Retro

There is a “retro” movement going on, in the arts, in design, in entertainment, and in other aspects of our society. It is largely influenced by social media and it’s basically about nostalgia as comforting. We long for “simpler” times, with less controversy, less uncertainty, less volatility. We can read daily on social media about the price of gas being lower, and opportunity being greater, and people being more civil, and so forth.

All of that may be true, but there was also the high risk of polio, the school air raid drills in fear of nuclear war (and placing our jackets over our heads to protect against radiation), and the much more arduous times for travel (and steaming radiators in cars), and communications (it was hard copy email or a wired phone).

Oh, yeah, and the average lifespan in 1956 was around 70 and today it’s around 78. (“The good old days weren’t all that good and tomorrow ain’t as bad as it seems.” —Billy Joel)

Character

“Character” refers to the mental and moral qualities distinctive to an individual. I’ve always thought it included what people do when they think no one is watching. Do they pick up a piece of litter from the floor, or add to it? Do they dispose of an empty coffee cup in the trash or leave an empty beer bottle on an elevator?

We have a surfeit of “characters” today, but perhaps not enough “character.”

Money, Money, Money, Money, Money

This is the title of a great song from the play and movie, “Cabaret,” created by Kander and Ebb. I tried to convince a local theater, where I was a board member, to dance and sing it after the show in the lobby to soliciting money. My suggestion was quashed.

The problem today is that money has taken priorities beyond even the worst projections. College football players (and other athletes) are now paid a fortune in school and can easily move to other schools for better money in what’s called the “portal.” Sports betting sites advertise on TV, often during the events for which they are solicit bets. States are supporting their budgets with massive lotteries. The tiny state of Rhode Island makes $440,000 million alone annually.

Meanwhile, to see really “amateur” sports you’d have to watch high school events, and who knows how long they will be immune to the money?

Esteem

I'm writing a book called The Courage of Your Talent which will be released by Wiley later this month. My investigation—and my experience—demonstrate that high esteem doesn’t drive achievement, but that high achievement can support and sustain high esteem. But esteem, sorely lacking among many people today, is undermined when we don’t recognize that our very humanity, our dignity, is inherent, and high esteem emerges from realizing that, not seeking outside support and credentials.

Often I run into people who tell me they would love to have me coach them, but it would have to wait because they “don’t want to spend the money.” If you refuse to see the ROI in investing in yourself, why should anyone else invest in you for anything?

The No NOrmal® Newsletter

Seeing what others don’t notice, acting when others don’t move, living a life others can’t dream

Newsletter sections and examples of what will be included:

1. WHAT I'M HEARING AND SEEING: WHAT'S HAPPENED
   • AI is not taking over, it's actually underutilized
2. TURN YOUR HEAD, LOOK AROUND: WHAT'S HAPPENING 
   • The jobs and careers that are disappearing
3. ASSUME ZEBRAS: WHAT'S COMING
   • Removal of human judgment in almost all sports—and not merely for accuracy

The No Normal Newsletter is a reflection on my trademarked idea that there will never be a “return to normal” nor a “new normal.” That’s because “normal” means “routine” or “average” and this is not an age of the mundane.

Each month I’ll provide what I’ve been hearing globally, from clients and colleagues in my coaching and consulting practice. I’ll indicate what’s happening around us that is opportunity (or threat) for readers. And I’ll dispel the old trope that if you hear hoofbeats you should assume horses are coming, the most obvious probability.

I’m going to show you how to, and why you should, assume zebras.

$250 for a year (or $3,000 for a year plus six coaching calls during the year at your preference).

Starts January 15.

For about 20 bucks a month you’ll get the mix of my enormous perspective of four decades in this business, my current highly successful contacts and engagements around the world, and my keen insights into the zebras.

Join me in 2026 and continue your journey into prosperity. You can sign up here until it’s on my site: https://alanweiss.com/growth-experiences/the-no-normal-newsletter/

If you don’t think 20 bucks a month is worth it for my guidance and insights, then poor you!

2026 Zoom Workshops

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/