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, or click through the “Categories…” sidebar for articles on specific topics of interest.
Articles represent the most recent content in five most-read topics – kind of a greatest hits in applied happiness. The Blog section below it is a straight feed of ALL my articles, listed from newest to oldest. There are hundreds of posts, going back to 2008 – so if you’re intent on exploring the unfiltered blog at length, you might want to access it on this alternate page, so you won’t have to scroll past this intro and the Articles section every time you load another page of older posts.
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 jim@theexecutivehappinesscoach.com 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:
Happiness is Watching Your Child Succeed, Part 2
I am so excited! My oldest son got engaged last weekend to a wonderful young woman who makes him very happy. In the improbable manner of the world, Justin (from Cleveland) met Katie (from Pittsburgh) while they were attending a Second City Improv workshop (in Chicago) two summers ago. Apparently it was love at first sight. … Read more
Happiness is Seeing Your Child Succeed
Last week I was privileged to attend Kent State University’s annual Student Awards night. At this event the university recognizes the accomplishments of its many student leaders and student organizations; it also serves as the transition point for all Undergraduate Student Government (USG) positions. During the past school year our youngest son, Jared, was a … Read more
Questioning the Need for Answers
I fear that one of the biggest obstacles to solving our world’s many problems is that we’ve become a society where, if you don’t have THE answer — and the CORRECT answer — on the first pass, you are labeled ineffective. You are a failure if you don’t have the answer. I got to thinking … Read more
Nothing is Good or Bad
“…there is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.” Hamlet, Act II Scene 2 This quote from Shakespeare is one of my all-time favorites… and defines a foundational element of my coaching practice and life philosophy. Events are just events. Stuff happens. That’s it. THEN…we create a story to explain that event. … Read more
Read more articles like this one in: Executive Coaching, In the workplace, Leadership, Practicing Happiness, Relationships
Happiness and the No-Soda Diet
So, I ran into a friend of mine at the YMCA today. I see him from behind fairly often, as I walk past the treadmills that he so loves, but it’s been awhile since we chatted face to face. There was something different about him. Hmmm. I could not, at first, figure it out. Oh! … Read more
The Choices You Choose
Michael J Fox has been in the media a lot. He’s written a new book and is doing a promotional tour. You may recall that he walked away from acting many years ago when he went public with his battle with early-onset Parkinson’s disease. He’s since become an activist for stem-cell research into neurological disorders. … Read more
Communicating Unhappy News
As more and more companies must make the difficult decision to reduce staff and send people packing, I’ve had many leaders come to me and ask for advice on what to tell people when they ask questions. When people suspect a lay off is pending, they shift into constant anxiety. Yet too many top leaders, … Read more
Read more articles like this one in: Communication, Executive Coaching, In the workplace, Leadership
Tough Choice
I could not resist pulling this two-minute video onto my blog. It resonated with me because, of all the leadership challenges that come up in coaching and training conversations, this is the most common area of concern (I can’t tell you more without giving away the twist). This is part of a new series of … Read more
Read more articles like this one in: Communication, Executive Coaching, In the workplace, Leadership
Happiness is Making Do With What You Have
It is a gray, dreary day. Neither of us wants to grocery shop in the rain. Yet, we must eat something. On the counter we assemble all the fresh food remaining in the house: 1 lb of carrots 3 large yams 4 overripe tomatoes 1/2 pint of mushrooms 1/2 bag of frozen corn 2 apples … Read more
Happiness is Standing On My Head
I finally did it! After months of practice and preparation, I finally managed to execute a full headstand! OK, I could only hold it for a few seconds, but this was HUGE for me. I’ve had to overcome my fear of falling as well as the “story” I told myself about how I “can’t” balance … Read more