Planning for Serendipity

Yesterday in conversation I was describing how a certain event in my life came about and realized that many if not all of my major milestones happened by chance– or at least that’s the way I think about them. My college major, my best jobs, meeting my husband, our home in Italy. I stumbled upon […]

What Keeps You Committed?

A number of years ago at a training I learned about a Personality Quadrant that divided people into groups based on 2 scales— whether they were formal or informal and dominant or easygoing. At the time I was sort of borderline between two types and trying to narrow it down. The instructor said that one […]

It’s Not the Decision That’s Tough, It’s the Aftermath.

In my last post I asked what kinds of decisions were the toughest for you to make. Big thanks to those of you who responded to my request. I received very useful feedback. I thought I was going to help people who found decision-making difficult, with an if-this-then-that kind of tree, or with explanations about urgency […]

What If You’re Wrong About Being Wrong?

Do you automatically assume that if someone does something differently, that you’re doing it wrong? When I arrive somewhere early and no one else is there yet I think, “Did I get the day right? Is this where we’re supposed to meet?” I’m always more comfortable when someone else shows up. It reassures me I’m in […]

An Antidote To Self Pity

I got bad news this morning. I missed an opportunity because someone hadn’t heard from me and went with another person.

But I had responded immediately! The email did not arrive (or she missed it).

I had done everything right.
It’s not fair.
It’s not my fault.