This is the third article in a four-part series exploring the Pursuit of Happiness through the lens of the Cardinal Virtues. We’ve already explored courage and discipline as daily practices that enhance the quality of our lives—and the lives of those we lead and love. Now we turn to justice—the virtue that guides how we treat others. When we hear the word justice , we often think of laws, courtrooms, and verdicts. Those forms of justice matter deeply—but they represent only

Last week, we returned to the original meaning of the Pursuit of Happiness —not as chasing comfort or constant positive feelings, but as the pursuit of a life well lived. A life shaped by character, responsibility, and daily choices that help our relationships flourish. We talked about how courage plays a critical role in that pursuit. It gives us the strength to speak up, tell the truth, and begin difficult conversations instead of avoiding them. But courage alone isn’t en

Last week, we talked about the original meaning of the Pursuit of Happiness —not as the chase for pleasure, comfort, or constant positive feelings, but as the pursuit of a life well lived. A life shaped by character, responsibility, and a commitment to live a more virtuous life. Over the next few weeks, I’ll explore some ideas from four remarkable books by Ryan Holiday , each focused on a cardinal virtue: courage, discipline, justice, and wisdom. For more information about

By the second week of January, something predictable happens: A lot of New Year Resolutions start fading. The gym is less crowded. The salad bar line is shorter. And even those “let’s find a time to talk” texts with old friends stop being sent—and received. That’s why the second Friday in January is often called Quitter’s Day . The term was coined by the fitness tracking company Strava, which analyzed data from millions of users and found that by the second Friday in January

During the holiday season, most of us spend time searching for good gifts that will make someone smile. But there is a gift you already have that is far more meaningful than anything you can place under a tree — the gift of listening longer to your family and friends. In my last article, I shared how positive questions can open the door to deeper conversations. This week, I want to build on that message and focus on the part that makes those conversations truly meaningful:

Thanksgiving is the start of the Holiday Season. A time when we attempt to slow down long enough to connect with family and friends that we don’t see every day. Because we try hard to avoid topics that might escalate into uncivil conversations, we spend most of our time talking about food, football, and friendly but shallow small talk topics. This Holiday, I encourage you to try something different. In addition to planning your meal, take a few minutes to prepare a handful of

America is better when we work together — yet unhealthy conflict continues to divide our workplaces, families, and communities. Unresolved conflict doesn’t disappear ; it spreads — fueling negativity, draining energy, and damaging relationships. But when leaders learn to turn conflict into connections, they ignite ripples of trust, teamwork, and civility that strengthen entire communities. This article highlights the benefits of bringing together local leaders from businesse

Five years ago, when COVID shut the world down, I stepped away from teaching, coaching, and writing the weekly Positive Leadership Articles I used to send to you. The break was healthy and needed — but it’s time to go back to work. The Crisis Civility America is at its best when we work together. But when conflict arises, too many people default to silence or violence — they either fight and escalate the tension or flee and avoid the conversation altogether. And when people

"I have decided to stick with love." Martin Luther King Jr. In 1983, President Ronald Reagan made Martin Luther King Jr. Day a National...

The cause of and cure for the challenges facing our Country have been intensely debated. Unfortunately, good leaders from all races,...