When I was a kid, I’d sometimes complain to my Aunt Essie when someone called me a name. She’d then sing to me: “Sticks and stones will break our bones but names will never hurt us.” I guess she was right, because I can’t even remember what anyone called me that would have upset me so…
If It’s Not A Hit, Switch
I recently read the article, “If it’s not a hit, switch” by Derek Sivers. He wrote about spending 12 years pitching, promoting and pushing various projects. He kept trying to get past obstacles, objections and barriers. It was a constant uphill battle. Then he launched CD Baby. Suddenly people were saying to him “Wow! I…
Tight Squeeze
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…