The idea of establishing a resolution or intention for the year is a good one in theory. After all, where your focus goes, energy flows. The problem with many resolutions is that they’re often based on a deficit perspective or a negative frame. Lose 10 lbs. Exercise more. Spend more time with kids. Save more money. Lots of...

From the hundreds of mentoring partnerships I’ve witnessed in programs ranging from the tech industry to education to triathlon to government to community development, the single biggest factor in relationship breakdown is unclear expectations and lack of alignment on how to carry out the relationship. Same is true for informal, naturally...

When asked to reflect on relationships that have made a difference in their lives, many people think about their mentoring relationships. However, like other work and personal relationships, mentoring relationships fall along a continuum ranging from high quality to dysfunctional. Research has shown that one determining attribute of high...

“End. Hurry.” After writing the first post about slowing down (which I’ve since renamed “Version 1“) it occurred to me that there’s another interpretation. “What are you waiting for?” One of those dualities that makes life entertaining…how to slow down and hurry up at the same...

“End. Hurry.” I saw these words painted on the road while on my bike just ouside Killbear Provincial Park in Central Ontario. I assume they were in reference to some type of road race however it struck me that as we scurry around in our daily activities, it’s like we’re hurrying to get to the end. Our focus is on getting...

In 7th grade, there was a beautiful big tree in the schoolyard. It was just perfect for climbing. It had large limbs reaching out from the trunk the right distance apart to be able to move higher up into the tree with relative ease.

I loved climbing trees. One day I talked a friend into climbing the tree with me to eat our lunch. A short while...

Even though the world of work has changed dramatically over the past couple of decades, where long tenure and single careers have almost become a thing of the past, many people still hold the perspective that there’s one path they ‘should’ be taking. That once they find their one true calling, fulfillment and prosperity will...

You may be familiar with the term ‘the zone’ and ‘being in the zone.’ The zone, also referred to as flow, is a desirable state that fuels peak performance and lasting intrinsic motivation.

What’s possible in ‘the zone’?

When you are in the zone you are taking on something bigger that aligns with your...

Bobby McGee is one of the world’s greatest distance coaches. In his book, “Magical Running”  he focuses on the mental and spiritual aspects of peak performance, not just the itty-bitty details such as training plans, biomechanics and form. Of course these details matter, however, McGee believes that focusing...

Equanimity means being present in the moment, simply noticing what’s happening and then releasing it as the next moment unfolds. I like this simple definition of equanimity:

The art of letting things go.

We know when we’re in a state of equanimity because we feel it – calm, peace, ease, joy. It shows up on our face.

The look...