It’s happened to you.

You’re in the midst of a phone call or a meeting and suddenly your ears perk up. Something feels off.

Do you act on it, note it for later or let it slide?

Depends on what’s amiss.

Bodies are speaking. Nervousness, distraction, discomfort don’t always signify trouble ahead, but they should get your nose twitching. Try observing and mentally cataloging your experiences to see what happens over time. Or, simply ask a direct question: “You seem distracted today. Is this still a good time to talk about ________?”

Julie Morgenstern is a professional organizer extraordinaire. One of the secrets to her success is she preaches that everyone must design their systems (work or home) based on “their unique goals, habit and style”.

Amen sister!

Her SHED system—more on this in a moment—is the perfect filter to take a fresh look at your client base. Because we know that the clients you choose to serve directly impact the quality of your work, your earnings and the amount of joy you reap from your day. If your current blend isn’t working for you, read on.

Remember the scene? Oprah, resplendent in red, jumping up and down screaming “Everybody gets a car! Everybody gets a car!”

She gave away 276 free cars that day. And yes, Pontiac covered the taxes too, so they truly were free.

But even in a giveaway (Pontiac donated the cars), Oprah’s team stayed true to her brand.

The audience was carefully selected. It was packed heavily with teachers, the unsung everyday heroes that Oprah celebrated. And not just any teachers, but those who desperately needed a new set of wheels.

Original illustration by Sara Franklin*

You say tomato, I say tom-ah-toe...

Differences make the world go round.

Because many of us work across cultures, geographies and industries, how we use language matters.

But it’s more than adjusting for an accent.

It’s rather like traveling to a foreign country. Happy, successful travelers don’t expect locals to behave in the same way as their home countrymen. They go in expecting to adapt. They observe, ask questions and learn to appreciate the local culture.

How many reminders did you receive last week to Spring forward? Yes, turn your clocks ahead, but why not also take the message as a personal call to action?

Spring forward.

Take a leap in the right direction. In the modern age, leaping is easier than ever. If you need a little inspiration, look at the Kony 2012 video which snagged over 65 million views at last count.

Let their success challenge you to dream on a grander scale.