The Power of Reputation: The Brian Solis Effect

My mind has just been blown. First let me start by saying this – I think Brian Solis is brilliant. Not that obtuse, out of reach brilliance reserved for the Einsteins of the world, but real, everyday, brilliance. Brian has the uncanny ability to break down ideas into easily digestible bits, and present them in such a way that you smack your forehead and say “I knew that to be true, I just couldn’t articulate it.” I love his books, I admire the way his brain works, and I love reading the content he publishes on Social Media Today.

10 Years Later: Remembering Sean Lugano on September 11th

This time of year, I have an ugly habit to obsessively review video of the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001. It’s the same thing every year. I watch the first plane hit, then the second, then I watch the towers collapse. Over and over. I try to find new angles that I may have missed last year. I relive every moment, I usually cry. I pick at the scab, and let it bleed a little each year.

What I’ve Learned:

In Esquire magazine they have a section dedicated to something called “What I’ve Learned“. This is my favorite section of the magazine. You can gobble up some poignant tips on life in those pages. The format is very simple, conversational even. It’s assumed that you already understand where this person is coming from – whether they be an actor, politician, or civilian. Some are humorous, and some are tearjerkers. Mostly they follow the same pattern regarding commentary by the featured personality regarding the following topics: Sex, Death, Parenting, Faith, Aging, Power, Money.

Invictus

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
William Ernest Henley

100 Things I’m Grateful For

As the short work week winds down, and we begin to prepare for the festivities for Thanksgiving, I thought it might be interesting to take a step back to reflect upon the true essence of what Thanksgiving is all about. I got to thinking about how lucky I am, and about all of the people, and things I’m grateful for in my life. Here’s my list of 100 things I’m grateful for – I encourage you to do the same. You’ll be shocked how many good things there are in your life. Use this as a tool to help to keep you on track when you feel like things aren’t going your way, or when you feel like there’s nothing in life to be grateful for. Add to the list as you go. I started this list as the 50 things that I’m grateful for and I couldn’t stop. I’m truly blessed. Happy Thanksgiving everyone.