Are you working enough?  That seems like a ridiculous question.  Especially since many of us work 50, 60 or even 70 hours a week.  But the truth is, that work is often scattered.  Ineffective.  We’re sitting at a desk – but not really “working.” Let’s face it, we try to cram so much stuff into our day that we don’t really get anything accomplished.  We call this “multi-tasking” so that it sounds like we’re doing something impressive.  But we’re just punching a time clock instead of adding value ...

We like to think we can be the Lone Ranger.  Or the hero, who despite all odds, pulls out a victory in the last minute.  We want to throw the game winning pass, despite a terrible team around us.  In short, we love the idea of being the one genius amongst the village idiots. Of course life doesn’t work this way. Research has consistently shown that we’re only as strong as our weakest link.  (How’s that for a cliché that’s true?!) It seems that there are a couple of problems ...

We live in a culture that values planning.  So we have life insurance in case we die.  We have health insurance in case we’re sick.  We have fire insurance in case our house burns down.  We have liability insurances in case someone gets injured on our property.  We have disability insurance in case we get hurt at work.  And the list goes on.  (Some of us might even have “list insurance” for long lists.) Planning can be a good thing.  And it’s smart to have insurance policies to ...

Life can be overwhelming.  Just ask, well, anyone.  With so many competing commitments how can you ever feel like you’re getting anywhere?  If you’re like me, you can’t.  On any given day I have 3-4 major writing projects that require dedicated time and focus.  I also have research that needs to be read.  Notes that need to be organized and archived.  A house that needs (seemingly constant) repairs.  Volunteering.  Family obligations to my wife and children.  Plus all the side projects I would like to start “some ...

As I type this there is a debate raging in Washington DC on how to fix the budget.  So much effort has been spent by government officials, lawyers, members of the media and bloggers over this one problem.  (And as far as Washington problems go, it’s probably a good one to spend energy on.  Let’s hope that by the time you’re reading this, they have found an answer.) Yet I can’t help but wonder: why does it take so much effort? It’s not just government where this happens.  ...