Please Go Back

30 years ago I was in bad shape. My world had fallen apart, both personally and professionally. For the first time in my life, I understood the depths of depression. I felt weakened in every way, and I wan’t sure how to navigate this deep, dark existence. Then, by some miracle, a mentor appeared in my life, and he assured me that all was going to be fine, and that he would show me how to accomplish my dreams. He only had one condition, which was once I got to the top of the mountain, I would go back for others

Escaping the Hedonistic Treadmill

The western world is known for wealth, power, and hedonism. The Romans may have invented it, but we took it the next level. The problem is it doesn’t work. At least not in terms of creating long-term happiness. Extrinsic rewards can be powerful, but they’re usually hollow and fleeting. Science has found a better answer, and that’s what this video is about. #personaldevelopment #mentaltoughness #criticalthinking

Millionaire Parents Strategy

After 40-years of interviewing self-made millionaires, one of the most notable differences I discovered about their parenting strategy was their passion around educating their kids. Many of them refuse to rely on the school system, including many of the most elite private schools and universities. They begin actively educating their kids during infancy, and the process continues into adulthood. In this post, I discuss one of their favorite subjects to teach their kids. #personaldevelopment #mentaltoughness #criticalthinking #howrichpeoplethink

How to Avoid Burnout

Burnout is one of the worst things that can happen (psychologically) to any performer. Studies show that most burnout is caused by overwork and overwhelm, where the performer is putting out maximum effort and receiving a minimum payoff. This issue is superbly addressed in a new book by author Cal Newport called Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment without Burnout. I highly recommend it. In this video post, I offer my best strategy for keeping your mind fresh and full of passion. #personaldevelopment #mentaltoughness #criticalthinking

On Becoming a Thought Leader

Are you a thought leader or thought follower? Most people, including many highly paid business consultants with whom I’ve worked, truly believe they are leading thought when they are simply parroting conventional wisdom. Thought leaders create positive disruption. They challenge the status quo through research, data and evidence. They only make claims they can prove and defend. There’s an easy path to becoming a true thought leader, and I outline it in this short video. #mentaltoughness #criticalthinking #personaldevelopment

Are You Asking Enough Questions?

In a world full of talkers, the people asking the questions rule supreme. Asking the right questions allows you to gather inside information that few people have. Once you have gathered sufficient data, you’re able to draw more intelligent conclusions. This works in every aspect of life. Watch this short video for the road map. #personaldevelopment #mentaltoughness #criticalthinking #howrichpeoplethink

Expanding Your Capacity for Criticism

One of the lessons I learned while serving under President George W. Bush on the National Charity Awards Committee was how to expand my capacity for criticism. We raised millions of dollars for charity using this simple strategy, and it’s had a dramatic impact on my life. If you’re building a business or career and you’re under constant attack, watch this video and weigh-in. #personaldevelopment #mentaltoughness #criticalthinking

How to Beat Approval Addiction

The most insidious, debilitating emotional disease of the masses is known in psychological circles as “Approval Addiction”, or the emotional addiction to the approval of other people. This affliction is responsible (arguably) for the destruction of more careers, businesses and dreams than any other. Fortunately, a South African psychologist discovered the cure, completely by accident, as he was searching for the cure to severe phobias. Turns out the cure is the same for both afflictions, and in this short video, I explain. #personaldevelopment #mentaltoughness #approvaladdiction