Attitude and Mindset
Keep Things Fresh By Creating A “New” Day
We all have things that we have to do on a regular basis. We do them over and over and risk falling into a rut. It’s just as easy to fall into a comfort zone and stay there. Whether you’re in a rut or staying in your comfort zone, you need …
Has The “Extra Mile” Gotten Shorter?
When The Modern Observer Group launched a new newsletter a mistake was made. The e-mail system sent the newsletter template out while it was being set up. So a portion of our list received a half done newsletter two weeks before it was supposed to laun…
It’s Not About Being Liked
There have been a number of studies in gender diversity showing that when people to something generally considered to be normal for the opposite gender, they are found to be less likable. This has been cited as something that has to be overcome in the …
Build A Network That Challenges Your Point Of View
When your network is mostly people whose backgrounds and skill sets are similar to yours, it’s unlikely to help you find new ideas or creative solutions. Diversify your network by connecting with people whose viewpoints, insights, and experiences diffe…
The Solution to a Tough Problem Isn’t to Overthink It
We all like to consider ourselves smart, but raw intelligence isn’t everything. When we get stuck on a problem, sometimes it’s because we’re overthinking it. Pay attention to when focused thinking isn’t getting you anywhere; perhaps it has turned into …
Stress Doesn’t Have to Short-Circuit Your Creativity
When you’re stressed out, it’s hard to decide what to eat for dinner, let alone get work done. How can you produce ideas when you’re feeling this way? First, take a breath and relax. Trying to force yourself to be creative will only lead to more frustr…
Build Relationships Around What You Care About
When business people network, they tend to look for people with complimentary jobs or people in their target markets. While this is a good short-term way to connect with people, if you want to build lasting relationships you should connect around topic…
Be Lazy
Every book and article on success tells you that you have to get things done, get started, get moving, etc. We’re going to postulate that the true key to success is to be lazy. In all fairness, we’re not talking about procrastinating or spe…
What’s For Breakfast?
What’s a typical breakfast? Eggs and bacon? Coffee and muffin? Cereal? How about rice and beans? Americans have a narrow definition of what a breakfast food is. Elsewhere in the world the definitions are different. Rice is big all around the worl…
Learn Something New to Relieve Some Stress
Many people handle work stress by buckling down and powering through. But that’s not a great way to actually relieve your anxiety. Instead, Harvard Business School recommends that you try reframing the stressful situation as a learning opportunity. Lea…