Most of us have been in meetings where one or more ignite fires with their criticism without offering any solutions. In politics there’s an old saying, “You can’t beat something with nothing.”  When I encounter negativity, I try to encourage the person to offer a better alternative. Likewise when anyone believes that a course of action is unwise, that person should focus on a better solution rather than just firing arrows.

Over the last few years I’ve done several hundred radio and television interviews with the goal to promote books I have written.  As I tried to schedule these interview opportunities, I embraced the concept that the opportunity was not about me. I turned my focus toward a topic the host and listeners were interested in.  If I had been an international celebrity, the interview might have been about me; but of course it was not.

Most of us work for an organization we do not own. It is important to understand and embrace the authority structure under which we find employment. Scripture shares an example of a person who clearly understood the concept of authority:

The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” (Matthew 8:8-9 NIV)

I have traveled extensively for business, both internationally and domestically. A traveler’s wallet is a high risk for theft, especially from skilled pickpockets.

One trick I’ve used is to lighten my wallet. I remove all cards I don’t believe I will need on my trip. I usually carry one business and one personal card. I leave the rest at home.  That way, should the worst happen and I lose a card or my wallet, I don’t have to close all of my accounts.

The beginning of a New Year is a good time to verify a number of housekeeping items on your website.  It’s like changing the batteries in your smoke detector.  If you don’t do this twice a year the smoke detector may fail without your knowledge when needed most.