Living Life Juicy

A few nights ago, my wife and I settled in to watch a little TV. I asked her if she wanted to “binge-watch” Psych or try a movie on Amazon Prime called “Mr. Rodgers and Me.” [1] She chose Mr. Rodgers and what a great choice. I knew a little about this TV personality, but I never imagined the depth of the man. This film explores the life and impact of Fred Rodgers by interviewing some of the well-known people whose life he impacted. There is so much to admire and emulate in this man. From the start, this film resonated deeply for me. In the first five minutes they begin to explore a key quote from Mr. Rogers. “I feel so strongly that deep and simple is far more essential than shallow and complex.” [2] Deep, simple, and elegant is so important and, is often ignored because these things are not easy and they take so much energy to create. Easy does not make it right. I know this and still, all too often, don’t slow down and spend the energy it takes to create deep, simple, and e...

While listening to an interview with the author of Hidden City? I was inspired to look for the story behind common things. How often to we pass by something without giving it a second thought. What interesting stories might we be missing? I decided to use this inspiration as a tool to encourage my curiosity and to help me become more present in my daily life. I challenged myself to stop at least once during the week to wonder about something that I would normally pass by. Occasionally I stop by Point Mugu State Beach in the morning before a day of meetings. I use this time to read, journal or just enjoy the ocean. I’m visited by various creatures. I’ve seen sea lions, dolphin, squirrels, and pelicans. One creature I see every time I’m there is “pigeon of the sea,” the seagull. They are intrusive and annoying. Since I was a child, visiting the beach, I’ve learned to loath these birds. This particular morning I was thinking about my challenge to find the story behind somet...

Doing Great Things! I’m a firm believer that everyone could benefit from having a coach. If you have a “growth mindset” [1] you’ll get this idea. Many, however, don’t see the need. “I’m at the top of my profession, why would I want an outsider observing me?” As a coach, I’ve heard this, or something similar, often. [2] As a former athlete and sports fan you can’t help but notice every top performing athlete has a coach. Pro teams have them. Olympic athletes have them. Athletes at all levels engage coaches to move them toward their next step closer to greatness. Atul Gawanda, a surgeon and public health profession, shares a powerful perspective from someone at the top of a complicated profession. Take 17 minutes to listen to this moving story of how coaching moves professionals to greatness… and saves live [3] . Let me know if you want to talk about getting a coach or becoming a coach. [1] Carol Dweck dives deep into this idea in her book Mindset: The ...