Roger Ferguson, C.E.O of TIAA-CREF, the retirement services provider, is a huge believer in personal responsibility. So am I! The first thing I do with a new client or business is to make sure they own everything in their lives regardless of how difficult that might be. Our parents and early environment may shape who we were but what we become rests upon taking ownership of who we are, our strengths, weaknesses and all the rest. Determining to change what we don’t like and develop ourselves by constantly learning and growing is how will become what we want. read more

I am a huge Gabriel Cousens fan. An M.D (psychiatrist), accomplished author, homeopath, and deeply spiritual being (enlightened), he exemplifies creativity, knowledge, grace, and contribution. His Tree of Life Foundation in Arizona offers all kinds of experiences and knowledge on nutrition, meditation, spirituality as well as a host of other important perspectives on living a healthy, successful life! His books science, spirit, and nutrition are profound. When I read his book Spiritual Nutrition several years ago after going through a devastating health crisis that cost me my health, my business, my self-esteem, my relationship and much more, I finally realized what had happened to me. Dr. Cousens is a true genius! In his words,”I am at peace in my body, mind, family, community, ecology, and with God.” Thank you Dr. Cousens! read more

The cover article for the Sports Sunday section of this weekend’s New York Times features excerpts from ‘Cycle of Lies’ Juliet Macur’s new book on Lance Armstrong. Reading this story reminds me of several conversations I had with a professional riding coach when I lived in New Mexico in 1997. It was obvious then that the culture of professional cycling was so corrupt that Lance had to be cheating. I used to share that belief with others well before it became obvious to the world. The challenge for all of us who try to live with high integrity is what to do when everyone around you is cheating? For a competitive cyclist to succeed then you simply had to cheat. If you didn’t, someone else would and that would put you at a significant disadvantage not just in terms of winning but around fame, fortune, and your ability to make a living at the sport you loved. read more

Manuel Pires, an emigrant from Portugal and Connecticut entrepreneur, bought his own vineyard in Napa Valley in 2006. This weekend’s Wall Street Journal Off Duty section article is an interesting read! I lived in a guest house on a vineyard in Sonoma for several months back in 2007. Wine country is extraordinarily peaceful and intoxicating! The couple whom we rented the cottage from had fled the intensity of Silicon Valley for the serenity of Sonoma. However, the process of creating your own label is quite expensive and challenging. This story by Lettie Teague does a nice job of highlighting the fundamentals involved. Like most successful businesses, creating your own label  takes a combination of perseverance, hard work, and some luck! And yet, for some like Mr. Pires, it’s clearly a soul fit!! read more

An athlete I’m coaching texted me the image below with the quote. One of the many keys to living successfully is to integrate mind and heart! Many people have a tough time doing so, especially if they work in fast paced, ultra competitive environments like professional sports or big business. Part of the reason I spend so much time coaching others to be more present is that by spending more and more time in the here and now people gradually acquire the ability to integrate head and heart more fully! Presence is the magic that allows us to use our minds in the service of our hearts as we learn to slow down enough to both hear and listen! read more