The second of five things I think I now know (for sure) is that moderation is ultimately the position I strive for in every element of my life.  Below are six topics (I could write dozens) through which I’ve travelled from extreme to extreme.  Also find a favorite book that caused me to reconsider each.

Editor’s comment: I’m lucky in that I pick the organizations I work with now.  But for those still in careers, Chomorro-Premuzic provides four points to assess and perhaps improve the organization you’re working in and your own habits for learning.   

Editor’s Comment:  My favorite poet musicians strike again.  In this lively tune, they sing of living like a Pharaoh and singing like a sparrow and most of all remind me that we are all the same.

Editor’s Comments: I found this book in my stack waiting, perhaps for years.  I sadly cannot even remember who gave it to me.  I took and shot and was encouraged to get all the way through it by the author’s plain, humble and practical approach to the theme I’ve been wrestling with for a couple decades.  “How much is Enough”?  Young Shinabarger and his wife dedicate each chapter to stories that they and others have done to give from their excess.  They fascinate with actual stories such as Jeff and Andre (said wife) lasting 7 weeks without going to the grocery store (they ate everything in their kitchen fridge, freezer and pantry – 147 meals in all) and Andre going 156 days without wearing the same outfit.  Some stories lead to social movements such as www.plywoodpeople.com and www.giftcardgiver.com.  It’s a light, easy read which is so different from most Christian, self-help or brag books.  If you haven’t seen it, pick up a copy.

“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet.  Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired and success achieved.”      

Just as intellect or athleticism are gifts, so too is natural curiosity.  And as with all gifts, they are advanced if/when we apply self-discipline.  Or they can be left undeveloped by ignorance or complacence.

Editor’s comment:  This incredibly bold article by Professor Patrick Stokes says he informs his students that they “are not entitled to any opinion they cannot rationally argue and defend”.  What a concept!  These days, I worry that “twittered opinions” become accepted as truth.

Editor’s Comments:  This is a courageous book, by the author of another favorite book of mine “Start With Why”.  The courage Sinek displays is that he takes some fairly unpopular concepts to make his points about leadership: