Making Space for Positive Change

Tuesday, July 19th, 2011

Have you ever declared an intention to make a big change in your life, only to have difficulty seeing it through? How often have you made a resolution—perhaps to eat healthier, exercise more, spend more time with your family or in creative pursuits—only to find that, a few months later, you’re right back where you started?

Often changes don’t “stick” because we haven’t created space in our consciousness for them. We keep ourselves so busy, our minds so trapped in habitual behaviors, that there’s no room for a new way of being. (more…)

Is Boredom a Big Obstacle to Future Wealth?

Friday, April 1st, 2011

Listeners could be forgiven for scratching their heads Friday, April 1, wondering if a report on public radio’s Marketplace Morning Report was true or an April Fools prank (See “France’s New Measure of Well-Being: Boredom.”)

It claimed that French President Nicolas Sarkozy has asked other countries to follow his example and measure levels of “ennui”—French for “boredom”—in their countries, as this has a big effect on economic success.

The report in fact was a joke. But is the idea really that foolish? (more…)

Dave Says: Plan Retirement Before Saving for Kids’ College

Thursday, March 24th, 2011

Dear Dave: I noticed that your Baby Steps list puts saving for retirement before saving for your children’s college fund. Sending your kids to college would come first on the timeline, so why do you suggest this? —Jen

Dear Jen: I advise this approach because everyone is going to retire someday, unless, of course, they happen to die before reaching retirement age. Retiring and eating are necessities. College is a luxury. Lots of people succeed in life without going to college, and thousands have worked their way through college. I worked 40 to 60 hours a week in college, and I still graduated in four years. (more…)

Will Adding Possessions Really Increase Your Happiness?

Thursday, November 4th, 2010

Everywhere you look today, you find the promises: If you just had that car, that house—or even that spouse—you would be happier.

It’s the premise of almost all advertising.

Intellectually, we know it’s not true. Think about it. How will adding a leather interior to the options list on that new car substantially improve your happiness?

It won’t. But despite that realization, we fall for such promises every day. We allow ourselves to believe, if only for an instant, that purchasing a new sofa or watch or flat-screen television will add to our happiness quotient. (more…)

The No. 1 Secret to Wealthy Living

Wednesday, October 6th, 2010

Greetings from the Oregon coast where I’m living my dream.

I’m living well. The great thing is, “living well” by my definition doesn’t cost much money at all. That’s because my definition of living well isn’t about, well, “stuff.” Let me explain:

Yesterday, I windsurfed perfect head-high waves alongside 2004 World Champion Scott McKercher. The day before, I went surfing with champion paddle surfer Ekolu Kalama and his wife. No crowd, just us. For comparison, if you’re a golfer, it’s like hanging out with Tiger Woods for the day, just the two of you.

I feel fortunate to be here with these guys… and it reminds me of what’s important in life: (more…)

The Big Payoff in Forgiveness

Friday, January 8th, 2010

Forgive.

“Forgive” is a little word that packs a powerful load of baggage – and benefits. Did you know that whether or not you are able to forgive seriously affects your health? Holding on to anger, whether it’s toward the driver who just cut you off or the parents or former spouse who hurt you deeply, impacts your health in a multitude of ways. (more…)

WARNING: Your Mind May Trick You Into the Wrong Stock Strategies

Friday, January 8th, 2010

It’s a well-known belief that you should never rely on your emotions, your “gut feelings,” when making investment decisions. If you “feel good” about a stock, that isn’t enough to ensure it will be a profitable piece of your portfolio. But does scientific research back up that belief? Absolutely. (more…)