Sometimes, I make mistakes. We all do! Big or small, I guarantee these errors impact your relationships, both with yourself and with those affected. I see a line of thought from time to time: the idea that leaders should never apologize. And with all due respect, I think that’s ludicrous. 

When I’ve wronged someone with a bad judgment call, a thoughtless word, or any other way, it damages the relationship. Leaders know that success is all about the strength of their working relationships. You will hurt someone along the way, whether it’s your team or your clientele. That’s just life. 

I don’t know about you, but I don’t have the energy levels I had in my twenties. These days, even the thought of pulling an all-nighter and running purely on espresso makes me tired. The older we get, the more fatigue sets in. It may seem like you don’t have the energy to make it through the day like you used to.

What makes a leader great? We can debate essential leadership qualities or look at case studies to try and craft the ideal leader. I think, though, that it all starts with the proper foundation. The old adage says, “Physician, heal thyself!”

We would do well to apply that to our role as bosses, managers, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders. Lead thyself! After all, if you can’t effectively self-govern, what makes you believe you can do it for others?

Self-leadership is taking charge of our actions, behaviors, and development. We must cultivate the capacity to achieve personal and professional goals, make responsible decisions, and adapt to challenges. 

Nostalgia marketing is at an all-time high. Just look at the sea of films that remake old favorites or exploit an 80s IP that prime moviegoers remember from childhood. Whether it’s Barbie, G.I. Joe, Transformers, or the umpteenth live-action remake of a Disney classic, most of us can recognize when businesses try to use nostalgia to boost their bottom line.

Why does what we eat really matter? Because we live in a culture hyper-focused on appearance rather than health, our understanding of the significance of nutrition is distorted. Too many people think it’s solely about finding the right number on the scale. Our motivations to eat well – to eat whole, nutritious foods – don’t start and stop with weight.

You might have an adverse reaction to the thought of “over communicating.” After all, your perception might be of a constant stream of annoying emails or condescension. But that’s not what I’m talking about here!

For those in leadership roles, over communicating isn’t just recommended – it’s essential. Here are some reasons why it’s just good business sense.

New year, new you. You’re not alone if you want 2024 to be a healthier, more physically fit year. In fact, Forbes reports that improved fitness is the most common New Year’s Resolution, with 48% of surveyed Americans declaring this goal. At the same time, 44% of resolutions fail within two to three months. 

Though some of us groan at the thought of making new years’ resolutions, they can be effective starting points for meaningful life change. When you’re in a leadership position, intentionally improving yourself, your relationships, and your business practices will only help you in your role. Great leaders aren’t born, they’re made.

So, this year, take the steps it takes to mold yourself into the kind of leader you wish to be!

Decadent pies, irresistible cookies, and mouth-watering sides are commonplace during the holidays. Temptation is everywhere, from grandma’s special recipes to a coworker’s baking experiments. If you try to stick to a healthy diet and fitness routine, the holidays can throw a serious wrench into your plans!

We’re all familiar with the running joke – from company decals and boring mugs to branded pens and useless nick-nacks, office gifts suck. Rarely does a boss or a coworker give you something useful, let alone something you actually like and appreciate.

I won’t pretend that entrepreneurship isn’t a scary venture. Most entrepreneurs start alone, sacrificing financial certainties for unknown but promising potential. Regardless of your industry or niche, you want your business to grow. In time, that growth demands that a team. We need other people – people with time, expertise, and passion. But scaling your business isn’t easy – the growing pains are real. Suddenly, it’s not just about your financial future but also your team’s livelihood.

Forming new habits is never easy. Most of the time, we’re doing it to improve our lives. Maybe it’s exercise, eating habits, or time management. Even when you know this new habit is good for you, you might hate doing it. 

The hate leads to reluctance and rebellion if we’re not careful. It’s natural to dislike something challenging or new. But if you constantly resent practicing the new habit you want to form, it will prevent you from making real progress!

As we approach Thanksgiving Day, thinking about the best ways to demonstrate gratitude is natural. For business leaders and entrepreneurs, we have plenty to be grateful for – the hard work of our team, the clients, customers, and stakeholders that put their trust in us, the support from friends and family…the list goes on!

Don’t you love stepping into a room and forgetting what you were about to do? We set our phones down and immediately forget where we put them. We go to the store and get everything but the one thing we came for.

Lazy leadership is something I’m sure we’ve all encountered at one time or another throughout our careers. We might even be guilty of some of these behaviors ourselves! I certainly won’t pretend that my leadership is always perfect.

Some call it mental toughness. Others think of it as mental strength or endurance. By any name, “mental stamina” refers to our ability to cope with stressors, challenges, and a heavy cognitive load. It impacts performance under pressure, the rate at which we mentally tire out, and the ability to maintain focus and concentration.

The importance of quality rest can’t be overstated. Studies show that not getting enough sleep – or not sleeping well – can contribute to a host of health problems ranging from mental health conditions to heart disease. Of course, I’m not just talking about sleep quality. As athletes, we must remember to rest well. Overtraining can cause serious problems, not only hindering your performance but contributing to potentially long-term health issues.

Self-sabotage is a common behavior. We’ve all been guilty of it at some point, whether in our relationships, career, or inner self. Self-sabotage refers to behaviors and patterns that hinder you from achieving your full potential. These habits may not lead to loss or failure, but they prevent you from thriving. 

Running has been a part of my life for years. I’ve run the races, put in the time, and found the sweet spot that combines achievement and enjoyment. But it wasn’t always like that. I’ve made my fair share of mistakes as an endurance runner. 

Charity runs and marathons are a big deal. Search for a charity run in your area and you’re bound to find a host of options throughout the year, each supporting causes ranging from cancer research to bringing clean water to remote villages in Africa.

Now, I could make a list of runs for you – but honestly? The ones you can do often depend on where you are. And we all know, for example, how big of a deal something like the St. Jude 5k Weekend is. 

I will quickly mention a run near and dear to my heart: The Cancer Kickers Big Buffalo 50! This 50-mile run directly benefits The Cancer Kickers Soccer Club, a charity my wife and I founded to provide community, care, and support for children battling cancer around the world. The 2024 race will be held Saturday, March 23, so I wanted to put it on your radar! 

With that said, how do charity 5Ks, runs, and marathons work? Here’s what you need to know and how to make the most of your participation!