Category Archive: Encouragement

Confront the Lies of Comfort

Problems persist because we prefer comforting stories over painful realities.

Leaders tell soothing stories that prolong problems.

“I care more than others,” excuses micromanagement.

“I have high standards,” hides a critical spirit.

The best thing you can do with thorny issues is dig them out before they fester.

Stop Offering Encouragement – Do This Instead

Some people reject encouragement. You say something good. They reply with something bad. Every affirmation is met with, “Yeah, but.”

Sometimes you reject self-encouragement. You say to yourself, “You got this,” and your inner critic says, “No you don’t.”

Use curiosity to encourage people. Here’s how.

10 Ways to Climb Out of Discouragement

Encouragement matters because discouragement is real. Dark feelings give power to joy.

Climb out of discouragement by encouraging yourself. When you seek support, you are owning your encouragement.

Here’s a practical list of 10 ways to climb out of discouragement.

3 Ways Dogs and People Rise

You and I are like dogs. A kicked dog expects to be kicked. When things go bad we expect things to go bad. Passivity and anxiety are normal in the face of prolonged… Continue reading

Believe in People: The Vitality of Authentic Leadership

You’re a drummer without a band – annoying – until you believe in people. Humanity is essential to… Leaders infuse vitality into stale leadership skills when they believe in people. Let me tell… Continue reading

The Dark Night of the Soul

Everyone descends into the dark night of the soul a time or two or three. Some absorb the darkness. Others rise. This post is about the difference. The difference between everyday blues and… Continue reading