First Things

I challenge you … "double dog dare you" as we say in the good old Southern USA … to take one day this week and make a break from your technology. Will you accept my challenge? We're all addicted to tech. After long work days with eyes glued to glowing computer screens, dazed workers across […]

The post #017 – My Challenge to You: Unplugging from Technology [Podcast] appeared first on First Things.

We normally look at life as a series of crises. But to see your life as a journey could be a catalyst for breakthrough productivity. Your NOW moment is the ARENA to know your potential and happiness. In all the roads of your life, in all the pathways you find yourself walking on … not […]

The post #016 – Seeing Your Life as a Journey [Podcast] appeared first on First Things.

At its most basic level, mentoring helps because it guarantees a person that there is someone who cares about them … that they aren't alone in dealing with day-to-day challenges. The 2013 study "The Role of Risk: Mentoring Experiences and Outcomes for Youth with Varying Risk Profiles," examined mentoring program relationships, experiences and benefits for […]

The post #015 – Mentor Wanted: The Mentor I Never Had [Podcast] appeared first on First Things.

The lost art of listening … some things that should not have been forgotten were lost. History became legend. Legend became myth. Recently, I was talking to someone who was not very present in the conversation. Even though she would nod and say "Yeah" the whole time we communicated, her follow-up comments would reveal she wasn't […]

The post #014 – The Lost Art of Listening [Podcast] appeared first on First Things.

Statistical studies have derailed more people's productivity than anything else I know. I am a statistician. So, I say this statement very carefully. How do we properly process statistical studies? How can we ensure that we don't make one of the biggest mistakes made with statistical studies … assuming that correlation proves causality? Click […]

The post #013 – Ice Cream Causes Divorce: How Statistical Studies May Be Killing Your Productivity [Podcast] appeared first on First Things.

Perfectionism is a particular expression of the fear of failure. By setting up unrealistic expectations, people can set themselves up for great stress in their lives. It isn't necessarily bad to have high standards. Having goals helps you achieve things in life. BUT when these goals are either unachievable or only achievable at great cost, […]

The post #012 – Paralysis by Analysis: Perfectionism & Why Being SO Good Can Be SO Wrong [Podcast] appeared first on First Things.

In this episode, I want to thank all my listeners by covering some feedback I've gotten over the last few weeks. In particular, I want to cover some of the tools I use that help me, some things about corn (it will make more sense once you listen!), and my thoughts on ADHD. Click to […]

The post #011 – Listener Feedback: Tools, Corn, and ADHD [Podcast] appeared first on First Things.

What do the following people have in common? Abraham Lincoln, Steve Jobs, Michael Jordan, Napoleon Hill, Tony Robbins, and J.K. Rowling. If you say, "famous people" … well, that is only partially right. These are also people who have experienced some of the greatest failures in life. Do you struggle with the fear of failure? […]

The post #010 – Overcoming Fear of Failure: Escaping the Performance Trap [Podcast] appeared first on First Things.

No is a word we have dreaded since we were babies. Two simple letters that have great power if used wisely. So, why do so many of us have a hard time learning to say no? We are surrounded by a world that loves to criticize us, to manipulate us, to control us. How can […]

The post #009 – Just Say No: Freedom from Criticism, Manipulation, Conflict, and Guilt [Podcast] appeared first on First Things.

Ever feel stuck in life? Perhaps you might feel that you have no traction in your life, that you are just spinning your wheels. Or perhaps you see negative emotions which dominate your life, and quickly react to the smallest of incidents. In this episode of First Things, we dive into the issue of feeling […]

The post #008 – Stuck: Emotional Health by Unthawing Frozen Emotions and Moving Forward with Traction [Podcast] appeared first on First Things.