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The path of most resistance
In the first book I ever wrote, the main characters had a rule for themselves as they navigated a death-defying competition. “Always choose the path of most resistance.” The idea in the story is that the easy way out is where you naturally feel compelled to go. But the more difficult route is often the…
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Better if you do
I’ve been told a lot of things this year. Toward the top of the list is an oh so familiar phrase that I never want to hear again. “I didn’t want to bother you.” Why do we always feel like we’re bothering the people around us by asking questions? By engaging? By being part of…
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Establishing your priorities in life
Growing up, I was always the person with friends. I won Valedictorian in the most glaring of popularity contests in grade 8, and finished runner-up in grade 12 for the same prize after rocking the crowd with a rap. But then in university, I struggled to adjust. I struggled navigating the landscape of a new…
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Why I quit sports before the age of thirteen
I quit hockey and basketball before the age of 13. 70% of children in North America do the same. Yet still, coaches, “leaders”, and even parents make the same mistakes over and over. They create an environment that de-emphasizes fun and fulfillment. They emphasize all the wrong things instead. Winning. Pressure to perform to one’s…
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You always have time
I’ve stopped doing something recently. I’ve stopped telling people how busy I am. I’ve stopped bragging about being busy. The truth is, we’re all busy. I mean, I’m sure there are some people that don’t fill their cups all the way to the top, and spend some of the day feeling a lack of meaning…
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The power of naming your greatest accomplishments
“Feel the rain on your skin. No one else can feel it for you.” – Unwritten, Natasha Bedingfield Let’s face it. Even those of us that reflect on the daily, don’t reflect enough. Sure, you might reflect upon the day. What you’re thankful for. What you’re looking forward to. How you’re going to overcome those…
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Covering up the poison with poetry
“You cover up the poison, with poetry.” – Goodbye, Echosmith We all know those guys. The ones that do all the wrong things. But cover it up by saying all the right things. The smooth talkers. You know the ones. Truthfully, that’s what this lyric is about. But it’s a beautiful line that I haven’t…
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I’m already Batman
In 2016, Dr. Stephanie Carlson of the University of Minnesota put together a fascinating study. The study worked like this: You put a toy in a box. You give 4-year-old children a set of keys to open the box and retrieve the toy. None of the keys actually work. You then tell those children to…
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Move on, we’re not seventeen
“Move on, we’re not seventeen.” – Slide Away, Miley Cyrus About a month after leaving the best job I ever had, I met with probably the best boss I’ve ever had to discuss potential ways of coming back. One thing from that conversation has always stuck with me. “You never make up your mind.” To…
Rhys Desmond
Training Theory & Coaching
