Sadly, today we confuse opinion with truth. We can blame our muddled and disordered political discourse on Michel Foucault. He and other postmodernist philosophers argued that truth is contingent on social context rather than being absolute and universal. Postmodernists contend that truth is always limited rather than absolute and unquestionable. This absurd idea engenders thoughtless…
How do top performers succeed despite the odds? The answer: character. Success goes beyond achievement to encompass a life of excellence and purpose. Top performers exhibit the following characteristics: While successful people often have innate gifts, firmness of purpose, rather than genetic endowment, produces peak performance. Outstanding performance follows commitment and motivation, transforming adversity into…
When considering how to manage life after retirement, you need to know what motivates you: What three activities are most important to you? What three activities give you the most enjoyment? What three things do you want written on your tombstone? What three things do you want to do for others? What three things would…
I’m not a big fan of Facebook because I often find myself going down rabbit holes, wasting time. But today, while posting an article I wrote, I discovered a fantastic site on English literature with some of the best material I’ve seen on the subject: Kami_Arts5, created by Syed Kamran from Leiah, Pakistan. I sent…
Helping others can provide hope during global crises and uncertainty. Instead of focusing on foolish, self-serving, and dangerous global events, we can improve the world around us. In 1970, I came across an excerpt from neurosurgeon Harvey Cushing’s two-volume biography of the esteemed physician Sir William Osler, published in the Journal of the American Medical…
Perspective can keep us alive or cause death. Psychiatrist Viktor Frankl, MD, an Auschwitz survivor and author of Man’s Search for Meaning, wrote about a fellow inmate rendered weak and ill from starvation and debilitating work who determined to live until Christmas because she had heard that the camp would be liberated then. When the…
There are roughly two accounts regarding the universe: 1) The materialistic/atheistic explanation posits that matter and space were created spontaneously and that thinking creatures evolved by some fluke without any purpose; 2) The more common perspective is the religious view. According to this view, a mind or spirit created the universe. This spirit or mind…
In this time of political discord, I remember Abraham Lincoln’s words before the Civil War. He wrote, “Americans, all, we are not enemies but friends—We have sacred ties of affection which, though strained by passions, let us hope can never be broken.” Rile, chafe, argue, fuss, or scorn interferes with happiness. On the other hand,…
Studies show that thankfulness lowers anxiety levels, elevates mood, relieves stress, improves socialization, and stimulates a helpful attitude. Each of us would benefit from focusing on our blessings daily. I spend a few minutes jotting down two or three things I am grateful for, trying to identify something different each day. To do this, I…
Perfectionism robs us of contentment and steals our happiness. This tormenting trait increases stress, causes anxiety, and may lead to chronic depression. “Good enough” never satisfies the perfectionist because they want everything to be…perfect. Perfection Grading Scale: Grade yourself on each of the questions below thusly: Questions: Scoring: A score of 25-30 indicates a serious…
Most of us find ourselves trapped on the freeway of rush. We have a texting mentality, a fast-food appetite, and an Instagram philosophy. Before we know it, perhaps even without wanting to, we find ourselves leaping into the commotion without considering our options. Our minds are made static by noise – digital instruments bellowing, TVs…
To conquer the fear of public speaking, start by acknowledging your anxiety. Accepting that you are afraid can prevent that fear from spiraling out of control. Get yourself out of the way. Remember that a little anxiety can provide energy for your speech. Don’t worry about how your speech will be received. When we obsess…
There is a time-honored folk story about a young woodsman and a seasoned lumberjack. The robust young woodsman energetically chopped at the towering oaks all day long, never stopping to rest. In contrast, the grizzled lumberjack worked a little, then sat down to rest, only to chop a bit more before taking another break. At…
The famous line “There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so” comes from William Shakespeare’s play “Hamlet.” This quote suggests that an event is not inherently good or bad; instead, it is our perceptions and interpretations that shape our views of it as positive or negative. In essence, our perspective determines…
The lazy, crazy hazy days of summer are over. Time for school. Time for work . Time tobegin the fiscal New Year. Time for priorities. From your dreams come goals. From your goals come a list of activities. From youractivity list come priorities. From priorities come the fulfillment of your dreams. Dream expansively. Dream luxuriously….