This video is from up in the French Pyrenees. It is about learning to ski. It takes a few days of hard knocks to get to a level where you can even basically enjoy it. The skills that turn out to be passions in your life, they will take time to develop. Many people give … Read more
Last week’s blog post (Do you have inspiring goals?) triggered a wonderful response in emails and comments. I had many questions. A common question was about how to begin to find a purpose and define a vision for your life. This video shares a tool I found 8 years ago that had a major impact … Read more
Two Approaches to Life My friends live their lives in one of two contrasting ways: Guided by a Long term Vision for their Lives Take Opportunities as they come In the short term, the opportunists made great early progress. I have one friend who changed job every 1-2 years in the investment banking industry. Each … Read more
I made a little change to the classic story about 3 men building a cathedral… Working on a Cathedral In the distance I see the construction site of a future cathedral. I approach the site and see three men laying bricks. I approach the first man and ask “what are you doing?” He says “I am … Read more
Idris: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” “Haha… what? me… I think I’m a little too old for that” Idris: “You do realise that you are still growing?” “Hmmm… you mean… The Dream?” Idris: “Yes, The Dream?” “I don’t think people have enough time to dream. Real life gets in the … Read more
An effective statement of mission should be short, sharp and direct. It should fit on a t-shirt. Not a font 8 squeeze, but a legible font. Every person who is involved should be able to articulate how their contribution adds to that mission. If not, then you don’t have a mission. You have a hopeful … Read more
Most people do not have a compelling vision. A boring vision attracts mediocre people and mediocre performance. “I want to make €1 million” is not a compelling vision. It is about you, and you alone. Why would anyone else give their best effort so that you can have €1 million in your bank account? Guy … Read more
What do you really want? Michael Gerber, in his book The E-Myth asks this question: What are your primary aims? Imagine walking into a room. You pause at the entrance. In the room, seated, are all your friends and family. You enter the room. You walk up the middle of the room. At the front … Read more
This is a request for your experience. I want your help. Yesterday, I came across an interview with Ryan Avery, 2012 World Champion of Public Speaking on the blog of Paul Sohn: How to Speak Like a World Champion of Public Speaking. The question that really struck me and has left me deep in thought … Read more
What kind of leadership do we need now? In his 30 years of asking this question, Dr Stew Friedman has heard one word become increasingly common: Flexible How to achieve Flexible Leadership? Have you ever wondered if “work/life balance” exists? How do some of the world’s most successful professionals find harmony in work and with … Read more