More Olympic Lessons
• Jamaica has a population of under three million, and swept the 200 meter dash. The only other country to ever do that is the US, with a population of over 300 million. Don't be afraid of large numbers. • The
Working Backwards for Maximum Effectiveness
People organize and set priority the wrong way. They tend to look at their desk and calendar and attempt to sort the myriad issues, notes, projects, tasks, and dust bunnies into some cohesive framework, which is like pushing cappellini with
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)