I have learned that I do better with less stuff. I’m not someone who can live out of a backpack, but on the scale between hoarder and backpacker, I definitely lean towards the backpacker side. I didn’t always live this way but moving a lot helped get me here. But even with my minimalistic tendencies,…
Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes
I am, without a doubt, someone who loves having a predictable routine. It makes me very comfortable to see familiar people, places and things. My ideal week goes like this: I go to bed and wake up at the same time everyday. My daily routine rarely varies. My workouts are predefined and pleasantly exhausting. I…
What TV Taught Me About Reality
I was very influenced by TV as a kid. I watched a lot of Looney Tunes cartoons including Bugs Bunny, the Road Runner, Yosemite Sam and Daffy Duck. Occasionally I tested what I saw in real life. When I was around 5, I had a younger friend who was a bit shorter than me. I…
Could I Live In A Van?
Although I am currently self-employed as a consultant, if business doesn’t pick up by next year, I’ll probably need to get a job. My savings are insufficient to cover my expenses without additional income. Without additional income, the only way I can make my savings last would be to sell my home and find a…
Should You Be Working Harder?
When I was a teenager, I set my mind on building the perfect superhero physique. I imagined that if I worked out hard enough, I’d get big muscles and look like a total stud. I lifted weights, ran and swam multiple times a week without fail. I joined Pitt’s wrestling team. I drank protein shakes. After…
My Wife Has Lung Cancer
My wife has lung cancer. A few months ago, she woke in pain the middle of the night and couldn’t take a breath. The pain went away after a few hours. I assumed it was a back spasm since she’s had back problems most of her life. She said it felt different. A few weeks…
Go Onsite To Increase Your Close Rate to 90%
The most fun I’ve ever had in my sales career was going onsite to customer locations and touring the facilities. My win rate was over 90% when I did this. (You might think this was due to my stunning good looks and irresistible charm, but you’d be mistaken – although I appreciate the sentiment!) But…
Can I Do Anything to Prevent Mass Shootings?
Like most people in the United States, I’ve been upset by the mass shootings that seem to occur on a near daily basis. Some of the shootings make my heart ache more than others. The Sandy Hook shooting where elementary school kids were killed is one of these. But when I let myself really sink…
How to Sell When Your Product is “A Nice To Have”
My wife Ellen likes to watch home improvement shows like Fixer Upper. I’m not a big fan of these shows. I find them banal and monotonous with far too many commercials. But the worst part is that after watching these shows, Ellen walks into our kitchen, sighs loudly and says, “We really need to put in…
Mr. Carpenter
In high school my favorite teacher was Mr. Carpenter. He taught Computer Science, Trigonometry and Calculus. He ran the Math Club. He led our school’s gifted/honors program. He was a genius. He would think before speaking. He encouraged questions. He pushed us to challenge ourselves academically. He never yelled. He never assigned us busywork. He looked…