man sheltering his head with a book while papers fall all around him

Real Human Beings read Feedback

September 18, 2018

“Do to others as you would have them do to you…unless you’re giving anonymous feedback online. Then let them have it!” -Contemporary Modern Translation (CMT) A friend of mine recently shared her experience reviewing survey data from her organization’s yearly event that is attended by thousands of people. “People send in their surveys anonymously, and […]

remembering screen capture

Remembering

September 14, 2018
man with mouth open looking shocked

The “After Sale” Experience

September 11, 2018

A few years ago, I purchased a brand new Jeep Grand Cherokee. I have absolutely loved driving the car ever since. In fact, the car has exceeded my expectations in terms of reliability and performance. That said, I doubt I’ll buy another one. How come? The customer service at the local Jeep dealer is abysmal. […]

little girl covering her eyes

Feeling Overwhelmed?

September 7, 2018

What’s the difference between feeling “busy” and “overwhelmed?” To illustrate the difference, think of your parents. Were they busy? As busy as you are today? How often did they ever use the word “overwhelmed?” Personally, I don’t remember my parents describing themselves as overwhelmed back in the 1980s and 90s. Perhaps they were at times? […]

stack of old photos

275 Years.

September 3, 2018

Last year, my sister found the following biographical data in our archives: “It is believed that Matthias Hoffer came to America seeking religious freedom. He came to America on the ship, “Loyal Judith” via Cowes and Rotterdam.  He landed at Philadelphia on September 2, 1743. By trade he was a weaver of fancy over-lids, but […]

man reading newspaper

My “JOMO” Plan

August 31, 2018

I recently heard Jason Fried, CEO of Basecamp, talk about how he intentionally misses out on information so that he can increase his focus on matters of importance. Instead of the oft-used “FOMO” (Fear of Missing Out), Fried has coined the acronym “JOMO” (Joy of Missing Out) in its place. For example, Fried no longer […]

man on mountain top

How I dealt with a recent failure…

August 28, 2018

I wanted to hide. I wanted to get away, or be anywhere but there. “There” was earlier this month at our golf club’s “Invitational Tournament.” I was playing with a friend. Like everyone else, I wanted to play my best at this event. But, as the event approached, I noticed a twitch in my hands. […]

couple ways to make work more sane screen capture

A Couple of Ways to Make Work…More Sane?

August 24, 2018
some perspective on work

Do Work Increase Our Level of Happiness?

August 21, 2018
stack of old photos

I get scared sometimes too…

August 17, 2018

A month ago, Will (7 as of today!) called for Sarah from his bedroom upstairs. It was about ten minutes after he went to bed. The kids seem to always call for “mom,” which is not surprising, but I decided to give Sarah this time off. Up I went…. Will was not pleased to see […]