Editor’s Note: Reading this book requires great patience, both in reading (it’s deep) and in seeing mistakes in my thinking that I’d rather deny. Nobel prize- winning psychologist and author Daniel Kahneman drags us into our own decision-making process by using lots of examples with his points. The “summary of the summary” is that we each operate from two behaviors called here System 1 and System 2. System 1 is our intuitive (fast) brain which responds quickly and often involuntarily. System 2 is our deliberative (slow) brain which requires deeper thought. Both are needed: System 1 to slam on the brakes to avoid hitting a child vs. thinking about slamming on the brakes; System 2 when shopping vs. making a list at home before going shopping. Kahneman’s overall thesis is that just by understanding more about how we make decisions, we might dramatically reduce the chronic errors we all make.

Editor's Note: It’s always refreshing to not only see a celebrity share his or her mental anguish with others, but do so on their own terms. Counting Crows’ front man Adam Duritz wrote Colorblind, a song about his grappling with a dissociative disorder, a complete disconnect with reality to the point of losing time, and in some cases, place.

Editor's Note: I had the pleasure of meeting Andrew Yang at the City Club of Cleveland and found him to be a humble and down-to-earth guy. In his book, Andrew charts a course for smart and ambitious college students to pursue a path of entrepreneurship instead of money, prestige, and security, and outlines the economic and societal benefits of doing so. His Venture for America organization places high-potential recent college graduates in companies and communities, including Cleveland, to help them flourish, and create new opportunities for themselves and others in the process. Enjoy.   

Editor’s Note: This gospel-inspired song from my youth reminds me of the days the world’s awareness of social justice were dawning.  It was used, as so many songs of the day, as a rallying cry – who knows for what? But over time, these kinds of songs make me wonder if artists like Mayfield planted a seed in our souls for the work so many of my generation now do. When I heard it in the coffee shop the other day, I went home and downloaded it on my ITunes and played it about 30 times in a row.  

Editor’s Note: If you own all or part of a business, this is a must-read. One way or another you will exit your business, as Burlingham says, even if on a stretcher. This book is an easy read for me since I got through most of what the author is teaching, primarily because it was taught to me in our peer group, Vistage. My exit was not entirely graceful and I wish my creation would have prospered more after we sold. But it was also not as difficult as it is for many others. Most of all I love the advice he gives around the idea that whether you exit or not, preparing for an exit will make you build a better business.  

Editor’s Note: Heard this on my iTunes the other day while running and realize what depth of thought there is in this one. No surprise for Ms. Mitchell who woke so many of my age group up early in their lives. This is the tale of the first twenty years (perhaps that’s what she was when she wrote it) and her perception of where she was headed is stunning. Wonder what she thinks now?   

Editor's note: I wish I would have read this book before I wrote Empty Abundance. While my version of both philanthropy and book writing pales in comparison to billionaires and brilliant writers like Green and Bishop, their work would have given me so much more to ponder. The stories are enlightening and the style is easy to read. Their point that philanthropic bursts such as the one we're going through is cyclical was revealing to me and I was pleased to see the authors cover the "cons" of such a movement as well. All in all, lots of interesting insights for those following this path.

Editor's comment: Seems to fit the theme of this month's website update and like so many of Steven's songs, it begs good thoughts.

Editor's note: As stated in the blog its a tough but fascinating read. Gawande shares his experience as a surgeon with a human, personal touch and his growing skill as a writer. My high regard for him began with his "Checklist Manifesto" but here he goes ever deeper. He must be a helluva man.

Editor’s Note: Thinking about a song to begin 2015 with and my renewed commitment to my home town came to mind. So here it is, from Canadian Singer/Songwriter David Francey. Note: It’s especially nice to consider my favorite verse during today’s blizzard.