BALANCING ACT: BLENDING LIFE, WORK, AND RELATIONSHIPS® A free monthly newsletter about balancing life, work, and relationships based on the books and popular workshops conducted by Alan Weiss, Ph.D.

Email not displaying correctly?
View in Browser

Essays

Musings

Developmental Stuff

ORTIYKMWOYBNTO

Balancing Act^®: The Newsletter

(No. 325, August 2026)

BALANCING ACT: BLENDING LIFE, WORK, AND RELATIONSHIPS®

A free monthly newsletter about balancing life, work, and relationships based on the books and popular workshops conducted by Alan Weiss, Ph.D. Past copies are archived on our web site: http://www.summitconsulting.com

ISSN 1934-3116

Balancing Act^® is our registered trademark. You are encouraged to share the contents with others with appropriate attribution. Please use the ^® whenever the phrase “Balancing Act” is used in connection with this newsletter or our workshops.

NOTE: To change addresses, or to unsubscribe, use THIS LINK

Balancing Act is in four sections:

Essays
Musings
Developmental Stuff
ORTIYKMWOYBNT-O Department

Follow me on X. YOU CAN FIND ME HERE: https://x.com/BentleyGTCSpeed

Join the thousands who read these “quick hits” every morning. Over 9,500 followers! Why aren’t you among them? AND FIND ME ON Facebook.

Listen to my free Podcast Series on iTunes or on ContrarianConsulting.com: Alan Weiss’s The Uncomfortable Truth^®. And watch A Minute with Alan^® and Alan at 80™ daily on all social media and my blog.

World Cup

England lost to Argentina because England went up one to nil and their coach decided top play defensively after that, even though everyone and their dogs know that Argentina is a dangerous offensive team late in a game. The tactic backfired, and Argentina scored two goals to win. The English team didn't have the offensive players left to mount a counterattack. Whether on the athletic field or in the business office, don't fall "back on your heels" and try to protect yourself. Go on the offensive. Bullies aren't used to dealing with counterpunches.

Virtual Assistants

I've always tried to avoid dealing with these people and have never used one (or a human assistant, for that matter) because I believe this is a relationship business. I realize there are thousands of people in the positions, often employed by people with small businesses who think they need the status of having an "assistant."

In any case, this is a job category that will be seriously diminished by AI. Current offerings allow AI to insert your notes in a spreadsheet, or send out reminders to clients, or follow up on invoices, or schedule on a calendar. If you can do all this in seconds, why pay someone else to use AI to do the same thing?

The "Public Square"

If you're going to post on social media, or send a book in for review, or write a letter to the editor, you have entered the arena of free speech, which works in two directions (which amazes a great many people). It's therefore rather silly and naive to be surprised by others' free speech that disagrees with your opinion, doesn't like your book, and disapproves of your approach (or even argues with your facts). If you simply expect you can "throw punches" and resent being hit back, then don't enter the ring. Try shadow-boxing instead.

Your Rights and My Nose

It's generally agreed that Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. said, "Your rights stop at my nose." We tend to confuse and conflate "rights" with "privilege" and "self-absorption." When you tailgate in a car at a dangerous distance you are moving to impose on others' safety. Even standing in lines at airport security, moving to within a foot of another person is often seen as threatening and is completely unnecessary. In either case, you won't get to your destination any more quickly. You may choose not to recline your airline seat all the way so as not to inconvenience someone behind you, but if you do recline it completely, you paid for it, the airline built it that way, the person behind you knows this, and that person has no right to kick, scream, or otherwise act like a child.

Are we really that different, that combative, that polarized?

I've been to 62 countries beginning in 1963 (and today I'm a member of the Circumnavigators Club). When I speak to others who have visited a substantial amount of foreign lands, the consensus is that there are great similarities in the people, even if the history and topography differ.

And when all these fanatic World Cup fans arrived, those I've met (Providence is one of the hubs for Boston, and we frequently visit New York) have expressed wonder at how fabulous the US is and how well they're treated.

So are we, citizens of the US, really that polarized or is that just a meme? Is that what some politicians, thirsty for power, and media people, hungry for ratings, want us to believe?

We are more similar than dissimilar. Most of us are concerned about the cost of living (95%), government transparency and accountability (67%), healthcare quality and costs (61%), quality education availability (74%), removing bias and discrimination (64%), reducing crime and creating safe streets (67%). (The statistics are from a variety of sources compiled in AI.) The House just passed a bill by 308-117 to make Daylight Savings Time Permanent. (The outcome in the Senate is not certain.) We agree on more issues than we disagree on.

There are issues that divide and there always have been. Today they include immigration control, reproductive rights, gender identity, gun control, climate threat, and election integrity. I'm sure you can add more.

But my point is that we agree on a lot more than we disagree on. That is, we agree on what the issues are, but not on how to address them. Organizations face the same divisive problems, but they must reach consensus (not unanimity) or they will fail. People who were once called "statesmen" were those who could achieve compromise and consensus on the "how" by using the "what" as a destination that all find attractive. The difficulty today is the feeling of "moral superiority" of one's views, as opposed to mere difference of opinion, and the need for both a win for one side accompanied by a "loss" for the other, rather than a "win/win."

We need new statesmen for either party or a new party so dedicated. And we need to remember that a consensus is something you can live with, not something you would die for.

Development Opportunities

**My New Book, The Courage of Your Talent, will be released in October!**

You can preorder here on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Courage-Your-Talent-Self-Esteem-Constantly/dp/1041295936/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2NUH3MK3ILDJI&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.S4t3oMGpTUmQ89kc1etpgw.9B57S0bHQQJ3koHGWiyD9I5vrTrhq80M4Hm9TPmfIPs&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+courage+of+your+talent+alan+weiss&qid=1784561477&sprefix=the+courage+of+your+talent%2Caps%2C175&sr=8-1

In today's volatile business environment, professionals face relentless pressures that erode confidence and self-esteem. Too often, worth is confused with performance—rising with each "victory" and collapsing with every "defeat." This book challenges that cycle, showing how true self-esteem can remain steady, resilient, and empowering without tipping into arrogance or slipping into imposter syndrome.

Drawing on proven techniques, it demonstrates how resilience means bouncing forward from setbacks rahter than retreating, and how self-worth must be distinguished from efficacy. By breaking free from herd mentalities, external validation, and self-doubt, leaders and teams can reclaim their autonomy, project confidence, and thrive in times of disruption.

The methodology outlined here equips readers to:

Gain rapid acceptance of ideas and accelerate career growth in any organizational setting
Improve health and well-being by reducing stress, guilt, and fear
Achieve greater success in entrepreneurial ventures, partnerships, and solo practices
Develop a clear, independent perspective on business and the world
Build trust in one's own judgement, enabling faster, more confident decision-making

This book is a practical guide to cultivating self-esteem as the foundation of resilience, adaptability, and leadership. It empowers professionals not just to survive change--but to lead it.

BOOK BONUS PROGRAM: Purchase now in advance or when the book appears but before December 1 in these numbers for these benefits:

Copies:

3	Free attendance at a 90-minute Zoom session on the topic. (Value $450)
6	One hour (or two half-hour sessions) one-on-one with Alan via Zoom. (Value $2,500)
10	Free attendance in Alan's monthly, 2027 Zoom workshops. (Value $3,000)
20	Complimentary participation in The Den, a 45-minute, one-on-one meeting every week for eight weeks. (Value $4,500)
50	Alan will critique a book, website, podcast series, or video series, existing or planned, with detailed recommendations for improvement and a powerful "draw." (Value $7,500)
100	Dinner with Alan and a following morning (three hours) of in-person coaching. (Value $15,000)

You can preorder here on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Courage-Your-Talent-Self-Esteem-Constantly/dp/1041295936/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2NUH3MK3ILDJI&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.S4t3oMGpTUmQ89kc1etpgw.9B57S0bHQQJ3koHGWiyD9I5vrTrhq80M4Hm9TPmfIPs&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+courage+of+your+talent+alan+weiss&qid=1784561477&sprefix=the+courage+of+your+talent%2Caps%2C175&sr=8-1

The response to my special pricing for AI: AlanIntelligence® on my site has been so great that I'm maintaining the $450 fee for the summer with full access for lifetime to my body of work, including book contents.

Here's what people are saying:

"Alan,

This is pure genius! In less than an hour, I got help with three projects:

Webinar creation
Updated Business Plan
A prospect who's raising objections about fees.

I love it. This will be a tool open on my desktop/phone like ChatGPT.

Ed Tate, CSP

(Certified Speaking Professional and former Toastmasters® World Speaking Champion)"

In addition, I'm providing a very special session you can read about below on how to command any room, under any conditions, at any time. The fee is $500, but if you sign up for it I'll include AI: AlanIntelligence® for free, as my gift.

https://alanweiss.com/store/quick-pay/

Alan Weiss Present: How to Command a Room

These are the techniques of a Hall of Fame® speaker with the strongest solo consultting brand in the world, and the author of 57 books, 16 additional editions, appearing in 15 languages.

Whether a one-on-one meeting, a session with a dozen people, a group of 100 or even a thousand, you'll learn the techniques required to be the "driving fource" among those present, without aggression, without outrageous behavior, and most of all, without fear.

Whether in a nonprofit or for-profit, a government agency, an academic setting, a panel, a speech, a discussion, a civic meeting, a social event or a debate, learn how to become the highly positive focus of attention from someone who's done it globally for decades.

You will rapidly master skills and behaviors such as:

Waiting for the "pivot point" to speak.
Achieving consensus quickly.
Using social proof interactively.
Building your metaphors and analogies.
Improv and extemporaneous techniques.
Learning what to ask, not what to answer.

Date: September 15, 2026 Time: 10 to noon, US eastern time, via Zoom

A video and a transcript will be provided after the session there will be volunteer role-plays to hone skills.

Fee: $500 (includes AI: Alan Intelligence®) Option: Program plus four, thirty-minute coaching sessions, one-on-one: $2,000.

Fees increase to $750 and $2,500, respectively, on September 1.

Don't delay, take charge of your discussions, your profits, and your life.

Register: https://alanweiss.com/shop/quick-pay/quick-pay/

2026 Zoom Workshops

January 6	Maximizing the coaching/advisory dynamic
February 3	Maximizing speaking spin-off business
March 3	Role-playing tough conversations
April 7	Maximizing workshop effectiveness spin-off
May 5	Maximizing current events potential
June 9	Role-playing tougher conversations
July 8	Maximizing low project labor practices
NEXT: August 13	Maximizing panels—participant/moderator
September 8	Role-playing toughest conversations
October 6	Maximizing publishing potential
November 2	Maximizing lifestyle potential
December 8	Maximizing 2027 personally and professionally

All sessions are approximately 90 minutes beginning at 10:30 US eastern time. These sessions are $450 each, or the entire year for $5,000. Add three months of weekly 30-minute coaching for $2,500, a total of $7,500. (My cards are accepted for the full-year, and for the full-year and coaching options, not for individual sessions.) All sessions will include video recording, visual photos, and Zoom Companion summary. Register here: https://alanweiss.com/growth-experiences/zoom-workshops-2026/

AI: Alan Intelligence®

My unique AI resource which will direct you to the relevant aspects of my entire body of work to answer your “real time” questions about proposals, value based fees, conceptual agreement, avoiding “ghosting,” and thousands of other issues with text, audio, and video resources, all of which you can download. Please go here to gain lifelong, constantly growing access to my work, including referral to specific pages in my books which you can access online: https://alanweiss.com/ai-alan-intelligence/ If you decide at any time to engage in one of my two elite, personal coaching relationships, I'll deduct the full fee you've paid for this resource.

IT'S NOW IN MY VOICE! IN RECOGNITION OF THAT SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT, I'M OFFERING A SPECIAL MEMBERSHIP: INSTEAD OF THE CURRENT $1,200, JOIN FOR THE ORIGINAL CHARTER PRICE OF $450, FOR TOTAL ACCESS INCLUDING MY LIBRARY. YOU CAN DO SO HERE: https://alanweiss.com/store/quick-pay/ No annual fee, you can use this resource forever!

Million Dollar Consulting® Global Online Program

Million Dollar Consulting^® for the World

I’ve provided 14 modules with videos from me, from your colleagues globally, slides, and text. They include everything from launch to self-esteem, proposals to fees, closing business to creating a brand. No upsells! It’s only $115. What do you think about a 10,000:1 ROI? We have over 500 people from 47 countries. https://milliondollarconsultingcourse.com

LEARN MORE

Million Dollar Consulting® Global Online Program ADVANCED

Million Dollar Consulting^® for the World ADVANCED

The new program contains over 60 videos and has 15 modules focusing on what to do in the buyer’s office, overcoming crises, financial planning, and much, much more. https://alanweiss.com/growth-experiences/advanced-global-learning-program/

LEARN MORE

Million Dollar Consulting® Global Online Program GRADUATE

New: Million Dollar Consulting^® for the World Graduate

Another 12 modules with videos by me and your peers on contemporary issues such as Raising Fees Aggressively, How to Be Consistently Interviewed, Maximizing Happiness, and Managing Multiple projects. Join the people from 57 countries who are availing themselves of this inexpensive way to dramatically grow their businesses in any economic times. How does 100:1 ROI sound? https://milliondollarconsultingcourse.com/graduate-learning-program/

LEARN MORE

I'm an Old Cowhand...

We took the Eurostar train from London to Paris. To my surprise, the large area at the end of the (first class, no less) car had a slot for a Euro on the racks in order to pull across a locking strap to prevent theft of the luggage. On the train (again, first class) from Porto to Lisbon there was no such offer of protection, despite several stops.

I felt safer about my possession on the train in Portugal.