Playing the Game
Martin Seligman, of the University of Pennsylvania, has popularized the notion and power of "self-talk" in his work, most particularly in Learned Optimism. What we tell ourselves informs our behavior. He also talks about "authentic happiness," and how to achieve
Olympic Business
What strikes me about the Olympics is how much the mind plays a role in the physical performance. The start one gets in a sprint, the ability to hit a target, the need to avoid a foul at a critical
There IS Such A Thing As A Dumb Question
A former buyer in San Francisco is visiting New York and suggested we have lunch to talk about possible future business. I live an hour outside of New York. Should I go? The buyer has said that he'd like
Alan’s Developmental Beach
Green flag, solid skills building, pragmatic information. The breakers can be tough, but so can life. Take prudent risks and enjoy. Yellow flag, caution, what you're experiencing sounds right, but there are undercurrents and rip tides. Not totally safe; not what
New Version of Fire Walking
I'm going into competition with Tony Robbins. For $2,500 you can firewalk with him on hot coals. Or, for only $1,500 you can sit in a chair and one of my assistants will burn your feet with a lit cigar.
Losing By Playing Not To Lose
Jim Furyk led the recent US Open until midway through the final round. He is called a "plodder" by some colleagues, who claim they mean it positively to denote consistency and calmness, not matter what the circumstances. But Furyk, who has
How to Maximize Effectiveness of Mastermind Groups
Keep the members' expertise and experience relatively close, e.g., no 10-year veterans making $400,000 with people new to the profession. Plan for six months maximum, with a 90-day assessment as to whether to continue and, if so, what to change or
Implementation and Facilitation Workshops
We are at the W Hotel in Hoboken (where I was born) just below Union City (where I was raised). Nothing like this hotel in those days! Here are examples of my suite (only two of these in the hotel)
Open or Closed to Learning?
I've found that some people are far better learners than others simply because they allow themselves to be open to it. I received an email a few hours ago from someone who read Million Dollar Consulting, and wanted to tell me
Traits of My Most Successful Mentoring Clients
I've been asked repeatedly what traits and behaviors are endemic to my most successful mentoring clients. I recently listed them for the Mentor Hall of Fame meeting in New York. Picture the categories below as continua, not "have it or