The Day Makes the Year

No, we aren’t talking about the 1993 movie with Kristie Alley and John Travolta. And, of course, the talking baby. Do you remember who voiced the talking baby? 

Ding ding! Bruce Willis....

Every morning I start my day by setting self-expectations on the type of person I want to be for the day. By starting my day this way, I am quicker to catch it if I veer off anytime in the...

In 1982, Karen Kaplan beat out forty other candidates to be hired as a receptionist at the advertising agency Hill Holliday. Through the years, she rose through the company to become chair and CEO...

Here is a condensed version of a chapter from my upcoming book, The Day Makes the Year (Makes a Life.) 

Living in the present allows us to overcome self-doubt and push ourselves beyond our...

There are many times you need help from others. Never let your ego get in the way of doing so. Asking for help is not just about receiving assistance; it also creates an opportunity for you to give...

I have this fabulous vacation house on the ocean. It’s a beautiful place to have my morning coffee. The waves are crashing. The birds are chirping. And the sun is coming up. What a wonderful...

No doubt that bragging can rub people the wrong way. That is unless a leader has asked an employee to brag. Asking employees to 'brag' about their accomplishments has five benefits. 

1. ...

One of my favorite slogans in recovery is, "It works if you work it." Six simple words that readily describe intentional actions and results. At the core of the phrase is the understanding that...

Okay. There isn’t such a thing as a Busy Bee Medal. But if there were, many people would be awarding themselves one. The Busy Bee Medal is for when you think you’ve done a lot, but in...

Last week I wrote about the three different types of teams:

o   The team of individuals. 

o   The splintered team. 

o   The One Team – Better...

I recently read an article about someone being a victim of circumstance. 

A victim of circumstance is a person perceived to be in a difficult or unfortunate situation primarily due to external...

It’s okay to feel like you are really good at something. Even great. Even exceptional. When you recognize the talents you have, it helps you to continue to improve yourself and your work at...

You are part of a work team unless you are a sole practitioner. Some of you are part of multiple teams. Whether a manager, owner, executive, or individual contributor, you are critical to your...

Principle four of the six principles of The Day Makes the Year (Makes a Life) is, Practice Relentless Simplicity. There are almost always one or two things that matter most. Practicing Relentless...

One of the easiest ways to simplify and strengthen relationships is by taking people at face value. Assume they have good intentions. In the American justice system, people are innocent until...