Steve Mankoff and I met during our freshman year of college, 32 years ago. On and off, for years, I’ve suggested that Steve kick his habit of drinking a huge amount of diet soda. Last year, he finally decided to try. I asked Steve if he wanted to share his…
Two weeks ago, I was the keynote speaker for a wonderful conference for educators run by AdvanceED Illinois. You can read about it here. The conference was in Champaign, Illinois. The day before the speech, I had a super easy, smooth, on-time flight into Chicago’s O’Hare airport from Newark (New…
I'm pleased to have had a post I wrote published yesterday on one of my favorite blogs, the Tiny Buddha web site. Helping others' happiness is clearly a nice thing to do, and it will help you to be happier as well. Here's the first part of the piece, with…
I have a long relationship with bike riding. Like most people who know how to ride a bike, I made it to a two-wheeler around age six. I still remember the moment, and the feeling, when my dad told me that he had let go, and that I was balancing…
Another September 11 is upon us. Today is the day of the week that I normally post. It wasn't in me to post anything other than something about 9/11. I've been putting a lot of effort into being mindful this year. As the anniversary of 9/11 comes again, I realize…
I listed things that made me smile for several weeks, then things on my gratitude list for three weeks. Now I'm shifting to another happiness strategy: listing accomplishments. Human nature causes us to be more inclined to reflect on negatives than positives. To counter that natural tendency, be sure to…
Here are some things on my gratitude list this week: That my son taught in the amazing Breakthrough program this summer. That he invited us to their Celebration (where it was wonderful and inspirational to see our future leaders -- these terrific students and teachers.) That he now knows what career…
Here are some things on my gratitude list this week: The talented and dedicated authors who devote their lives to creating books that I love to read. The awesome way the sound of the ocean makes me feel. That my aunt is so generous with us that she lets us…
Many things that make me smile are things that I am grateful for and vice versa. That said, asking, "What Made You Smile This Week?" will lead to different answers than asking what you are grateful for. Gratitude is a well-established happiness strategy, one that is well worth doing on…
I’ve written in my book, and in blog posts, that my definition of a leader is not limited to presidents, CEOs, and heroic figures such as Martin Luther King, Jr. and Gandhi. I’ve explained that the leadership I write about includes making the world a better place – even in…
Here are some things that made me smile over the past couple of weeks: Many things in Portland, Oregon, including: the food carts, the great walking, the best farmer's market I have been to, and lots of time with wonderful family and friends. Getting to know my childhood pal's adorable…
I'm traveling this week, so here are some things that make me smile regularly: My kids. Kids in general. When I see signs of my kids growing up. When Marcie laughs at my quirky behavior. Beautiful photos my daughter Julie sends me that she takes with her iPhone. (See today's…