Are you familiar with this image? Some people see the young woman first, some the old woman. And often they have trouble seeing the other even when someone points it…
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How to make the most of your vacation
You know that moment when you’re “officially” on vacation? You’ve crossed off the last task on your “get done before vacation” to-do list. Set your email auto-responder. Told everyone, see you in…
How to get more passion in your life (instantly)
I was speaking with a former client yesterday. He’s super smart, with a PhD in nanotechnology. He’s lived across Europe and Asia, and has a gift for connecting with people. He’s also a talented artist,…
What You Can Learn About High Performance From A Junior High School Teacher
Dave Brodkey teaches shop class to sixth to eighth graders at New Brighton Middle School near Santa Cruz, CA. Eleven and twelve year olds are typically not known for their…
Five Words For Laser Focus At Work
Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, there was a kingdom where the people would go to their office every morning and there, they would begin one,…
The Time I Got Busted Not Paying Attention
On Saturday afternoons, I take one of my favorite class workouts, Forza, based on samurai sword fighting, with martial arts fitness instructor Ilaria Montagnani. After the warm-up and technical exercises,…
How to Stop Fixating When You Really Want Something
Years ago, when I was starting out as a coach, I realized I had to learn how to sell (they didn’t teach us that in business school). So I decided…
Three Ways To Killer Focus (No Mafia Required)
Have you seen the movie Limitless? Bradley Cooper plays struggling author Eddie Morra, who is suffering from serious writer’s block. His life dramatically changes when he runs into his former…
How To Be A Lean, Mean Thinking Machine
“Watch out! Oh no, you’re gonna screw up, you’re gonna screw up, you’re gonna screw up.” That’s what’s usually going through my head during a piano performance…..right before I screw…
How to Focus Your Way Out of a Tough Spot (And Avoid Choking Under Pressure Part III)
Over the weekend, I was out in Greenwich, CT to coach Navy SEAL candidates on mental toughness. Every month they show up for the Physical Screening Test (PST), which includes…