You have undertaken to cheat me. I won’t sue you, for the law is too slow. I’ll ruin you. Cornelius Vanderbilt 1794-1877 I know you’ve seen movies and TV shows where one person acts unjustly towards another. The victim is often shown glaring fiercely at the offender and saying, “I’ll … [ Continue Reading ]
John Chancellor
Choices
We always have a choice about the content and character of our inner lives. Epictetus 55 – 135 A.D. I enjoy reading the comic strips in the newspaper. Frequently, they offer a bit of humor — a pleasant diversion in our troubling world. And sometimes they offer great insight into … [ Continue Reading ]
Always do the right thing
Have the courage to say no. Have the courage to face the truth. Do the right thing because it is right. These are the magic keys to living your life with integrity. W. Clement Stone 1902 – 2002 I’m constantly amazed by the power of the internet. Like most people … [ Continue Reading ]
Looking for solutions
Unless you change how you are, you will always have what you’ve got. Jim Rohn 1930 – 2009 Recently, I was working with a businessman who was concerned about the decline in his bottom line. My first step was to get him to list all the reasons which, in his … [ Continue Reading ]
Are you a quitter?
The difference between successful people and really successful people is that really successful people say no to almost everything. Warren Buffett 1930 – I don’t know about you, but for most of my life, people around me have often advised, “Don’t be a quitter.” Likewise, I can’t count the number … [ Continue Reading ]
Are you bowling alone?
Too much self-centered attitude, you see, brings isolation. Result: loneliness, fear, anger. The extreme self-centered attitude is the source of suffering. Dalai Lama 1935 – In 1995, Robert Putnam, a Harvard Professor of Public Policy, wrote an article that he later expanded into the book Bowling Alone. One of the … [ Continue Reading ]
Offering help
Many receive advice, few profit by it. Publilius Syrus 1st Century B.C. Human nature is a funny thing. When we discover a new truth or helpful habit, we can become too enthusiastic about sharing our new-found wisdom with others. We’ve all encountered this behavior: the reformed drinker who suddenly wants … [ Continue Reading ]
Choose the short pain
Well done is quickly done. Augustus Caesar 63 B.C. – A.D. 14 Some time ago, I was at a business conference where the chairman of a hundred million dollar company was explaining a business principle. It’s a very valid concept and applies not only to business but to our everyday … [ Continue Reading ]
Stop asking how
The fourth commitment is the hardest for most people. It’s to persist and have the patience to hang in there long enough to make steady progress. Change doesn’t happen overnight. Roger K. Allen I’m continually asked questions along these lines: How can I find my ideal mate? How can I … [ Continue Reading ]
Making choices
If you don’t like what’s happening, you have to consciously make new choices about how to think, feel and act. Roger Allen A few years ago, a young lady and I were talking about some issues in her life. She was having trouble accepting responsibility for her part in these … [ Continue Reading ]