So…

I meant to share much of this a few weeks ago, around December 30th, when the year was quiet enough to actually hear your own thinking. Maybe the timing is still right… or even better now.

Over the years, one thing I’ve consistently focused on is preparedness.

Those who know me well—from long-standing partners in the national service ecosystem, to friends who share my passion for service (yet still have no idea what I do for a living)—know that I keep journals. No, they’re not diaries. They’re my working documents—pages filled with questions, scenarios, logic models, and problem-solving.

At times, the writing is sparked by a challenge I’ve witnessed firsthand. Other times, it’s driven by something I sense forming just beyond the horizon. Either way, the practice is the same: slow down, think ahead, and jot it down.

In my last post, I shared a kind of leadership wrapped—a series of questions meant to look back at what shaped the year, what demanded attention, and what quietly m...

For me, and for many leaders, the past year demanded relentless adaptation.   We had to become chameleons and contortionists, constantly adjusting to the ever-changing landscape.  Nimbleness was essential; we had to make swift decisions amid funding uncertainty, shifting expectations, and capacity strains. New partnerships emerged out of necessity and strategy or were born from survival rather than strength.

As we step into 2026, in these early days before rushing into what's next, there's immense value in pausing. An intentional pause allows for meaningful reflection.  Without structure, reflection can devolve into mere venting-an emotional regurgitation when things aren't going well. Optimism without honesty turns into clandestine denial. What we need is a way to make sense of the year without getting stuck in it.

My aim here is to share a leadership framework I've relied on over the years.  It's helped my teams, clients, and organizations transition from contentious environments t...

What got you there will keep you there.

Hopefully, you can hear there are two sides to those words, and depending on where you are in your journey, it can either be words of affirmation or words of warning.

One side is a celebration of our deliberate disciplines: the consistency, courage, and commitment it took to get you to where you are. It's the daily rituals, the mindset, the push. You may have heard me exclaim, "We first make our habits, and then our habits make us." I use this quote from John Dryden in my lectures and workshops and should live rent free ln the minds of many of us who have been in the trenches of self-mastery (and restoration). Habits don't just shape our days; they shape our character, our legacy. They are our rhythms of success.

Go ahead and flip that coin.

What got you there… will keep you there.

Now, the opening becomes something else entirely. A mirror. A caution. An inquiry.

Suddenly, we're faced with a truth that's harder to swallow. The same habits t...

In our daily roles, particularly as leaders, every interaction presents a significant opportunity to shape the community and individuals around us. I have a foundational belief, a presupposition even, that is powerful and yet simple: "We will leave a legacy with every person whom we encounter at every encounter."

In this edition of Braving Life, I want to reiterate a few points from one of my most recent keynote conversations while exploring strategies to enhance your connections, build trust and intentional impressions, and effectively motivate those we lead and love.

Everyone deserves a great leader. Everyone deserves a great person, and I hope you have had an opportunity to experience their efficacy in your life. I have been blessed to have several mentors and caring individuals who have molded and guided my work and life. Their effective leadership was multifaceted. When aggregated and distilled, I discovered a robust blend of distinct and complementary traits. 

Before we go any...

Okay, so I was listening to GMA this morning and reflected on a piece of advice given on the show. On my way to the office, I was reminded of the complexities embedded within mindfulness, wellness, self-care, self-love, and creative self-nurturing (as I like to call it). The advice, while insightful, sparked in me thoughts on how it could be further enhanced to truly empower us in our daily lives. As this is Mental Health Awareness Month, I wanted to offer something for your mind to nibble on.

As the GMA dialogue ensued, it touched on the topic of boundaries, emphasizing that "no" is a complete sentence. Although I resonate with the simplicity and firmness of the sentiment, I must quibble just a tad, for I also believe it's imperative to acknowledge the intricacies that prevent some from embracing a "Just Say No" approach to boundary setting.

It is crucial to remember that some people struggle with saying 'no' due to a hidden habit or private pattern of constantly saying 'yes.'  They...

In our relentless pursuit of perfection, we often find ourselves chasing shadows, don't we?  Just me?

This elusive ideal of everything falling precisely into place, where life hums in perfect harmony can be quite a tantalizing mirage. But, as I've delved deeper into this quest, I've begun to question my own and our collective understanding of what it means to be perfect.

In today's fast-paced world, a prevailing notion equates perfection with excellence and unblemished positivity.

It is as if to be perfect is to be devoid of any flaw and a state of pure goodness. However, a closer look at the word's etymology – tracing back to the Latin 'perfectus' and 'per fasare' – reveals a different story.  Perfection, in its essence, isn't about being flawlessly positive; it's about completion and reaching a state of wholeness.

Isn't this a game-changer? It shifts the paradigm from seeking an unattainable state of perpetual positivity to embracing the beauty of completion.

Perfection, then, i...

 In the realm of personal growth and professional development, the paths of coaching, mentoring, and counseling intertwine, yet each holds its distinct essence. At Think For Good, we embrace these differences, understanding that the growth journey is as unique as the individuals we guide.

Coaching: Catalyzing Your Success

Our coaching philosophy is rooted in empowerment and transformation. We believe in:

• Outcome-Centric Progress: Our coaching is a journey towards specific, tangible goals aligning with your aspirations and potential.
• Collaborative Exploration: We engage in a partnership where your voice leads the way, and our questions illuminate the path.
• Empowering Performance: Our role is to unlock your inherent capabilities, fostering a journey of self-discovery and achievement.

In our coaching sessions, we don't just advise and support; we offer a mirror for self-reflection and a catalyst for change.

Mentoring: Wisdom Shared, Wisdom Gained

Mentoring at Think For G...

 Continuing our discussion...

Whether it's the detrimental patterns, conflict in subconscious values, or waiting on the magical knighting and catalyst, there are still some valuable lessons that may be learned. 

Know that unfinished tasks can be insightful teachers. They often reveal underlying fears, misconceptions, and areas where our competencies may be underdeveloped. By examining these "unfinished endeavors" (an excellent name for a future book), we can clarify our true priorities and the obstacles that hinder our progress.

1. Start by jotting down the pursuits left incomplete. This undone inventory provides a clear starting point for introspection.
2. For each task, explore why it was left undone. Was it due to a lack of resources or time? Was it a lack of clarity, competence, confidence, courage? (See 5C Leadership) 
3. Look for patterns. Are there certain types of tasks and pursuits that consistently remain unfinished? Are there common barriers like fear of failure or cr...

I regularly discuss the inertia toward realizing our intentions and how our habits, mindset, distractions, and even unrealized values pull us away from what we say we desire to do and have.

What is it that keeps us from commencing, continuing, or completing the task at hand and reaching the desires of our hearts? 

As we enter 2024, we must reverse this trend – whether it's completing a race, submitting an assignment, producing a podcast, writing that book, or embarking on a new journey. This year, we finish what you start.

You might wonder why there is tension and a struggle with following through on your intentions. Not finishing what we start is a common issue for many. It can quickly become overwhelming as tasks accumulate; days lean into weeks and blend into years. 

Here are some common reasons for the inertia that I've encountered and helped others navigate through as well:

1. You are stuck in your patterns: Everything has a pattern: Everyone and Everything. You may be una...