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Tag: Self-Development

Passionately Flawed and a Historical Hero: Yes, It Is Both

Passionately Flawed and a Historical Hero: Yes, It Is Both

Who leads your “heroes” or “most admired” list? Some of the most popular selections are Albert Einstein, Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jesus, Buddha, Nelson Mandela, and Abraham Lincoln. These historical greats are not superhuman but come with all the greatness and flaws of the human condition. Unfortunately, the human side of historical heroes is rarely discussed in popular media and books, movies, and is rarely taught before graduate school. As a result, we often find out later in life…

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Free Thorns of a vine
Let Little Things Be Little Things

Let Little Things Be Little Things

It started like any other monthly call with a vendor, partner, or customer. Then, a small comment or slip by the other party happens, and the frustration wells up and erupts. This particular incident was nothing in itself, but it was one more thing in a series of minor events. It was the last straw, and the dam had burst. Now, they are in scramble mode because they were not aware our frustrations had been building. As I think back,…

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"Question Mark Squircle" (CC BY 2.0) by Xurble
Why Ask Why

Why Ask Why

There are so many great works that seek the answers to the purpose and meaning of life.  Philosophy and religion are just two disciplines exploring the elements of the human condition and attempt to expand our understanding of the most fundamental questions about our existence.  I am not so grandiose to presume that I have any answers to these existential questions, but I have realized that the study of these matters sparked my love of the simple question of “Why.”…

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Photo Credit: "SMART Goals" (CC BY 2.0) by photocamdavis
Goals are not a Panacea for Achievement

Goals are not a Panacea for Achievement

I have been a strong advocate of S.M.A.R.T. goals.  This method has significant appeal for annual bonus planning and assessing performance achievement.  However, being goal driven in all aspects of your life can be detrimental. What I have begun to understand is that goals always leave me feeling like I am chasing a long-sought reward that never seems to be within my reach.  By moving the objective as soon as I get meaningfully close, I convince myself that striving for…

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