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We think we know what’s going to happen.
We’re prepared, relaxed. Maybe even confident. But poof! Things go haywire and, despite our planning, strategizing and evaluation of risks, we’re in a very different place than anticipated. “Expect the unexpected.” This ancient wisdom, attributed to the Greek philosopher Heraclitus and popularized by Oscar Wilde and football coach Paul “Bear” Bryant, is as relevant today as it was in 500 BCE. Why? Because the unexpected happens a lot. The question becomes not “how the heck did this happen” but “how will we react, adjust, and move on?” If you’re dealing well with the unexpected, bravo! If you're not, maybe it’s time to speak with a Professional Certified Coach. Please connect with me on LinkedIn or via my website for a free coaching consultation. And thank you, Laura McIntyre, for letting me share this video. You've no doubt learned well how to deal with the unexpected!
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 I entered a subway car in NYC several months ago and it was spotless. Clean as a whistle, as they say, and ready for passengers.
It was the first stop the subway would make on its long journey south through the Bronx to the southern tip of Manhattan. Along the route, with passengers coming and going, the subway cars likely would become messier. Maybe, much messier. But, it still felt wonderful to enter that car and ride in it for a while. Which got me thinking about how it's pretty much a universal sentiment that we appreciate things more when they're clean. There's something deeply satisfying about a clean, decluttered desk, a freshly-washed car, or a well-vacuumed and dusted home, not to mention clean clothes spilling out from the dryer. Pig-Pen, the beloved character in Peanuts who was always surrounded by a cloud of dust and dirt, would be a notable exception. Of course, there is the saying that "a clean house is a sign of a wasted life." Some reading this may relate to this sentiment more. You can let us know! In the meantime, it might be worth observing how much you viscerally react to things when they're clean. For example, do you feel more energized when walking into a crisp marble lobby of a big office building, accented with beautiful flowers? Does energy ebb when you see, once again, that coffee-stained stack of papers in your office? If worth a discussion, connect with me on LinkedIn or at [email protected] Doing chin-ups on a tree branch — in slow motion?! Not easy. But, this man knows how. He's focused and not distracted by people passing by. The branch feels more real. Maybe it's more difficult.
Chin-ups aren't easy for anyone. It takes strength and willpower. Fatigue always sets in and the feet land back on the ground. As we age, it only gets harder. But, having a goal — perhaps just doing two or three chin-ups — that's connected to a joyful or invigorating purpose, makes it easier. If you have a career or leadership goal but aren't achieving it, let alone taking the first few steps, maybe it's time to speak with a Professional Certified Coach. Connect with me here or on LinkedIn for a free coaching consultation. Together, we'll get your goals clear and those difficult "chin-ups" you encounter in life and at work underway!  Wait... My branding alongside pro golfer Scottie Scheffler on the cover of Westchester Golfer's Digest.
How stellar is that! And then, there's my full-page ad inside. What's the goal? To make my target audience, whether avid golfers, tennis players, or any professional for that matter, aware of my coaching services, including executive, career, and retirement coaching. Working with a coach helps reduce stress and provide a vision for your next professional swing. It helps you move forward, in a way that works for you. No missed long drives or short putts. Please connect with me here or on LinkedIn for a free, confidential and rewarding discussion. I may not have the secret to perfecting your golf swing, but I have the experience and knowledge to make your professional swings and choices smooth and successful.  I'm pleased to report that last week…
I, along with others, including Ted Martens, Richard Barnes, Kathy Johnson and John Lacey, PhD,, spoke to judges from around the country about financial statements in the courtroom. My 25+ years working as a litigator at PwC puts me in a position to know a few things about that subject! The 2-day course, sponsored by The National Judicial College in Reno, NV, is one of many it offers to educate our nation's judges on subjects they deal with or will encounter in their courtrooms. Pictures taken by a fellow faculty member show that I use my hands a lot while speaking! I guess there's no harm in being a bit animated at the end of a long day!  Some things, we hope, will never happen.
Like receiving a bad performance review, leading a lackluster team meeting or losing at trial. Just to name a very few. But, Monday night, millions of people wanted the same thing to happen. Arthur Ashe Stadium was packed for a first-round match at the U.S. Open and, as Venus Williams walked onto center court, the crowd roared. Why? 🎾 Venus is 45 years old, the equivalent of a litigator, at 90, arguing a case before the Supreme Court 🎾 She hasn’t played on the big stage in two years 🎾 She has had significant health issues to overcome In other words, the cards were stacked against her but she was prepared and ready to try, once again, to compete at the highest level. We knew and appreciated that. We appreciated her strength, resilience and perseverance. The fact that she was even playing, and playing well, was awe-inspiring. What's the lesson here? It's many things - but, one thing for sure... There are times in our lives when we all want and maybe need some magic, some spark, some hope for a win or a better future. Venus being on that court was magic for me that night and probably for many others, even without the match win. If you have no magic in your life, no goals that get you motivated to "get out on that court of life," maybe it's time to talk to a Professional Certified Coach. Connect with me here or on LinkedIn for a free coaching consultation.  Turning 30!
Thirty years ago today, our third child was born around 11PM. I realized while eating dinner that it was time to get to the hospital. In fact, the doctor told us to hurry up. Within a few hours, our daughter was born and she has been a delight ever since - just like her brother and sister before her. Turning 30 is a big one. Turning 21, 50, or 60 also! We leave something behind and transition into a new decade, whether we like it or not. Some of us approach this new "status" lamenting the passage of time, the "what if's" and "why nots." We focus on aging and what we've failed to accomplish. This is Group #1. Some of us embrace the next years, knowing they won't be perfect, but hopefully will have their share of learning, growth and some adventure. This is Group #2. If a big birthday is coming up and you fall into Group #2, bravo! Talk about it and inspire others. If you’re in Group #1, maybe it’s time to talk to a professional certified coach. Please connect with me here or on LinkedIn for a free coaching consultation. We'll focus on what you can control and be clear on what you cannot! In the meantime, Happy Birthday, Sarah Jane!  When life gets hectic or irritating...
taking a little time out to enjoy a simple pleasure can make a huge difference. Why is that? 🔷 They're not complicated 🔷 They cost nothing or not too much 🔷 They're often relaxing and fun What are your simple pleasures? Maybe watering your plants, reading a poem, taking a selfie...? It you're going through life, nailing each day with more achievements but never finding time to enjoy the simple pleasures, maybe it's time to talk to a coach. Connect with me here or on LinkedIn if that's you!
All great things, like the Parthenon in Athens, a fulfilling career or leading a dynamic team of professionals, require a plan, perseverance and patience.
If you want to achieve something great and it’s not coming together, connect with me for a free consultation. Together, we'll get your energy and motivation back on track so the "Parthenon" in your life comes to life! Video by Jonathan Terrio  We all experience events or turning points in our lives that are worth remembering or celebrating.
Like graduating from college, running the NYC marathon, having a baby, or winning a jury verdict after several grueling weeks in court. Some events, of course, are memorable but better forgotten. Like an accident, divorce, or fire. Or perhaps the time you got fired, forgot your lines or missed a plane. I'm celebrating my 35th wedding anniversary today and, while it's hard to believe so many years have passed since I married Steve McIntyre, the memories of that day are keen and worth celebrating. Good and bad things happen all the time — to everyone. If you feel you never have anything to celebrate, maybe it's time to get some help shifting that mindset. Reach out to me for a free coaching consultation |
Margaret EnloeI'm an executive coach who works with clients on leadership and transition challenges, including retiring with enthusiasm and ease. Blog Categories
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