Part of making space for myself to think big thoughts and follow my passions involves saying no to other people’s requests, even when they’re offering up seemingly good opportunities.

Just last week, I had to respond to two good requests with a “thank-you-so-much-for-thinking-of-me-but-I-can’t-possibly-squeeze-it-in-right-now” message. It’s hard to do, but it is oh-so necessary. I honestly cannot take on a single additional thing for someone else. In fact, I need to do the opposite. I need to scrutinize my current commitments and see what I can eliminate.

It doesn’t mean that I’m going to put on blinders and close myself off to all opportunities in dogged pursuit of my own goals. … Read More

I have a big idea brewing in my head, and I need time and space to let it percolate. It can be so easy to fill the quiet spaces with noise: blogging, reading blogs, checking e-mail, talking to friends, listening to music.

But there’s something to be said for intentionally giving yourself room to think. It’s like blocking out the distractions so you, the quarterback, have time to plan, strategize, and decide before getting buried.

I was hesitant to get an iPhone because I feared that constant connection to the internet would tempt me to blow useless carbon dioxide into every available crevice. When I’m waiting in a line or … Read More