Big picture planning is important. It can help to keep us on track and give us a deeper meaning in life. But there’s a risk of spending too much time focused on the big picture at the expense of the day-to-day work. It’s hard to get anything done when we’re constantly reflecting on whether our …

After recently leasing a new car, I got a text from the dealership just “checking up” to see how everything was going. I was impressed. I’m used to becoming invisible to the salesperson once the paperwork is signed, so it was refreshing to see that someone genuinely wanted to follow up. But seconds after I replied, …

When working with wood, there are many skills to master. There are techniques for shaping the wood, finishing it, fastening pieces together, enhancing the grain, etc. But before any of these techniques come into play, the woodworker has to be able to consistently perform a simple task: marking the wood and cutting it exactly where …

Most people are uncomfortable with silence. After asking a difficult question or making an offer, the natural tendency is to help out when the other party is struggling. We feel the need to explain ourselves, or to start to back peddle. Almost anything feels better than awkward silence. But if you can train yourself to stay …

When I’m working around the house, I tend to try to “make do.” Rather than always running to the hardware store to buy the perfect tool for every task, I like to try to expand the capabilities of my existing tools. Sometimes this works well and I’m able to save significant time and money. Other times, …

One of my focuses over the past few years has been improvement as a communicator – both writing and talking. As I’ve been on this journey, I’ve come across many effective pieces of advice – how to structure sentences, how to use vocal tonality and pace, etc. But perhaps the most useful piece of advice …

This past weekend’s football game between Michigan and Michigan State represented a classic, yet underappreciated situation in sports. Michigan dominated the first half of play. They outgained Michigan State tremendously, started three consecutive drives in Michigan State territory, and generally looked better on both sides of the ball. As a Michigan State fan, it must …

I don’t know of many successful people who focus on how short they are, how they’ve been treated unfairly, how the conditions were against them, etc. There are certainly “unfair” roadblocks we all face, and admittedly some people face more than others. But rather than using these challenges as an excuse for why they can’t …

In high school, it seemed impossible to juggle sports, school, extracurricular activities, and a social life. When I got to college, I realized that was nothing. When I started working, I realized how simple college problems were. As I got better at my first job and took on more responsibilities, I learned that I could …

I have a dead tree in my backyard that needs to be removed. I talked with a contractor a few months ago, received a quote and a timeline, and assumed it would be taken care of. But the company I talked with kept postponing the date of the work, stating that they couldn’t drum up …