Do you like video games?

I pretend not to. I usually don’t, contrary to what you may think after reading this story.

What was the most valuable thing that you learned playing video games?

I generally avoid video games when I can. But just last week I learned something surprising playing a game on my computer. And this isn’t any silliness about video games increasing my IQ.

First, let me get this out of the way. I have a confession to make about a previously closely held secret. Make sure nobody is reading over your shoulder. I wouldn’t want this to get out. (more…)

I called a friend of mine on a Tuesday last month to invite him to lunch on the following Thursday. He said that he couldn’t do anything on Thursday because he was going skiing with his college age son. He explained that his son had never been skiing before, and he would be taking lessons. He added, “If you want to be Mr. Spontaneous, you’re welcome to come skiing with us.”

It just so happened that I had never skied before, and I had been hoping for an opportunity to go this year. I had already given up on the idea of skiing this season — after all, it was already late March.

This invitation is something that I would not have acted upon in the past. Looking back, I have been too serious, too “all business” to take the time out to do something like this. Especially on such short notice! Lately, I have been realizing that I need to make time to truly live. It is these experiences of life that matter the most, the memories that are created, and the opportunities we have to bond with other people. I jumped on it.

On Thursday, we drove a couple hours up to Pat’s Peak in Henniker, New Hampshire. We got up there at about 10AM, took lessons for a little over an hour, and skied all day until 5pm. I had a wonderful day, and I also had a startling revelation.

At first, I was so scared of (more…)

There are many books that I have read that have impacted my life positively in one way or another. I’m always reading something and telling people about it. I have my “top 10″ book list on my website, but this really is pathetically incomplete.

There is one book that is not on my book list that really should be on there. Reading this book will raise your self esteem. This book will convince you that you can’t help but succeed at whatever you decide to do. It is impossible to fail. This book will install productive habits and positive programming into you through repeated affirmations. It will teach you to be positive and self-confident. On top of this, the book is only about 100 pages long! Such a small book, but such a big promise.

The book is (more…)