The Happiness Equation

Is happiness a choice?  Is it predictable?  It would seem so, in the view of happiness expert, Mo Gawdat, author of “Solve for Happy”. In fact, he has a Happiness Equation. His experience with losing his son in a tragic event, distilled a complex truth into a simple realization: the journey to happiness or unhappiness is seldom straightforward. He argues that happiness isn’t about external events but our reactions to them. For example, rain can cause happiness or unhappiness depending on our desires in that moment — when you want to water plants, rain makes you happy. If you want to sunbathe, it’s got the opposite effect.

A perfect time to celebrate

A few days ago, my colleague Tatiana started our strategy meeting by offering us to pull a Tarot Card. Mine was 3 of Water. In Tatiana’s deck, this card is all about celebrations!  As I was reflecting on the cards’ message, I thought to myself “what is there to celebrate today? Or even this week?” […]

What differentiates toxic intensity from a healthy one?

After speaking to leaders about their experience with intense leadership and what differentiates toxic intensity from healthy intensity, the answer was invariably: humanity.  So what is humanity?It is awareness of the impact of one’s intensity on others. It is understanding that whatever is your focus, passion and perseverance, you are unlikely to achieve your mission on […]

Do you love yourself?

I mean – really love yourself. Not merely being proud of your achievements; or being able to look well after yourself; or see that you get ahead and get your share of the cake. If you are a high performing leader, chances are that self love is not your greatest strength. You have arrived at […]

Do you lead with Forgiveness?

Most people think that forgiveness is an act of weakness, but what’s really true is that it takes an immense amount of strength to forgive.   Why is forgiving so hard for us? Because we are slow to accept our own failures, setbacks, and disappointments with courage and grace.  Forgiveness is one of the 24-character strengths in […]

The power of appreciation

Last fall, for two and a half months, my husband was working far away from home. He took on a job as expedition guide on an adventure cruise ship which was navigating from the Great Lakes of North America, down the Pacific to the southern tip of Argentina. From there he was on several expeditions […]