In every workplace, you’ll find people with similar résumés, similar skill sets, and similar levels of experience. Yet some of them grow faster, adapt more smoothly, and consistently outperform expectations.
Why?
Often, it comes down to one thing: mindset.
Read MoreA success-driven mindset is more than just a positive attitude—it’s a way of thinking that empowers you to overcome challenges, set ambitious goals, and take actionable steps toward achieving them. Without this mindset, many people find themselves stuck, lacking the confidence and perseverance to reach their full potential. They may shy away from challenges, give up when faced with setbacks, or remain stagnant due to fear of failure. These patterns can lead to frustration, diminished self-esteem, and a cycle of unrealized goals.
Read MoreIn a world that celebrates success stories and final achievements, it's easy to overlook the crucial journey that led to those victories. But here's a fundamental truth: every winner was once a beginner. At some point, they were standing at the starting line, unsure of their abilities, perhaps even struggling with self-doubt. The difference between those who succeed and those who don't is not raw talent but a belief in growth and the perseverance to develop their skills over time.
Read More11 years ago, my life changed forever.
In July 2013, my tenure as Head of School was already over.
But my new career was very much an unknown.
And, if I'm being honest, I was scared.
As we pursue of our aspirations, whether personal or professional, setting goals is often the first step towards progress. However, while outcome goals define the destination, it's the process goals that pave the way towards achievement. Process goals focus on the journey, the steps, and the habits necessary to reach our desired outcomes. Yet, setting and achieving these goals isn't solely about creating a to-do list; it's about cultivating the right mindset to navigate challenges, setbacks, and successes along the way.
Read MoreRecently, a dental crown came loose.
It filled a gap from a tooth that I lost years ago due to neglect.
Root canal and all.
Back in the day, I would brush less frequently, drink soda, and view dental visits as things to avoid.
The result was that I lost a couple of teeth and had some others that needed much help to save.
Since then, my personal dental care has improved significantly.
And, thank God, I haven't even had a cavity in quite some time.
So, when it became clear that I needed to replace the crown (and went through the process of fitting for a new one,) it brought me back to that time when it seemed like I was in for a rude awakening every time I visited the dentist.
I was eleven years old, and I was thoroughly embarrassed.
A week earlier, one of the counselors had asked me if I would share a Torah thought at an upcoming Shabbos (Sabbath) camp meal in front of hundreds of others.
I was a pretty confident kid, so I agreed.
And then I spent many minutes preparing.
When the time arrived, I stood up on the bench and started speaking.
Towards the end, my mind froze and I couldn't remember the next part.
Somehow, I got through it, but I crumbled inside from embarrassment.
Which resulted in me burying myself underneath the table afterwards in shame.
I recently talked to a staffing agency about the importance of being gritty.
Grit is about tenacity, resilience, and a willingness to keep pushing through despite obstacles and our own natural inclination to take the easy way out.
Staffing recruiters, like most salespeople (and who isn't in sales?) need to be gritty in the face of rejection, radio silence, ghosting, and, even worse, angry clients.
It's what allows them to meet more people, make more referrals, and close more deals.
And live up to their mission of improving the lives of employers and employees by making the connections that grow businesses and provide opportunities (not their exact mission, but my take)
For three years, I poured my blood, sweat, and tears into being the best head of school I could be.
And then, one day, it all ended.
Eight years and one month ago, I was out of work and needed to start again.
Thousands of miles away from where I grew up and where all of my family and friends lived.
Entering a field that I knew little about and had no reputation to speak of.
Relocating my family to a small, grungy house that had "potential," because that was all that we could afford in our new, more expensive community.
It was a dark time in my life.
But, I had promised myself then that I would never again be beholden to others for my income.
So, I hung a shingle and got to work.
