So I decided to retire and yesterday was my last official day.  Having a year to plan really helped.  So here’s my lessons learned for when you leave. Continue reading →

This article, “Ten Ways You’re Making Your Life Harder Than It Has to Be” struck a chord with me. I agree with all ten ways, but the harder question is how do you change? Continue reading →

Ever hear “pay yourself first” as a strategy to save money?

I never understood that. How much was I supposed to pay myself? If I paid myself $50, did that mean I could spend the rest?

Here’s what I did instead: Continue reading →

Some portion of my day is spent listening to people who have problems or need help. It’s the best part of my job.

When I was younger, I didn’t spend a lot of time doing it because I didn’t really think I had anything to offer. But then as you get older, you realize you know more than you think.

I think the best compliment someone can give you is not that you’re smart or talented, but that you’ve helped them. It means you’ve given something of yourself because you believe in them….and there’s no greater compliment.  You won’t remember all the times you did it, but the recipient will.

(PS sorry the site was down! My files all disappeared so they had to back them up!)

I believe that the quality of your life is really determined by small things…not big things done once in a lifetime, but the small things you consistently do for yourself. So here’s my list:

1. Always look both ways before crossing the street: I don’t care what the light says.
2. You can eat anything….as long as you made it yourself.
3. Never try to catch a falling knife.
4. If you’re wondering whether or not your shirt/pants/dress/is fresh enough to wear again, it’s not.
5. There is no such thing as bad weather…just bad clothing. Invest in a windproof umbrella, good boots, a waterproof trench, a warm coat.
6. When you get in an elevator at work or at home, always say hello even if you don’t know anyone.
7. If for any reason you don’t feel safe, walk to the lights, wait for the next elevator, go find someone to wait with. Never ignore your gut.
8. When someone’s having a bad day (like a waitress, booking agent, customer service rep), acknowledge that it must be tough for them.
9. When someone gives you a compliment via email, always thank them back.
10. If it’s a choice between putting something away or leaving it where it doesn’t belong, put it away.

Have a great weekend!

It’s really simple.

“Be a good person.”

I used to have resolutions like eat better, exercise more, spend more time with friends and family.  Those aren’t resolutions: it’s really the to-do list.

While many of us think of ourselves as good people, I think it’s important that you actively demonstrate that you are a good person. It’s not a passive  description of who I am, I want it to be the goal every day and the lens I use when I look back at the day’s events and the standard I hold myself to in the future.

I’ll let you know how it works out.

I get asked the question “What was your biggest failure?” and to tell you the truth, I am always at a loss how to answer that question. Maybe because I have a bad memory, but even the bad projects somehow turn out ok.

My greatest regret however, I do know. Continue reading →