Facepalm. Duh. 1. Saying “yes” to everything other people want means you likely say “no” to some of the things you want. You will never reach your goals if you try to be all things to all people. People-pleasing will leave you emotionally and physically spent. You could also end up hating yourself while trying to get the entire world to like you. Stop people pleasing and start focusing on…

Because life is about finding what makes us happy. Let’s get real here — the past few years have felt challenging. Maybe you feel this way, too. Overwhelmed by anxiety and exhaustion. Swallowed by the familiar angst of mundane routines and a downbeat news cycle. Between the pandemic, politics, financial…

Contemplate these quick concepts as we cross into a new year. 1. Just because people say something is not bad doesn’t mean that it’s good. 2. People who ask good questions usually have good answers. 3. Friendship often requires being happy to get to know people only through their sadness. …

Transform into an artistic maverick with Pablo Picasso (The Secondhand Inspiration Project). The Secondhand Inspiration Project begins with a motivational quote and ventures wherever the creative path meanders. Do you think breaking rules is essential in exploring creativity? This question immediately reminds me of a splendid quote by Pablo Picasso…

Our ideal lies further on. The Secondhand Inspiration Project begins with a motivational quote and ventures wherever the creative path meanders. “We are always looking to the future; the present does not satisfy us. Our ideal, whatever it may be, lies further on.” — Ezra Gillett It is now mid-December…

You are the CEO of your life. 1. Stop apologizing or feeling guilty for wanting a better life. You don’t need validation or permission to pursue greatness. Remain unapologetic in your quest for success. 2. But do apologize to one person you have wronged. Then forgive someone else who has…

Because teamwork really can make the dream work. I spent much of my career as a lone wolf. And I was pretty damn successful at it. I would unflinchingly tackle impossible projects with a laser-like focus — all by myself. I would clock insane amounts of overtime. I took care…

When it comes to self-improvement, choose salads over sweets. Have you ever opened a YouTube link to kill time and ended up surfing a tidal wave of inspiration? Or have you ever attended a conference where a presenter verbally nudged you to take action instead of waiting for good fortune…

Because being optimistic all the time can be exhausting. Everyone wants to become the spirited leader in a crowd of cynics, grin despite the grind of daily life, and be a beacon of light in a society filled with darkness. But here is a dirty secret that folks rarely mention…