In the past couple weeks, on two separate occasions, two different people were sharing what was going on in their life and the challenges they were dealing with. Eventually they boiled over, “I’m done. I am so done !” <more>

There’s a chestnut tree down the street which coincidently marks the “finish line” for my daily run. Over the past few weeks I picked up a half dozen chestnuts that glistened in the grass, most of which were still half covered by a prickly outer skin. While I intend to plant them next spring, they are now resting on top of my desk—but <more>

If you get my voicemail, you’ll hear something like, “Hi it’s Steve Foran. Sorry I can’t take your call. Please share one thing you’re grateful for and a detailed message and I’ll get back to you promptly.”

I get some pretty cool voicemails !

Recently I got a voicemail from <more>

You can never underestimate the power of kindness.

A couple weeks ago, I read the obituary of a childhood friend, Earle. The family was quite open and shared that Earle had a life long struggle with <more>

Last weekend Hurricane Fiona ripped her way through our region left a path of destruction in the wake of the centre of the storm. We were a hundred miles or so west of the eye so it wasn’t as bad here—but there were lots of trees down, shingles blown off roofs and we were without power for <more>

Last week I was downtown and parked the car curb-side. The city transitioned from parking meters to a remote-pay type system that runs via an app and pay machines that are located on every block around town.

I loaded two hours and when I returned 90 minutes later I see a <more>

A few years back I hired a marketing consultant to help me with a brand refresh. Our first meeting was at my office—aka my house. We had a great meeting and he went on to do great work for me (coincidentally, seven years later he’s finishing another project for me). Anyhow, later that day back in 2015, a while after my wife gets home, she says,

“Who was in the bathroom ?”

<more>

One of the most frequently asked questions I get is, “How do you make negative people grateful ?”

Well first off, I <more>

Our gratitude community is focusing on freedom as a theme this month so let’s dig into two barriers that get in the way of being grateful for your freedoms.

This first barrier is obvious. Freedom is one of those things that is <more>

Time and time again, whether it’s a CEO, a business owner or a team leader, I hear various versions of,

“We know better but we just don’t take the time to <more>

Looking for gratitude by being present in the moment will transform any ordinary everyday experience.

I’m just back from a run where I intentionally looked for awe to inspire some gratitude on a route that I travel almost every day. Here’s what I noticed on this routine 30-minute outing.

<more>

Research confirms that money can buy happiness when it is spent on experiences.

This coming weekend, for the fifth straight year, we’re heading back to PEI to rent the same cottage for a week of summer relaxation. We had a similar tradition when our kids were growing up, although we didn’t always go to the same place.

It’s quite insightful to reflect on how our grown children reminisce (i.e. talk about what they’re grateful for) about their childhood vacations. You don’t hear them talk about <more>

Knowing who you are and what feeds your energy is the secret to uncovering your passion.

I was speaking with a client the other morning as a follow up to a retreat. We were discussing her purpose and her future vision. I say, “Let’s go out to 2030. Tell me what you’re doing and what’s happening in your life.” She says, “That’s the part I’m struggling with. I’m not sure.” <more>

Do you want to be a boss that your people remember—in a good way ?

One of the most impactful ways to leave your legacy is to <more>

Last week I shared how unfair my life is (post link) and promised I’d share the secret of what to do next or how to respond in a way the promotes greater fairness. The answer is simple—<more>

When I stop and really think about it, my life is unfair—completely unfair. This is going to be a bit of a rant so hold tight.

• I get lots of love and had no part in choosing the home in which I grew up

• I have done nothing to earn <more>

Successful leaders know that you have to genuinely care for your people and if not taken seriously, can be a damaging blindspot.

You can have the best hiring practices, the best IT systems, the best training, the best compensation schemes, the best processes but all of this is pointless if <more>

Gratitude is an under-utilized yet powerful tool you can use to overcome challenges.

Are you having a tough time dealing with a situation or dealing with someone who is constantly negative ? Negative or challenging situations are seldom resolved by <more>

Early in my business I learned that part of my meeting preparation routine has to include “what do I want to give to this interaction ?”

It all started as I was finishing up a call with my coach. We had a great call and as we’re wrapping things up, Joe says to me, <more>

After six AFib-free years, it happened again. The whole experience reminded me how easy it is to completely devalue the significance of simple everyday actions.

When I woke in the morning I noticed my heart but thought <more>