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In the past few months, I’ve heard numerous people use the term “Bullshit Artist” in reference to certain individuals. And my personal policy is, whenever I hear a new word or phrase more than three times in three months, I research it. So, according to Dictionary.com, UrbanDictionary.com and MyDictionary.com – and some helpful tweeters who shared their insights (thanks!) – the most prevalent definitions of a Bullshit Artist are:…

In the beginning, there was a question: “What do you do that brings people back for more of YOU?” Dixie, my great friend, personal coach and consummate butt-kicker, recently asked me that question. And after thinking about the philosophy surrounding it, here’s what I’ve come up with: The best way to earn repeat business is to make yourself, your brand and your value more revisitable. So, whether you’re an…

Read Part 1 of this post here! 38. Never apologize for ordering dessert. Especially if the menu offers one of those chocolate volcano brownie thingies. (Insert Homer Simpson drooling sound.) 39. Never apologize for pulling your triggers for joy. Screw it. If it makes you happy, do it. Unless strangling people with Ethernet cables makes you happy. 40. Never apologize for reclaiming what is rightfully yours. There’s a difference…

1. Never apologize for acting on your instincts. Listening to your body – then taking action on what you hear – is the hallmark of heroic people. 2. Never apologize for all the tears you’ve cried. Crying cleanses the soul. Shoot for once a month. Even if it’s just a brief mist at a tender moment in a sad movie. 3. Never apologize for anything in your portfolio. If…

Pablo Neruda once said, “You are the result of yourself.” When I first read that sentence, the architecture of my heart changed forever. You are the result of yourself. Wow. Since then, I’ve been thinking deeply about that very idea – and what it means to me. As a writer. As a leader. As a human being. Ultimately, I was so inspired by Neruda’s poem that I decided to…

You can only darken people’s doorsteps so many times. Eventually, the goal is to position yourself so THEY pursue YOU. THEY meaning prospects ready to buy from you. THEY meaning followers prepared to be inspired by you. THEY meaning the media excited about interviewing you. THEY meaning key players interesting in partnering with you. THEY meaning customers stoked about doing business with you. Because – as much as you’d…

Who’s in hot pursuit of you? Professionally, that is. I don’t want this to turn into another episode of Cops. Anyway, if the answer is, “Not enough people,” consider these six strategies for becoming a more pursuable professional: 1. Be beautiful to listen to. Consider the last five vendors you’ve hired. Or the last five colleagues you’ve partnered with. Hell, even consider the last five people you’ve dated. Question:…

1. Look first at what you’re not facing.. “When our lives are not working, there is always at least one thing we’re not facing,” wrote Gay Hendricks in Conscious Living, “and looking away from what you need to face burns more energy than actually facing it.” Ultimately, evading responsibility means claiming victimhood. A healthier perspective is to step back from your current problem, turn toward what needs to be…

1. Attention without conversion is narcissism. Attention for the sake of attention feeds your ego. Attention for the sake of conversion – that is, building a following through your permission asset so your movement (not product) can make people’s lives better – feeds your wallet. The choice is yours. Remember: It’s not about the number of eyeballs that see you – it’s how much clearer those eyeballs can see…

1. Attitude is the best asset. Especially in a down economy. My challenge to you is to approach recessions as opportunities to renew resourcefulness. By blaming the economy you evade responsibility and continue to NOT taking action. Instead, believe that greatness is near. Believe that behind every problem there’s a question trying to ask itself. And next time someone asks you, “Do these pants make my RUT look big?”…