category Archives: Life lessons

(#383) Creating Direction


While simple dichotomies may be deceptively simplistic, they can provide a starting point for conversation and movement. Each day we have the opportunity to provide light or darkness. We provide direction or obfuscation. With every decision and interaction, we can … Continue reading

Posted in Appropriate Behavior, assumptions, authenticity, awareness, Being REMARKABLE, change, Community, community development, dignity, fortitude, Friendship, generativity, Gratitude, Life lessons, listening, Personal Wellbeing, potential, practicality, respect | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

(#381) Before and After the Conversation


Conversation presupposes an interaction between two or more people. Synergy can develop with due consideration. Collaboration can result in movement for improvement. Ever notice how what passes for conversation usually is anything but conversation.  Look around and you will observe … Continue reading

Posted in collaboration, Communication, Community, consideration, conversation, Life lessons | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

(#380) The Sun Rises Each Morning. Sometimes We Cannot Recognize It.


The sun will shine on the thousands of people who helped thousands of others survive the catastrophe. The storm saw strangers not acting as strangers. The loss and devastation due to Hurricane Harvey defies words. The images bring us some … Continue reading

Posted in action, Community, core values, empathy, fortitude, Grit, Integrity, Life lessons, Making a Difference | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

(#377) Your Future Self


These strategies can help students (and, after all, aren’t we all students?) stay the course, continue their journey, and enjoy growth and resilience. Last week, on a local TV morning show, I shared strategies to help college students adjust to … Continue reading

Posted in authenticity, awareness, core values, creating your future, curiosity, Dreams, Education, emotional intelligence, engagement, Goals, Life lessons, priorities, Reflection, Relationship, relevance, resilience, responsibility, self-efficacy | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

(#373) What Factors Affect Teaching Efficacy?


Teaching efficacy reflects the teacher’s belief that he or she can impact student learning. Video recommendation for the week. Let me reverse format this week and start with a video clip. While this post addresses “classroom teachers,” this topic (and … Continue reading

Posted in Life lessons | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

(#371) Your Life. Your Choices.


What do we choose to allow into our lives? What do we dismiss from our lives? On a friend’s recommendation, I bought Traction: Get A Grip On Your Business. The author lays out a simple premise, “If you’re not happy … Continue reading

Posted in Appropriate Behavior, assumptions, authenticity, awareness, change, change management, Choice, empathy, focus, fortitude, Friendship, habits, health, Life lessons, practicality, priorities, Priority management, resilience, Success, vulnerability | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

(#368) Fake, Illegitimate Or Incomplete Information?


Just because you find a lot of information does not mean you have found accurate or credible information If, as famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright claimed, “An expert is a man who stops thinking because he knows,” then can we say … Continue reading

Posted in Appropriate Behavior, assumptions, collaboration, Communication, Critical Thinking, curiosity, empathy, fortitude, Grit, Haters, Integrity, learning, Life lessons, Mindfulness, mindset, priorities, vulnerability, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

(#367) Understand Your Goal Motivation


Create a space for transparency, authenticity, and accountability for yourself. During the life of this blog, we have examined often the power and purpose of goals.  In addition to the “what” we have looked at the “how,” “when” and “why.” … Continue reading

Posted in authenticity, awareness, confidence, core values, Goals, growth, Life lessons, resilience, retrospective, risk-taking, self-efficacy | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

(#366) Why Not You?


Speaking and writing does not belong to some elite group of individuals. Have you considered publishing or speaking to broaden the powerful impact and reach you already have on those around you? It could be for a small local audience … Continue reading

Posted in change, collegiality, Community, courage, Goals, growth, Life lessons, resilience, self-efficacy, service | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

(#362) Small Acts of Gratitude


“Silent gratitude is not much use to anyone.” – Gertrude Stein – Saying “thank you.” Giving a cheerful “good morning!” Expressing appreciation. Providing a hug, emotionally if not physically.  Each of these requires a tiny investment of energy.  The result … Continue reading

Posted in authenticity, awareness, Being REMARKABLE, Civility, collaboration, Community, Connection-Disconnection, curiosity, empathy, engagement, fortitude, Friendship, generativity, Gratitude, happiness, Life lessons | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments