Value and Validation

Put 100 employees in a room, and the only thing everyone would likely agree on is that they would like to be paid more.

But there is something else we all want at work and beyond. We want to feel valued, respected, and assured that what we do matters.

Sometimes difficult people simply feel unseen. You can strengthen almost any relationship by sincerely acknowledging someone’s effort, input, or presence.

Take a few seconds today to let someone know they matter.

The Best Marketing Tactic

The best marketing tactic is to do the most remarkable, kick-ass job at whatever you were already hired to do. Treat it like it's the most important thing you're doing. Even when you're donating your time to a worthy cause.

I use the word "remarkable" intentionally. Be so good that people can't help but remark, re-hire and refer you.

For some businesses, this brings more predictable and respected business than any highway billboard.

Perspective on Unhappiness

For many of us, first world unhappiness is caused by an unreasonable attachment to things to always go our way.

We know intellectually that not everyone will agree with or even like us. We know more "stuff" will not make us happier. And we've been told since childhood that life's not always fair.

You're not unhappy because there's heavy traffic...but because you think there shouldn't be. Or there shouldn't be today. Or on this road. Or for you.