A team of Standford researchers has concluded that cyclical breathing improves mood and reduces stress more than mindfulness meditation. Having taught both for over twenty years, I don’t think the comparison is fair. Allow me to explain. Breathing is a Foundational Practice When I teach people how to relax and meditate, I usually start with…

In 1956, The Strangest Secret was the first spoken word record to sell over one million copies. It got a Gold Record and launched the fields of business motivation and audio publishing. …

Here’s a common refrain when things don’t go as planned: “I should have done this. I should have done that. I should’ve, I should’ve, I should’ve….” As Tony Robbins put it so elegantly, “people should all over themselves.” What follows is usually internal emotional bashing that can be avoided. Allow…

One of my most-read articles on Medium this year was about intention goals. The idea is relatively simple. Instead of focusing on outcomes or habit creation, you focus on intentions and take situationally appropriate actions. The Stem To recap the article, you use the following stem to create intention goals for all…

There are two primary ways to grow. One is to transcend and include. The other is to transcend and repress. Allow me to explain the difference. Growing Up From Using Toys At one time or another, nearly everyone transcends the use of toys. …

A healthy sense of self-worth should be innate and unlinked to behavior. Self-worth says: I have permission to be here. I am worthy no matter what I do. I was in my early twenties when I was first introduced to this revolutionary idea. “You mean I am worthy just for…

“Do you plan everything or do you live in the moment?” I was at an Indian restaurant in Austin recently when I overheard this question. Although I didn’t say anything to the couple playing twenty questions, internally, I answered: Both. There is no paradox. One aids the other. Symbiotic Relationship As a…

Most people are too hard on themselves. That is a general consensus statement. Friends, family, clients and workshop participants all nod their heads in agreement when someone utters those words. Yeah, we are too hard on ourselves. The paradox is that people are also too easy on themselves. They are…

Having something to work toward gives life purpose and meaning. In this article, I will explore three distinct types of goals. Each of them has the potential to enrich your life in its own way. #1 Outcome-Oriented Goals The first type is what most people think of when they engage in goal setting…