Insights

If you’ve ever found youself saying, “If I only had X, I’d be happy, successful, rich…”, you are not alone. Related to this, many of us tend to have a vision of someone who does just what we do, but is loved by everyone, has a devoted mentor, is efficient and effective, and never has […]

In last Saturday’s job section of the New York Times, there was an article called, “Follow a Career Passion? Let it Follow You,” in which the author, Cal Newport, rebuffs what he calls the “Cult of Passion,” saying that we find our passion by doing a job, not the other way around. It may surprise you […]

There is something wonderful about this time of year. The weather feels fresh, it’s back to school, and it feels like anything is possible. In fact, it was this time four years ago that I started Clear Strategy Coaching. Right before the October 2008 crash. Oops! I remember so clearly that my wonderful coach, Ron […]

I recently had a realization.  Less of an Oprah moment and more of a long, slow turn on a country road.  In other words, hard-earned.  I realized that the vision I had for myself over the next few years was based on outside markers of success, not on my own.  The vision was impressive, “important,” […]

“I want to have meaning in my work.”  It’s something I hear a lot as a coach.  Most of us want to have a sense of purpose, and to feel like we are recognized for it.  As it turns out, this is no small request.  Dan Pink identifies purpose as one of three key factors […]

7 Things My Parents Taught Me About Today’s Careers My father died just over a year ago.  It’s still hard to believe he’s gone, but I feel so lucky to have had him as a father.  He had a great work ethic, and specially in his later years, he was a great supporter of me, […]

There are two kinds of “being stuck” I commonly see in my work.  Both are important to know about. Chronic, cyclical stuckness.  This is the kind of being stuck that goes on for years.  It is typically around something that you want, but just don’t go for.  And unlike moving forward, where you want something […]

“I’m good enough, I’m smart enough, and doggonit, people like me!” Who doesn’t chuckle when you think of Stuart Smalley.  Affirmations can sound funny, but they are a powerful tool.  They can be used to change the way others view us, to push us to perform in our areas of strength, or to bring awareness […]

Yesterday I attended a six-year old “Eloise at the Plaza” birthday with my daughter.  While I wouldn’t want her to think every day is like that, I found it fun, charming, and surprisingly gracious.  Nevertheless, there was one moment when I found myself stifling a very self-conscious belly laugh —  the moment seemed almost surreal.  […]

This weekend I attended a six-year old birthday with my daughter.  All of the usual things were there — pin the tail on the donkey, cake, goodie bags.  But there was something special about this one.  The parents were really present; the prep was done and they were calm and available.  They created the party […]