Author Paul Johnson wrote, “How do we recognize the heroes and heroines of today? "First, by absolute independence of mind, which springs from the ability to think everything through for yourself, and to treat whatever is the current consensus on any issue with skepticism. "Second, having made up your mind independently, to act – resolutely and … [Read more...]
The Trout Fisherman in Hell: Lessons in Opposition
June 28, 2013 by Leave a Comment
A fisherman dies and believes he has gone to trout-fishing heaven as he catches one perfect two-pound trout after another. As he sets his fly and hooks into yet one more, he can’t fathom his good fortune. The sky is blue, the weather ideal, the fish biting like he’s never before experienced, and everything is absolutely perfect. It is not … [Read more...]
The Person Most Likely to Save America
June 10, 2013 by 1 Comment
You don’t have be a pessimist to sense that the battle for the soul of America has ramped up sharply over the past few years. Politically, economically, spiritually and culturally, society continues to drift away from the foundational principles upon which our liberty was established. Too many Americans have been trained for generations to … [Read more...]
When NOT to Settle Down
May 6, 2013 by Leave a Comment
After every major U.S. election, there is a gradual wind-down of passion for a few months. For over a year now, people of all political views have been at high pitch on politics. They geared up for the Republican primaries, then the question of who would be the Vice President, and then the general election dominated the fall season. The … [Read more...]
The Canyon
April 22, 2013 by Leave a Comment
“There is no way Mom! Mowing lawns is the only way I can earn money. It will be next spring before I can earn enough money!” He wailed. He moaned. He cried. He was nine. What could I say? I could see so many options. He needed to think bigger, longer term. He was so much closer than he realized. Mowing lawns is not the only way to earn … [Read more...]
A New Paradigm of Leadership from Charles Shulz
April 15, 2013 by Leave a Comment
The following philosophy has often been attributed to, Charles Shulz, the creator of Charlie Brown and Snoopy. In our capacities as fathers and mothers, family protectors, and business decision makers, we all have to measure other people. We have to judge who to trust, to help us, and who to lead us. Who will I trust with my kids? Who will I … [Read more...]
Top 10 Reasons People Quit Something Worthy
March 25, 2013 by Leave a Comment
For nearly twenty years I’ve worked with people in an entrepreneurial setting, encouraging and coaching them to fulfill their dreams and goals. I’ve seen people come and I’ve seen people go, and through it all there emerges a pattern of behavior. I’ve often been asked, “What’s the difference between those who ‘make it’ and those who … [Read more...]
The Corruption of the Word “Hero”
March 22, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Words tend to change over time. These changes mean that once-clear definitions are at risk of gradually becoming corrupted. Though our language is always in a mild state of flux, it appears that the word “hero” is now numbered among those terms most rapidly losing their true meaning. It used to be that a hero was a celebrated figure who … [Read more...]
Success is Hard, But Worth It
March 15, 2013 by Leave a Comment
In anything worthwhile, success is hard. Let's consider business in general and the costs to even get started. According to buildyourfirm.com, the average startup cost for an accounting office is $50,000 for a book of $150k of business. According to fastfood.com, to start an Arby's franchise requires a $37,500 initial fee, a liquid capital … [Read more...]
The Art of Tact
March 8, 2013 by 1 Comment
The Center for Creative Leadership lists "political savvy" -- the ability to influence people to obtain goals -- as a vital soft-skill of leadership. The heart of being politically savvy, according to CCL, is networking, reading situations, and thinking before speaking. Political savviness is the tact to say the truth that needs to be said, … [Read more...]
