I’m not really a fan of the Home Run Derby. I get that it takes a lot of strength and coordination to hit a baseball out of the park, but I prefer games where there are more in-field hits and a chance to watch skilled fielding. Last night, while watching the All-Star Game, I noticed something. The game had to be decided by a home run. Instead of tr …
I was thinking about those “politics and religion-free” zones we create? They’re predicated on the notion that talking about politics or religion always leads to arguments, hurt feelings, and broken relationships. I have determined them to be of little value; in fact, I find them to be harmful. Conversations about politics and religion are neces …
A few Sundays ago, I got up and dressed to go out for a run. It doesn’t take much to get ready. My gear is laid out the night before, and truth be told, I could dress with my eyes closed. Or so I thought. That day, I got about 100 yards away from my door when I realized that my pants were on inside out and backwards. The lighter, mesh fabric that …
There are myriad ways to start the day – for some it’s coffee, tea or even soda for a jolt of caffeine. Others enjoy a cold shower or ice bath. I’ve tried the icy shower – no joy found in that first thing in the morning. How I begin my day sets the tone for the rest of it. A slow, unfocused morning usually leads to an unproductive day. So I w …
For years I have been part of a study group that explores ancients texts. It serves as a religious exercise, a connection to our history, and for me it serves as an exercise in self-exploration. At times we have spent an hour focused on the meaning of one word and how it might apply to modern life. Recently we studied a passage focused on bles …
For the past 5 years I’ve participated in a “Pumpkin Project.” It started with my team and expanded from there. We get a pumpkin and every day during the month of October we write something for which we are grateful. Some of us post ours on social media, some don’t. I do, and on October 31st I carve it and turn it into a jack-o-lantern for its …
When I decided to go to law school despite having two young kids and no money, I was told I’d never make it. I did make it, and I made it Cum Laude. When I started my business, I was told I’d never be able to build a J+ Franchise in NYC – nobody had been able to do that. I did build it, and it’s been going strong for over 16 years! When I was …
I start most days early and almost all of my work – in fact a good bit of my life - is online via phone, zoom, and various chats and apps. To connect with the West Coast, I am often online at night too, making for long and productive days. My time spent looking at the screen - both on the phone and computer - has gotten longer. Picking up and looki …
Running has been part of my personal narrative for decades. Years ago it was 30 minutes on the “dreadmill” enduring boredom to build strength and endurance. When I moved to NYC, running became a way to get outside in nature, challenging myself to run all year irrespective of the weather. Never boring - always a source of satisfaction. I now g …
U-Hauls, national van lines, flat rate, even a "man with a van" – I’ve used them all for my over 20 moves across 3 states and the District of Columbia. The “to do “ lists have been pretty much the same, although each move had its unique challenges. My recent move wash by far the smoothest of all thanks in large part to technology – pretty much e …
“Don’t discuss politics or religion – it's going to cause an argument - it's not all that productive, “ they say. “Don’t be controversial,” they say, “it’s bad for business and could be dangerous.” I am on social media and do live videos regularly. I try to be thought provoking and entertaining, eschewing controversy; I even try to avoid what use …
I have been a member of a study group for several years. Recently, we decided to engage in a year-long project focused on how we listen and hear others. As part of the “homework” we each keep a journal - every day writing down something we learned from someone else. I’ve taking that a step further and will make what I learn the subject of my Fa …
Similar to the tradition of making a resolution at the secular New Year, in many Jewish communities as we move into our new year, people gather at a moving body of water and symbolically cast away things we do not want to continue carrying with us. I love this tradition - not because I believe that somehow the trials and tribulations of the past …
Every morning I wake up to my cat, JuniperBerry, meowing. She needs to be fed. I get up, get dressed, and get down to business. Money supports the lifestyle! Not exactly a life of drudgery – I love the cat and am grateful to have a business that I find incredibly fulfilling. But seriously, getting up at 4:30 to feed the beast! Running a …
We all worry from time to time; it’s part of being human. Worrying can prevent us from making poor decisions or stepping into dangerous situations. However, there is a difference between worrying from time to time, and having obsessive thought patterns and limiting beliefs that hold us back in life and business. It's no fun being a worry wart! Be …
