When it comes to a tough sell, patience really is a virtue. Shortly after I returned from Vietnam, I joined an Army Reserve unit to help pay for my doctoral studies. I was then given command of the unit, which meant that I was responsible for everything regarding that unit, including recruiting. The unit I…
Several weeks ago, five of my wife’s cousins from Iowa who she hadn’t seen in more than 50 years, came to Phoenix for a visit. None of us had any expectations and each of us wondered how the week would go. It turned out to be the most fun week we’ve ever experienced. What made…
Not only is caring an important self-interest for many people, there is also an incredible payoff associated with it. During my last year as a professor at Arizona State University, the faculty development office undertook a project to assist faculty members to become better teachers. The project involved identifying the seventy-five best teachers on the…
Several years ago, I did some consulting work for the sales organization of a large pharmaceutical company. These sales people were very concerned with the fact that one of their new products wasn’t selling very well. The product was a timed-release patch for managing pain that was used by chemotherapy patients. This product was an…
A friend of mine posted this set of life rules on Facebook. They are so succinct and dead-on that I felt compelled to share them with you. Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up your present. What others think of you is none of your business. Time heals almost anything, give it…
Author, Harvey Mackay, posted a column recently in The Arizona Republic where he said if you don’t want this year to look like last year, the time to start making changes is now. As Mr. Mackay put it, “Start by taking charge of your life. It’s not easy, but it is necessary if you want to make…
Through the help of a Facebook Friend, I came across an article written by Eric Barker which was posted on time.com. It’s about four personal rituals that neuroscience has concluded make us happy. One of these rituals is touching people—shaking hands, pats on the back, phone calls and, most importantly, hugs. According to Mr. Barker,…
Angie Ferguson, an exercise physiologist from Fort Myers, FL wrote an article titled, 4 Simple Goals to Commit to in 2017, which appeared in a recent issue of the Arizona Republic. These resolutions are so simple that even I can keep them, yet they produce lots of lasting long-term health benefits. They are: Drink more…
International author and speaker, actor, playwright and former railroad executive, Art Fettig will turn 88 this coming July. Someone recently asked him what his goals were for 2017. He responded by quoting a phrase an old Bee Gees song: “stayin’ alive.” By saying “stayin’ alive,” Art didn’t mean merely to continue to exist. Rather, his…
A subscriber sent me an email regarding an act of kindness she had performed. It contains an important lesson and I’d like to share it with you. “About 2 weeks ago, I was at the dentist for my semiannual cleaning. I’ve seen the same hygienist and assistant for years. It was really cold here at…