Archive for the ‘personal growth’ Category

What I Learned from Andy Rooney as I Watched 60 Minutes

What I Learned from Andy Rooney as I Watched 60 Minutes

I want to live and  die like Andy Rooney. This past week he passed away at the age of 92. After watching Mr. Rooney’s life from my seat in front of the TV since I was a child, I have come to the realization that when it came to work, (Continue reading…)

Why Your Next Diet Will Fail

Why Your Next Diet Will Fail

You need a compelling reason to say “no” to something good so you can say “yes” to something better. I recently heard a man describe his fail diet attempt with what he called a “food coach.” His predicament is unfortunately the norm and not the exception.  After seeing a friend (Continue reading…)

The 5 Average: What Impact Your Closest Friends Have

The 5 Average: What Impact Your Closest Friends Have

Someone said you are the average of the 5 people closest to you in every area of your life. That thought has stayed with me for a long time. Could it be true? Think about the 5 people whom you are the closest at this point in life. Where are (Continue reading…)

Why I Need Encouragement

Why I Need Encouragement

I need encouragement. For someone who sees the glass half full and opportunity during the tough times, I am not a natural encourager. That’s not an excuse, however. If I need encouragement, why shouldn’t those around me need it as well? They do. We all do. Here’s what I know (Continue reading…)

Becoming the Best Me I can Be

Becoming the Best Me I can Be

“That’s just who I am, and I have made peace with that.” I could not help to eavesdrop on the conversation going on next to me. The gist of the whole thing was that the man speaking those words had come to grips with himself, more specifically, with his weight (Continue reading…)

Wrestling with Discontent

Wrestling with Discontent

“If I am not moving forward, I know I am sliding backwards.” That’s a cliche for many, but it’s a foundational truth for me. Some label it discontent, or ungratefulness, others personal growth. I have come to the realization it can be both a lack of gratitude or a great (Continue reading…)

Instead of More Effort, Try a New Strategy

Instead of More Effort, Try a New Strategy

“That guy works hard, but he has looked the same for the past year,” was the remark. It was true. The man at the gym we were watching was no slacker. He had been hitting the weights hard for nearly an hour and the sweat dripping down his face was (Continue reading…)

The Rule of Five

The Rule of Five

“You are the average of the five people closest to you.” I have been thinking about this statement for several years now. The more I analyze it, the more it seems to ring true, even though I cannot prove it.  If it’s true, those closest to us have a tremendous (Continue reading…)

My Loss of Entitlement Saved My Future

My Loss of Entitlement Saved My Future

I know entitlement first hand. My Brazilian mindset had prepared me for a privileged life where I expected my parents to pay for college, find me a high-paying job, pay for my wedding and set me and my future bride in a new house they would build for us. Nice, (Continue reading…)

How Not to Leave a Job. A Lesson From Caddy Steve Williams

How Not to Leave a Job. A Lesson From Caddy Steve Williams

The way you leave a job says more about you than the way you started it. Recently Tiger Woods fired his caddy of 13 years, Steve Williams. Unfortunately for Mr. Williams, his public reaction to the event is a classic case of how not to walk away from a job. (Continue reading…)