Here’s a question I’ve been trying to answer: does talent—natural talent—really exist? I don’t believe so. My wife, on the other hand, disagrees. My guess: others reading this also disagree. That’s okay—I’m enjoying my quest.

In June of last year, I received an unexpected gift. I graduated from high school in 1998. Growing up, my dad’s job required our family to move around a bit. I had the gift of going to two different high schools: one in Michigan and one in California. As a result…

I’ve been speaking in front of crowds for the past 20 years. Twenty years in, I’m still waiting for the night I go to bed before a presentation — totally ready — and sleep like a baby. I’m also still waiting for the day I wake up the morning of a presentation — totally ready — without a worry in the world. At this point, though, after 20 years, I don’t know if I’ll ever be totally ready. But, I sure have learned how to get ready.

I recently came across this quote:

We shall not cease from exploration
And the end of all our exploring
Will be to arrive where we started
And know the place for the first time.

-T.S. Eliot

It smacked me in the face this morning.

Unfortunately, it’s not the other way around: motivation doesn’t generate action. Especially over the long-haul. Kind of ironic how that works out. The more action we take toward something — i.e., the more committed we are — the more motivated we become. I guess it’s along the lines of what George Mack argues, “momentum is a mind-altering drug.”

I turned 45 on February 9, 2025. Yikes! For some reason, this one seemed OLD. Maybe it’s because I clearly remember my 40th birthday— and that seems like a blink ago. Or, maybe it’s because my 4-year-old son said to me—just a few days before my birthday—“Dad, you’re gonna go up and see God when you’re 50.”

Gosh, I might have just dug myself into a deep hole with that title. I’ll see if I can climb my way out. No promises.

I’m passionate about coaching. I’m passionate about what coaching can do for others. And, I’m passionate about how coaching, when working with someone GREAT, can be a transformational process—directly and indirectly.

This is where YOUR INPUT IS NEEDED:

If you currently work with an athletic coach, or have worked with an athletic coach at some point in your life, who you consider to be GREAT, I would love to speak with you.

I’m likely just another typical human being in search of the hack. I guess I find the search—the process—for the hack thrilling. As such, I was recently motivated to purchase Inner Excellence by Jim Murphy…

LAWN UPDATE

I used to be part of a local cycling team. Every Tuesday and Thursday the team met for a 40-mile bike ride. There was an individual on the team — not the best, but certainly up there — who had a presence about him. He was a leader. When he spoke…

There’s a magical container over at the Eden Prairie Community Center. It’s abundant with little vessels key to fulfilling basic human psychological needs that fuel satisfaction and enjoyment. Every day one can go there and pick up one of those vessels, open it up…

I’m all about goals. We have to set them—firmly plant them—and then let go. Immerse ourselves in the process. Get curious about what will happen. The latter part—letting go—being the hardest part.

Every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday I swim. I’m lucky to be part of a masters swim program that has a coached practiced Monday through Friday from 6-7am. Ideally, I get to the pool deck around…

I could try to say this better. I can’t. More often than not, we just need to listen…

Last week I was working with a client. 40 years old. Vice President. Things got heavy. Emotional. “How can I still not know what I’m striving for—what I want to be when I grow up? It seems like it’s too late.”

I came. I saw. I conquered. I’m currently sitting on a plane on my way back from Denver to Minneapolis. In May, a client reached out to do a team development session with their senior executive team. At the time, I immediately said…

About 2 months ago, my swim coach came back from Australia proudly sporting a new pair of Budgy Smugglers. I had never heard of the swim suit company before and couldn’t stop laughing when…

As you move into this week, I’ll offer you this: “If you choose not to find joy in the snow, you will have less joy in your life, but the same amount of snow.” Being at choice is a powerful tool. We—you—are at choice!

In August of 2023, my wife and I bought our first home. This was a momentous occasion as the two of us were used to moving from rental to rental every 2 years or so. Home ownership has been such a wonderful experience—the pride that comes with…

On Monday, I was out for a run in Dallas, TX. When I’m traveling for work it can get challenging to find a pool. And, that’s what I love about running: all I need is a pair of shoes, some shorts, a t-shirt, and the great outdoors. There really are no excuses. Since September, I've had a heavy focus on swimming. Walking out the hotel door…