How to say no and feel good about it

Pay attention to the messages you receive through others. They are gifts. If you keep the right perspective there is something to be learned in everything regardless of the outcome. Last week I wrote about the topic of learning when to say no.  This week I’m continuing with the theme and focusing on how to … Read more

When to Say No and Feel Good About It

 “When you say no to others you open up space to say yes to yourself.” There is power in the word “No”. How often do you say it as a complete sentence; no qualifier or explanation to follow, simply No. Children are great at this. When they don’t want to do or say something, they … Read more

Stand Out By Being Yourself

“Be yourself. Everyone else is taken.” Don’t you love it when something unique and different grabs your attention?  I’m drawn to things that make me take notice. This doesn’t happen often, but when it does the experience is implanted in my memory and I rave about it forever. One of my favorite restaurants in DC, … Read more

What I created a Failure Resume

“I really don’t think life is about the I-could-have-beens. Life is only about the I-tried-to-do. I don’t mind the failure but I can’t imagine that I’d forgive myself if I didn’t try.” – Nikki Giovanni Last week I failed. Yesterday I failed big. Today I’m going to fail again. “Too bad”, you must be thinking. … Read more

What Success Really Looks Like

‘The elevator to success is broken. Take the stairs.” – Jenifer Lewis This past Sunday was the Chicago Marathon and I just so happened to be in town visiting friends.  I love the energy and excitement of this day as it represents the culmination of many months of training, focus and endurance for thousands of … Read more

Life Lessons from An Innovator

“You can’t connect the dots looking forward. You can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something — your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference … Read more

Raise Your Standards!

“What else in your life are you just average at?”   – Jillian Michaels The Biggest Loser is back next week!  I love NBC’s The Biggest Loser because it shows everyday people overcoming an extraordinary obstacle – losing a significant amount of weight in a short period of time. Every day they are pushed beyond their … Read more

Fueling the Light Within

  Not too long ago my internal light was dim. From the outside looking in, things looked great. I had a great career, wonderful family and friends, and had a beautiful condo in downtown Chicago. I had nothing to complain about, but I was still left longing for more. I didn’t know what to do … Read more