Getting Things Done

August 26, 2017

Excuses, Deadlines, and Commitments

Earlier this year, I hired a man who is an expert at optimizing websites for local Google search results. I agreed to pay him $900 per month to optimize my website at PeoriaInjuryLawCenter.com. For the purpose of this article, I’m going to call him “Jim.”

March 12, 2016

Living Up To Expectations

ExpectationOne Sunday morning during the summer of 1997, I was in the bathroom getting ready for church. The door was open and I was standing at the sink, shaving. My oldest daughter, Anna, appeared in the doorway and the following conversation took place between us:

March 5, 2016

The Clock Is Ticking

On TimeAfter I published my article last week about my daughter’s experience with one of the professors at the college she attends, I received a couple of interesting comments. One of the comments came from a lawyer I’ve known for more than 25 years. I saw him at the courthouse last Tuesday, and he said that he had just caught up on reading my February articles.

February 27, 2016

A Stressful College Experience

About 20 years ago when I was still doing criminal defense work, one day while I was in court with a client, a man showed up late for his court hearing. When the bailiff told the judge that the man had arrived, the judge told the man that a warrant had been issued for his arrest because he was late for his hearing. The judge then instructed the deputy in the courtroom to arrest the man and book him in the Peoria County jail where he would have to pay a cash bond to be released. Upon his release, he would be given a new date and time to appear in court.

November 9, 2014

Stretching Your Way To New Capabilities

Rubber BandsLast month, a 22-year-old man scheduled an appointment with my office to discuss the possibility of filing a bankruptcy.  For the purpose of this article, I’m going to call him “Jim.”  When Jim and I met, he explained to me that he had been terminated from his job earlier in the year and was drowning in debt.  He told me that he currently lives with his girlfriend in the basement of her parents’ home.

September 20, 2014

Overcoming the Fear of Rejection

Rejection Just Ahead Green Road Sign with Dramatic Storm Clouds and Sky.Last week, I published an Adoration Meditation article — “Harnessing the Power of Fear” — that focused on two types of fear, servile fear and filial fear.  You can find the article in the adoration chapel or online at Adoration.com.  If you haven’t read it, I would recommend that you do so.  There’s a good chance you’ll be pleasantly surprised by what is says about a prayer that you memorized when you were in second grade.

July 13, 2013

The Language of a Victim

VictimOne of my greatest challenges is controlling the way that I talk to myself.  Whether we realize it or not, most of the talking we do is to ourselves.  We’re experts at getting ourselves worked up over a situation, generating self-righteous indignation toward others, and convincing ourselves that we’re right and others are wrong.

January 5, 2013

Is Life A Wrestling Match?

Verne Gagne - Wrestling Champion

Verne Gagne – Wrestling Champion