Everyday is an Interview

Learn from the Past

Life has a way of testing us, often when we least expect it. But the key to resilience is simple: get up one more time than you fall.

Mistakes are inevitable, but they’re also opportunities in disguise—if we choose to see them that way. For years, I didn’t. When I made mistakes, I would let embarrassment and regret take over. I’d dwell on what went wrong and beat myself up, replaying the question, What was I thinking? This negative cycle kept me stuck. I wasn’t learning or growing; I was just spiraling.

Recently, I’ve shifted my mindset. Instead of focusing on what I was thinking, I now ask myself: What did I learn? This change has been transformative. I’ve accepted that I’m an imperfect human—sometimes too human—and that’s okay. By embracing my flaws and using my mistakes as stepping stones, I’ve started growing in ways I never thought possible.

The difference is night and day. When I stopped punishing myself for being human and started looking for lessons, my confidence, resilience, and sense of purpose grew.

I encourage you to give this approach a try. The next time you stumble, don’t focus on the fall—focus on the lesson. See how it feels to grow instead of spiral.

Stay strong. Stay healthy. Keep improving.

#JustBeBetter
#StayStrongStayHealthy
#IOwnTheMorning
#WWKDD

Be Prepared #9: Lessons from Thanksgiving

Last week, I enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner with my family. Since most of our family members were out of town, we decided to skip the usual home-cooked meal and chose a restaurant near my parents’ house. It was a fantastic spot with breathtaking views of NYC—a perfect choice for the occasion.

As always, we prepared for the experience:

We reviewed the menu beforehand and decided what we’d order.
We checked traffic to ensure we’d arrive on time.
We even made sure to get there 15 minutes early, as requested.

But despite all that preparation, I overlooked one key detail: parking.

When we arrived, we discovered the restaurant offered valet parking—for a fee. We opted to find a self-parking facility instead to save a little money and get some steps in. After following the signs, we ended up paying the same fee for parking, but with added inconvenience. To top it off, we didn’t know the quickest route from the parking lot to the restaurant.

The lesson? Being prepared is important, but being totally prepared is vital.

In hindsight, I should have anticipated the parking situation and decided on the valet option ahead of time. While we did get our steps in, having a clear plan for parking would have been more efficient and less stressful.

Preparation isn’t just about ticking off a checklist—it’s about thinking through the full experience and anticipating potential challenges.

💡 What’s one area where better preparation has made a difference for you? Share your story!

#JustBeBetter

#StayHealthy, StayStrong,

#IOwnTheMorning

#BePrepared

Every Day Is an Interview: Approach the Holidays with a Plan

🍂 Happy Thanksgiving! 🍂

The holidays are often associated with joy, gratitude—and, for many, the fear of gaining weight. When we approach the season with that mindset, we’re setting ourselves up for a self-fulfilling prophecy. But it doesn’t have to be that way!

Instead of focusing on potential pitfalls, shift your mindset to one of strength and intention. Here’s an inspiring game plan to stay on track while fully enjoying the holiday:

1️⃣ Start Strong: Begin your day with a workout to boost energy and set a positive tone.
2️⃣ Hydrate: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to curb cravings and stay refreshed.
3️⃣ Eat Smart: Have a light, nutritious breakfast to avoid overindulging later.
4️⃣ Plan Your Plate: Fill your dinner plate with:

¼ protein
¼ carbs
½ vegetables (skip the heavy casseroles!).
5️⃣ Dessert in Moderation: Savor your treats, but don’t overdo it. Balance them with more water.
6️⃣ Snack Wisely: Stick to veggies and water during pre- and post-meal grazing.
7️⃣ Stay Active: Avoid sinking into the couch for too long. Keep moving and engage with family or friends.

This strategy allows you to enjoy the holiday feast without sacrificing your long-term health goals. It’s all about balance, mindfulness, and staying aligned with your vision of wellness.

Without a plan, it’s easy to lose focus and fall into the usual holiday traps. But with a clear, actionable approach, you can savor the season and feel great about your choices.

💡 What’s your plan for the holidays? Share your strategies in the comments below—I’d love to hear them!

Just Be Better

Stay Healthy, Stay Strong

Everyday is an Interview: Smart Shopping Tips for Sale Seasons

This is a revised version of my blog (Don’t Fall for It), published on 11/27/23

The holiday shopping season comes with enticing buzzwords: Cyber Monday, Black Friday, and Holiday Sale Extravaganza. These are crafted to draw you into spending, often on things you don’t need. Resist the hype and stay in control of your finances with these practical tips for navigating the season’s sales:

1. Buy Only What You Need

Sale events are designed to make you purchase more than planned. Before heading to the store (or clicking “Add to Cart”), define what you actually need. Stick to that list.

2. Avoid Impulse Buys

If you hadn’t considered buying an item before the sale, don’t let a flashy discount tempt you. Sales events often highlight products you don’t need but suddenly want. Stay focused.

3. Plan and Stick to Your Budget

Establish your spending limit before shopping. If an item exceeds your budget, let it go—no exceptions. A deal isn’t a deal if it causes financial strain.

4. Know the Cost Upfront

Be wary of hidden fees or unexpected costs. Research thoroughly to ensure transparency. Step away from the transaction if you uncover surprise charges—it’s likely not worth the risk.

5. Your Budget Is More Important Than the Sale

Salespeople may try to convince you that a purchase is essential, but it’s not. Your financial stability takes priority over any discounted item.

6. Track Pricing Cycles

Avoid paying full price for items. Pay attention to the sales cycles throughout the year, and plan your purchases when prices are at their lowest. I use the Honey Extension/app to do this. It works great.

Budgeting Is a Year-Round Process

Smart holiday shopping starts long before November. Prepare for gifting by identifying what you’ll need to buy and saving steadily throughout the year. By doing so, you’ll have the funds ready when it’s time to shop—without the stress of overspending or running into debt.

Careful planning can make the holiday season joyful and free from financial worries. Remember these rules, and let your budget guide your decisions, not the sale signs.

#Just Be Better

#Stay Healthy Stay Strong

#IOwntheMorning

“Everyday is an Interview: The Power of Being Prepared”

This morning, I stopped by my favorite bagel shop to grab breakfast for a meeting I was hosting. While I would have preferred a spread featuring more proteins and fruits, I let the team decide, and their unanimous choice was bagels with cream cheese.

As I stepped up to the counter, I confidently told the cashier my order—down to every last detail. Her response caught me off guard. With a mix of amazement and relief, she said, “You know exactly what you want. I wish more of our customers were like that. You wouldn’t believe how much time people waste deciding. Their indecision stresses the rest of the line.”

I was stunned. The bagel shop’s menu is as straightforward as it gets, and they thrive on loyal, repeat customers. Yet, indecisiveness seems to be a daily challenge for the staff and a source of frustration for those waiting.

This experience left me thinking: How often do we walk into situations—whether in a bagel shop, a meeting, or even an interview—unprepared, unsure of what we want or how to articulate it?

The Takeaway

Preparation is powerful. Whether ordering breakfast or walking into an important meeting, taking a few moments to clarify your goals makes a difference.

For You: Confidence comes naturally when you know what you want.
For Others: Your readiness saves time and leaves a positive impression on those you interact with.

So, before you step into any “line” in life, take a moment to think ahead. Whether deciding on your bagel order or outlining your goals for a meeting, preparation is a skill that serves you—and those around you—well.

After all, everyday is an interview, and being prepared is one of the best ways to leave a lasting impression.

#Just Be Better

#Stay Strong, Stay Healthy

#I Own the Morning

Letting People In: The Dangers of Stopping to “Be Nice”

I’ve touched on this topic before in “Don’t Be Nice: Driving #3,” but it’s important enough to revisit. Too many drivers make the mistake of trying to help others by letting them into traffic—but in doing so, they often create more problems than they solve. Stopping to allow someone to merge can cause accidents, disrupt the flow of traffic, and make the roads more dangerous for everyone.

Why Stopping to Let Someone In Can Be Dangerous

The most common reason people stop to let someone into traffic is simply to be polite or helpful. However, this gesture can lead to severe consequences. When you stop to let another vehicle merge into the traffic flow, you disrupt the momentum of the cars behind you. This creates a chain reaction where drivers are forced to either slow down suddenly or make evasive maneuvers. This is a major cause of rear-end collisions—one of the most frequent types of accidents on the road.

What You Don’t See: The Danger Behind You

It’s crucial to remember that when you’re on the road, you’re responsible for what’s in front of you and what’s happening behind you. When you stop to let someone merge, you’re not only putting yourself at risk but also endangering the drivers behind you who expect the flow of traffic to remain constant. In many cases, those drivers may not have time to react, which could result in a crash.

I’ve spoken with numerous police officers about this behavior, and they all agree: Do not stop traffic to let someone merge. It’s a misguided act of kindness that ends up causing harm. If someone is trying to get into traffic but you’re unable to safely allow them in without blocking the flow of cars behind you, it’s better to keep moving. They can merge after you pass, and no one will be put in harm’s way.

So, What Should You Do Instead?

Stay in Motion: Keep your vehicle moving at a consistent speed, even if someone is trying to merge. Allowing them in could disrupt traffic and lead to accidents.
Signal Your Intentions: Use your signals to indicate when you are moving over or changing lanes. If the traffic behind you allows it, others may be able to create space for the merging vehicle without you needing to stop.
Let Them Merge on Their Own: If you see a car waiting to get into traffic, don’t stop to let them in. If you’re moving at the proper speed, they can safely merge in after you pass.
Stay Aware of Your Surroundings: Always monitor the flow of traffic both in front of and behind you. By being aware of what’s happening around you, you can avoid making sudden decisions that could jeopardize the safety of everyone on the road.

Final Thoughts: Just Be Better

Ultimately, the key to safer driving is awareness and responsibility. It’s not about being “nice” or trying to make other drivers’ lives easier—it’s about not causing unnecessary risks for others on the road. If everyone kept traffic flow moving smoothly and safely, we would see fewer accidents and a lot less road rage.

As drivers, we owe it to ourselves, our passengers, and our fellow road users to be mindful, stay alert, and be better drivers.

Just Be Better

Stay Healthy, Stay Strong

I Own the Morning

DayLight Savings

As someone who isn’t fond of continually adjusting our clocks twice a year, I often question the value of Daylight Savings Time. While it serves as a valuable reminder to check and change those fire alarm batteries, disrupting our sleep cycles can be a real challenge. Quality sleep is essential for maintaining good health, and interruptions can hinder our well-being.

There’s a silver lining when we roll the clocks back one hour. For me, it’s not about gaining an extra hour of sleep; it’s about the opportunity to seize that time and accomplish more. Whether spending time on a personal project or indulging in a favorite hobby, that hour can make a significant difference in our day.

If you were gifted an extra hour tomorrow, how would you choose to spend it?

#DaylightSavings #TimeManagement #JustBeBetter #StayHealthyStayStrong #IOwnTheMorning

Who I Want to Be

Everyone occasionally needs a wake-up call to remind themselves to embody the person they want to be. It’s easy to act with composure and confidence when things are going well or others are watching. However, the true test of character arises in moments of frustration and adversity or when no one is watching.

How do you behave when:

– No one is watching?

– You feel overwhelmed by emotions?

– Circumstances aren’t in your favor?

It’s essential to acknowledge that no one is perfect. Instead of criticizing ourselves for these moments of weakness, we should embrace them as opportunities for reflection and growth.

When we recognize that we’re not living up to our ideals, we must take a step back and assess our reactions. This self-awareness is the first step toward making positive changes. Ask yourself:

– What triggered this reaction?

– How can I respond differently next time?

– What steps can I take to align my actions with my values?

By committing to an ongoing self-evaluation process, we can gradually transform setbacks into stepping stones toward becoming the best version of ourselves. Remember, growth is a journey, not a destination. Embrace the challenges, learn from them, and continue striving to be the person you truly want to be.

#Just Be Better

#Stay Strong, Stay Healthy

#iownthemorning

Driving Lessons from a Commute: Stay Safe and Sane

My wife and I had the rare opportunity to drive to work together. I am glad we did. We kept each other calm as one driver decided to use the morning commute as a tryout for a live Frogger event. She weaved in and out of traffic. Each time she would reenter a lane, she cut off another driver. At one point, she was so frustrated with the speed in the left “passing” lane that she darted into the right lane without looking, forcing the driver in the right lane to veer off the road.

There is no excuse for this.

Driving recklessly in an emergency will not improve your chances of reaching your destination. The priority should be arriving safely, not on time.

If the person was driving recklessly because they were late, they should have front-loaded their day better not to endanger the lives of those around them.

#JustBeBetter

#StayStrong, StayHealthy

#iownthemorning

Roll With It

I love playing music with my friends. I have been playing music with the same drummer for over 35 years. We no longer play many shows, but I always look forward to the next one.

This weekend, we had the opportunity to perform two songs with a friend who has sung with us for the last two years. Our friend hosted an open mic at an outdoor fair and wanted us to perform two songs to encourage others to get up and sing. I was happy to do this little gig, but as always, there were challenges.

I found out about the show the night before. Roll With It! I always like to prepare and practice, so the songs are second nature before we play them live. I needed extra practice time since we had not played a live show in about ten months, and I have been focusing on other musical goals. We could not work out a practice session on short notice. We all suggested songs. None of my suggestions were picked (not an issue). I practiced the two chosen songs. Instead of complaining about the short time to practice, I focused on the task. In the end, I was pleased with my preparation of the songs, but I had many questions about the technical setup for the show.
The drummer and the singer planned to sing while I accompanied them on the guitar. This lineup is not a problem, as it is a more straightforward setup. However, it relies on using other people’s equipment. In this case, we would use someone else’s PA system. With very little information, I had to figure out the PA system and decide which gear to bring (Read the previous blog “Balance” about only bringing what I needed). Roll With It! Since we had to “hike” in our gear, I took a guitar, two cables, a DI box to hook my guitar to the PA, and two cables.
When I got to the gig, I discovered the PA system was not good. Roll With It! There were no monitors to hear me or the singers. Five minutes before we were supposed to go on, the singer asked if I would accompany a young singer on a song I knew and had performed in the past. No practice time. Roll With It! Halfway through the song, the cable PA conks out. Roll With It! It was a bad cable that I replaced with one of mine. The young singer was good but needed to know when to enter each verse of the song. I altered the song’s structure to help and support her. Roll with It! She was so pleased that she sang a second song later in the day.
My bandmates are awesome people, but they are constantly changing their minds. We were first supposed to open the show to encourage others to come up and sing. Since more people than expected signed up for slots, we played towards the end. Roll With It! Giving those two time to “think” about our songs is always a bad idea. Remember, they picked the songs we would perform, and we chose their picks. As we were getting ready to go on stage, the two of them changed the first song we would play. Roll with it. I had no time to practice or get our stage confidence by starting with a well-practiced song. The only thing to rely on was hoping I have a good memory and can remember the song structure, chords, and changes. Roll with It!

Despite all of this, it was a good show. We played well. We will continue to do a few of these as I write the next album.

What did I learn? Roll With It! The only way to do this is to keep a good attitude so that others remember the joy we feel playing music as a group (and hopefully, someone in the audience plays bass and wants to join the band).

#Just Be Better

#Stay Healthy, Stay Strong

#iownthemorning