by CJ McClanahan | Nov 13, 2025 | Blog
Overachievers have taught themselves the wrong formula for what we actually crave… <> I have a theory. There is a direct correlation between the joy you experience and the amount of effort you commit to developing a grateful outlook. If you work hard to...
by CJ McClanahan | Nov 6, 2025 | Blog
Overachievers can wire themselves to say “yes” to everything with no thought to its cost. The problem is, there is a very real cost. <> “No.” For many people, this seems like a bad word. We’ve allowed our self-worth to become directly...
by CJ McClanahan | Oct 30, 2025 | Blog
Are you overly optimistic about how much you can accomplish in a certain amount of time, or simply neglectful when it comes to your planner? Regardless, here’s what you’re telling the other person when you show up late. <> I used to be chronically...
by CJ McClanahan | Oct 23, 2025 | Blog
Ever feel like you’re the only one who got where you are… and don’t deserve it? It’s more common than you think. <> Over the years, I’ve observed that most people – regardless of how much they’ve achieved – are full of...
by CJ McClanahan | Oct 16, 2025 | Blog
Overachievers teach themselves that if they try hard enough, they can do anything they set their mind to. That pattern of thinking couldn’t be further from the truth. <> It’s easy to scroll through any of our social accounts and wonder, Why am I not...
by CJ McClanahan | Oct 9, 2025 | Blog
Shame can cripple an overachiever’s ability to move forward. Here’s one tactic to move from embarrassment to curiosity. <> A few weeks ago, I was called to the carpet after delivering a poor effort on a small project. I felt a small knot forming in...
by CJ McClanahan | Oct 2, 2025 | Blog
Here’s one, simple tactic to dramatically change your dread of meetings. <> A few years ago, I was sitting in a 1-hour board meeting filled with other volunteers. As our session was getting underway, I noticed many of the participants took out their...
by CJ McClanahan | Sep 25, 2025 | Blog
Here’s a hard truth for all those overachievers working late nights and early mornings to “get caught up.” <> Have you ever worked late into the night, over your lunch break, or on the weekend, hoping to get “caught up”? We’ve all done it,...
by CJ McClanahan | Sep 18, 2025 | Blog
If the thought of networking is painful, try this one tactic to foster a deeper one-on-one conversation. <> Networking events have never been easy for me. I’m a 6’5” introvert with ADD who struggles to stay in conversations. As I engage with others, I’m...
by CJ McClanahan | Sep 11, 2025 | Blog
Overachievers teach themselves that, as long as they have the right mindset, they can achieve anything. There’s just one small problem with that…. <> Many years ago, my mentor asked me what was more important: attitude or behavior. I immediately...
by CJ McClanahan | Sep 4, 2025 | Blog
Values always drive decisions. Are you aware of which ones are driving yours? <> Recently, I was asked to speak on the topic of “values”. This opportunity challenged me to review my core values (commitment, kindness, generosity, justice) and ask a simple...
by CJ McClanahan | Aug 21, 2025 | Blog
The simplest tactic to ensure your peace, happiness, and fulfillment might be one of the most difficult to embrace. <> Since 2003, I’ve reinforced a handful of simple concepts over and over again. One of these has been to plan the week/day in advance. This...
by CJ McClanahan | Aug 14, 2025 | Blog
Have you ever experienced envy of another person’s circumstances or choices? Join the club. <> It’s not unusual for me to meet a successful professional and leave the conversation wondering, “Why didn’t I do that for a living?” I know I’m not the only...
by CJ McClanahan | Aug 7, 2025 | Blog
What I learned about kindness on a trip to Chicago. <> A few weeks ago, my wife, Nicole, and I visited my son in Chicago. While walking on Navy Pier, Nicole looked at a group of people obviously celebrating a birthday and said, “I love your shirts!” The...
by CJ McClanahan | Jul 31, 2025 | Blog
When asked, “How’s life?” what do you say? <> There have been many times in life when this has been my standard response when asked, “How’s life?” Can you relate? Going forward, I’d challenge us all to resist the urge to complain about how...
by CJ McClanahan | Jul 24, 2025 | Blog
What will make you happiest: vacation, a new set of golf clubs, that promotion…? <> As a selfish human, I often find myself wondering… “How can I make my life more enjoyable?” Should I schedule more vacations, take up golf, or maybe buy a new house?...
