We’ve all heard the saying you don’t get a second chance to make a good first impression. But whether we’re at a bar, a baseball game, or in the boardroom, most of us probably don’t know how to take advantage of that first and only opportunity to become a positive blip on someone’s radar. And trust me, that strong first … Read More
The Four Components of a First impression
The Art of Negotiation: How to Make Win-Win Deals
Several years ago, we decided to have our website redone. We went about it like real pros – or so we thought. But instead, it turned into a real mess. Not because of the design company we hired to set it up (they were great). And not because we were a particularly difficult client (ok, maybe a little). But because … Read More
in Art of Business
How to 10x Your Decision-Making Skills
Years ago, I had to make a decision: Continue my Ph.D., or pursue my desire to help people develop their social skills. One option would lead to a stable and secure life, and it would be in a job I didn’t enjoy. The other path was filled with uncertainty, but I’d be doing something I was passionate about. Since you … Read More
in Art of Personal Development
My Partner Feels Criticized
“Why do you ALWAYS leave the cabinets open? I walk into the kitchen and feel like I’m Vanna freakin’ White, helping a contestant solve a puzzle in here!” I say to my husband, Mark. I say it with a little bit of a laugh, but he knows and I know that I’m giving him shit. “You could just ask me … Read More
in Art of Dating, Marriage & Relationships
The Five Love Languages
In 1992, Dr. Gary Chapman published “The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate”. His book sparked a new way of thinking about love by outlining five ways to express and experience love that Chapman calls “Love Languages”. It was so wildly successful that it’s been a bestseller ever since and created many spin-off books, including … Read More
in Art of Personal Development
Best Buds Need Boundaries
Let’s imagine a situation we are all familiar with… You’ve made plans to meet a friend for lunch and you’re sitting at the table waiting. Your stomach starts to grumble. He was supposed to be here ten minutes ago! “That’s okay,” you think to yourself, “he probably hit traffic or got tied up at work.” Another ten minutes go by. … Read More
in Art of Personal Development
How to Know When It’s Time for Change & Two Tips for Transformation
Usually, before you even get into self-development, you’re inspired to make a change because of some external force. You’ve gone through a breakup, missed promotion at work, or moved to a new town and can’t make any friends. You’ve seen your life play out on repeat. The same actions, leading to the same results and — unfortunately, those results aren’t … Read More
in Art of Personal Development
Lisa Wimberger On How to Beat Social Anxiety
Consider this, you’ve been invited to an acquaintance’s party where you know very few people. You end up arriving to a horde of strangers. You don’t know anyone there. Or maybe it’s a work event with all the top executives you report to and you are the brand new person on the team. It might even be that you find … Read More
in Art of Personal Development
Applied Empathy & Leadership with Michael Ventura
Are you willing to change your point of view? It’s a simple question, but it can take people a lifetime to consider. My work as a systems thinker has led me to explore a variety of methodologies, approaches, and frameworks geared at helping those considering this question to arrive at an answer. Through this work, I’ve found no approach has … Read More
in Art of Personal Development, Self Mastery
Talk to Anyone and Build Connections
It’s human nature to want to connect, yet many people struggle forming strong bonds. We put ourselves out there, break the ice, and start conversations, but then what? How can we take these conversations to the next level and build real connection? Instant connection? Many people think that connection happens rapidly and you need to instantly form a bond with … Read More
in Art of Personal Development, Making Friends