“I watch a lot of astronaut movies…Mostly Star Wars. And even Han and Chewie use a checklist.” –Jon Stewart Checklists “keep us in check”. (Duh). Sometimes our brain needs a guide to keep us from going off the rails. Use a list, just as you would when starting any project or…

It’s best to have your tools with you. If you don’t, you’re apt to find something you didn’t expect and get discouraged. –Stephen King Years ago, a client left me a very special gift. A small tin toy toolbox with miniature tools glued to the outside. Inside were index cards written…

Respect yourself and others will respect you. –Confucius Respect means non-violation. It means being seen and feeling heard. It means you are aware of the differences and choose to “live and let live” as best you can. Respect does not mean agreement or compliance. It does not mean being liked…

“Trust should be guarded to the end: without trust we cannot stand.“–Confucius Reliability of commitment begs the questions: Can I trust you? Can I count on you? Do you do what you say you will do and when you say you will do it? – Do you walk the walk,…

There is one word which may serve as a rule of practice for all one’s life -reciprocity. –Confucius Reciprocity of effort means that equivalent energy is being put forth to initiate and maintain a relationship. This does not mean the receiving party must reciprocate immediately or in kind – just…

Introduction The trouble with relationships is other people. We have friends and neighbors, partners and lovers. We live in communities, we come from families, and we earn our living working with or for other people. This simple guide utilizes tools to help you determine if a relationship is healthy and…