Many years ago in a small Indian village, a farmer had the misfortune of owing a large sum of money to a village moneylender. The moneylender, who was old and ugly, fancied the farmer’s beautiful daughter. So he proposed a bargain. He said he would forgive the farmer’s debt if he could marry his daughter.…
DetailsI just got a FedEx delivery. This was a new driver, and as I always do, I talked to him about his work – did he love it, did he have any dreams for something else, etc. I asked if he was an employee or an independent contractor as I know FedEx has both. Just…
DetailsYou’ve heard the story about a man riding a horse at breakneck speed. It appears he’s going someplace very important. A man standing along the roadside shouts, “Where are you going?” To which the rider yells back, “I don’t know. Ask the horse.” This seems to be essentially the story I’m hearing from lots of…
DetailsYes, that’s really the term for kids that go off to college or the great job – only to return to the safety net of Mom and Dad at some point. I recently had a May graduate describe this issue: “I live at home with my parents which isn’t exactly conducive to building a social life.…
Details“The company where I’ve worked for 30 years will be closing in March 2017. If I stay until the end I will receive a 6-month severance. How can I effectively use the next six months to position myself for a new career, and collect the severance – or is this the right approach? Thanks!” Jeff Congratulations on getting…
DetailsI once had the opportunity to meet (Apple) Dan Miller, an Amish neighbor of my Dad. He told me that years ago Dad had complained to him that his apple trees looked beautiful but weren’t producing any apples. Known far and wide for his apples, (Apple) Dan told my Dad to go home, grab a hammer…
DetailsAs you recall from your Bible history, Goliath was an experienced soldier. He had all the latest equipment – shield, body armor, sword, and helmet. Not only was he a big, big guy, but he thought all his fancy equipment would protect him. David, on the other hand, had none of the fancy stuff. He…
DetailsI frequently draw from the wisdom of the Peanuts comic strip. In one episode, Lucy announces, “Boy, do I feel crabby!” Her little brother Linus, is quick to try to rescue his sister. “Maybe I can be of help. Why don’t you just take my place here in front of the TV while I go…
Details“Dan! I’m feeling like I’m in a dead-end situation, but I’m not going to move until God tells me to do so!” I received this note recently from a reader – and it represents thousands of similar notes I’ve received over the last 20 years. The writer continues, “Dan, I’m miserable, frustrated, anxious, sick, exhausted,…
DetailsIs it true that most people know their “calling?” Peter Drucker spent most of the last 10 years of his life working with non-profits, much of that with mega church leaders. In the book Drucker & Me, here’s what he told his friend Bob Bufford about “calling.” “I am convinced that many, if not most,…
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