Why You Need to Stop Asking For Permission

Why You Need to Stop Asking For Permission

I had lunch with a friend today. She told me she wished there were other people in her industry that used social media to promote what they were doing. I told her to be the first. I told her not to ask for permission and do it. She cringed at first, and but after she saw the beads of sweat build up on my upper lip and realized that I was dead serious with my advice she perked up. Here’s what I told her:

How to Know You’re On the Right Path

How to Know You’re On the Right Path

Two years ago, my Father had come home from the hospital and was settling in for the evening. Leaving his room that night, I kissed him and told him I loved him. He called to me. “Christopher!” I turned, standing in the doorway and replied: “yeah Dad?” He said, “keep up the good work.” I replied, “ok, Dad.”

I sort of chuckled to myself at the absurdity of the comment. No context. A simple directive. I didn’t think much of it and went about my evening. Those would be the last words my Father would ever speak to me.

It’s difficult to write that sentence. It was two years ago, and as I write this I can feel a deep swell of emotion in my chest. I used to run from that emotion. Dad was ill for six years. I didn’t allow myself to feel the terror of his terminal diagnosis of ALS-Lou Gehrig’s disease.

I drank a scotch to numb the pain. I worked too much to avoid speaking about my pain with my wife. I lost myself.

5 Simple Ways To Make a Powerful First Impression

5 Simple Ways To Make a Powerful First Impression

On Sunday the New York Yankees will retire Derek Jeter’s number. When I heard the news, I began reminiscing about July 9, 2011, when I had the opportunity to meet the Yankee legend.

It was only hours before Jeter smashed his 3,000th career hit at Yankee Stadium. I was on the field that day because of my father, Adrian Dessi. At the time, Dad was living with ALS–Lou Gehrig’s disease–and was about to throw out the first pitch for the game.

Here’s How to Tell When It’s Time to Quit

Here’s How to Tell When It’s Time to Quit

By definition entrepreneurs are not quitters. We persevere, push through barriers and succeed. But the most successful know when it’s time to quit.

When I say quit, I don’t mean throwing in the towel and giving up. That’s not it at all. It’s deciding to go a different direction.

We can often get caught up in the well thought-out plan but sometimes, actually, often times, change is good. Those who can embrace the change are the ones who will achieve their goals.

This Billionaire CEO’s Trick for Managing Emails Will Make You Incredibly Productive

This Billionaire CEO’s Trick for Managing Emails Will Make You Incredibly Productive

Do you feel overwhelmed by the number of emails constantly flooding your inbox? You’re not alone. It’s estimated that 269 billion emails are sent daily. An office worker receives an average of 121 emails per day. Yikes.

Sometimes I feel powerless when I stare at my inbox. It’s a constant game of whack-a-mole. I delete one, three pop up. I respond to three, five more pop up.

Will it ever end?

The bad news: Probably not.
The good news: There’s a trick that can help you tame the email beast!

10 Powerful Things You Need to Do Alone

10 Powerful Things You Need to Do Alone

There are many major decisions in life where you should consult the wisest people you know. There are other, profound things you need to do on your own.

Your success hinges on being able to trust your personal intellect and intuition. Looking to your own abilities to guide you through your most pivotal life moments.

Here are ten things you should trust to nobody other than yourself: