This page is divided into two somewhat lengthy sections: Articles, then Blog. You can use the search function (the magnifying glass icon at right in the nav bar) to search for articles and blog posts on specific topics of your own interest.
Articles:
I welcome you to use these articles individually and/or reprint them in your own publication. Feel free to edit the articles to best fit the needs of your readers, but be sure to follow these guidelines for reprinting procedures:
- When you download the article, please email [email protected] with your intent to use.
- Include Jim’s bio just as it appears at the end of each article.
- Send Jim one copy of the e-zine or item it is published in.
Everyday Happiness
- Act Happy Week 2023, Day 5: Self-Expression
- Act Happy Week 2023, Day 4: Self-Talk
- Act Happy Week 2023, Day 3: Self-Work
- Act Happy Week 2023, Day 2: Self-Care
5 Prescriptions for Happiness (downloadable PDF)
Strategies for Personal Change
- Book Reviews – Top 2 for ’21
- Done is Better than Perfect
- ThanksGETTING – How do you receive a Gift?
- I GOT A BALLOON!
Leadership and Workplace
- How To Ask For Coaching
- ThanksGETTING – How do you receive a Gift?
- Three Simple Rules
- ACT HAPPY WEEK, DAY 5: WHAT’S THE ONE THING?
Happiness Principles
- #6: Tolerate Nothing (downloadable PDF)
Annual Planning Kits
- Jim’s Annual Planning Kit for Couples (downloadable PDF)
- Jim’s Annual Planning Kit for Individuals (downloadable PDF)
Blog posts:
Tips To Create an Unhappy Workforce
Most employees are already Unhappy, so it doesn’t take much effort to nudge them into Insecurity, as well. Here’s a quick reminder of how easy it is to keep your ungrateful subordinates in their place: under your control.** Keep Them Guessing. Tell them nothing that’s not essential to their tiny little jobs. First, it’s none of their … Read more
Exercises to Strengthen Your Emotional Muscles
If you are in a management role, it’s highly likely that you are one of the smartest people in your organization. But smart does not always transfer to “successful.” 67% of the long-term success of a leader is predicted by Emotional Intelligence, or your ability to notice and manage your own emotions, read others’ emotions, and … Read more
You Won’t Be Good At What You Don’t Do
You would probably not expect to place well in a swimming event if you only got into the pool once in six months. And if you need to generate custom reports from that new software, you’ll probably seek training and experience to increase your comfort with the programming parameters. When you engage in anything on a frequent basis, … Read more
Focus on the Vital Few Priorities to Improve Your Productivity
How much of your stress comes from trying to juggle too many roles, goals, and projects simultaneously? If you’re like many people, you expect a lot – of self and others – on the job. While you may have a dozen or more items on your project list, remember that the maximum most people can juggle … Read more
If you’re not uncomfortable, you’re not leading
People don’t like to be uncomfortable. I cannot recall the last time I had a conversation with a leader where the subject of “difficult conversations” about performance did not come up as one of their most feared situations. Second to that is concern about telling people that “change is coming.” Meanwhile, we face the reality that … Read more
Down Time is Productive Time
Have you ever watched an auto race? Cars chase around the track at high speeds and occasionally pull into the Pit. The car gets jacked up and instantly the Pit Crew swarm the car like ants on a sugar cookie. For a few minutes there is a whirlwind of non-stop activity as drills spin, bolts fly, … Read more
Is Your Open Door Policy Killing You?
My executive clients often tell me they have great difficulty with strategy time. The issue usually presents itself like this: “I can’t find the time to think when I’m constantly being interrupted.” OK, why are you constantly being interrupted? “We have an Open Door Policy, and people stop by constantly to talk with me.” What does … Read more
You’re never too old to learn and grow (I hope!)
“Our ability to grow is directly proportional to our ability to entertain the uncomfortable.” ~Twyla Tharp, The Creative Habit: Learn it and Use it for Life A recent email exchange within one of my coaching groups addressed our discomfort with being stretched outside our comfort zone. I share this story with (the author) Carole’s permission: “A few … Read more
Change Starts With YOU
New habits can be tough to introduce to the workplace. People like predictability. When you show up differently – even if the change is for the better – it is still different, and you may feel pressure from others to go back to how you were “before.” Still, change starts with you. Choose a specific situation, conversation, … Read more
Nothing is Good or Bad
Events are just events. Stuff happens. That’s it. THEN we create a story to explain that event. We interpret what happened and make up reasons why it happened, and our “story” evokes an emotional response from us. Suddenly an event is labeled good, bad, ugly, and we feel sadness, optimism, fear, anger, appreciation, frustration, concern… … Read more