Month July 2025

The Importance of Time Away from Work

Steve Keating Leave a comment

I was incredibly fortunate to work with a great company in an incredible industry for many years. To be honest, there were many times it was hard to believe I was getting paid to do what I was doing. Standing on the first tee of the Old Course at St. Andrews Links, or sitting in the first row behind home plate in Yankee Stadium, touring NFL stadiums or having lunch at Alfredo alla Scrofa in Rome, it was all in a day’s work.

Obviously it wasn’t all fun and games; at times it was very challenging work, with long, long days and a bunch of pressure packed in. But I never lost sight of the fact that most people had the challenges of my job without the opportunities that came with mine.

I never really felt like I needed to “get away” or take time off. When I did use vacation time, it was more for my family than for me. But even then, I never fully disconnected; I liked my work, I liked the people I worked with, and didn’t mind answering a question or two when I was “off the clock.”

But I’ve learned through the years just how important AND productive it can be to truly take time away from work. Completely away. Almost like the job didn’t exist.

That can be hard to do in a business world where hustle culture often glorifies constant productivity. Taking time away from work can feel like a luxury you can’t afford. It can seem like a major risk to your career goals. Yet, stepping back from the daily grind is not just a treat—it’s essential for your mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Time away from work allows you to recharge, gain perspective, and ultimately return to your tasks with renewed energy and creativity.

Here’s why prioritizing time off is a necessity, not an indulgence.

Boosting Mental Health and Reducing Burnout

Constant work without breaks can lead to stress, anxiety, and burnout. Research estimates that overwork contributes to hundreds of thousands of deaths annually from heart disease and stroke. Time away from work—whether it’s a short weekend getaway, a daily evening ritual, or a longer vacation—gives your brain a chance to rest.

It’s like hitting the reset button, allowing you to process stress, regulate emotions, and return with a clearer mind. Activities like spending time outdoors, working out, or simply unplugging from emails can significantly lower cortisol levels, fostering mental resilience.

Enhancing Productivity and Creativity

It might sound counterintuitive, but stepping away from work can actually make you better at it. Our brains aren’t designed for nonstop focus. Research from the University of Illinois suggests that taking breaks improves cognitive function and sustains concentration. Ever notice how a great idea pops into your head while you’re showering or hiking? That’s because giving your mind space to wander sparks creativity. Time off allows your brain to make new connections, solve problems subconsciously, and approach tasks with fresh perspectives.

Strengthening Relationships

Work often competes with the time we spend with loved ones. Neglecting personal relationships can lead to feelings of isolation and weaken our support systems. Time away from work lets you nurture connections with family and friends, whether it’s through shared meals, meaningful conversations, or simply being present. These moments not only recharge you emotionally but also remind you of what truly matters, grounding you in purpose beyond your job.

Improving Physical Health

Sitting at a desk for hours or staring at screens can take a toll on your body. Prolonged work without breaks is linked to issues like back pain, eye strain, and weakened immunity. Time off encourages movement—whether it’s a walk, a yoga session, or a dance class—which boosts cardiovascular health, improves sleep, and increases energy levels. Even a short daily break to stretch or breathe deeply can counteract the physical strain of a sedentary workday.

Gaining Perspective and Purpose

When you’re caught in the work treadmill, it’s easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. Time away gives you space to reflect on your goals, values, and what truly fulfills you. It’s an opportunity to ask: Am I happy with my work-life balance? Is my career aligning with my passions? Whether it’s through journaling, traveling, or simply sitting quietly, stepping back helps you realign with your purpose and make intentional choices about your future.

How to Make Time Off Count

Not all time away is created equal. To maximize its benefits, be intentional:

Unplug Completely: Set boundaries by turning off work notifications. An “out of office” auto-reply can work wonders.

Engage in Fun Activities: Do things that genuinely recharge you, whether it’s reading, cooking, or exploring a new hobby.

Start Small: If a vacation isn’t feasible, try micro-breaks—10 minutes of relaxing or a lunch break away from your desk.

Plan Ahead: Schedule time off in advance to ensure it happens, and communicate your intentions with your employer or team.

A Cultural Shift

Employers also play a role in normalizing time away. Companies that encourage breaks, offer flexible schedules, and provide adequate vacation time see higher employee satisfaction and retention. In countries like Finland and Denmark, where work-life balance is prioritized, workers report higher happiness and productivity. It’s a reminder that time off isn’t a reward to be earned—it’s a right that benefits both individuals and organizations.

Final Thoughts

Taking time away from work isn’t about escaping responsibility; it’s about embracing a fuller, healthier life. It’s the pause that allows you to come back stronger, sharper, and more connected to yourself and others. So, whether it’s a long vacation or a quiet evening without your laptop, give yourself permission to step away. Your mind, body, and soul will thank you; your family and friends will thank you too—and your work will likely benefit as well.

One-Time
Monthly
Yearly

Consider supporting my efforts with a gift!

Hey everyone, I’m passionate about sharing insights on life and leadership through my blog. If you’ve found value in my posts and wish to see more content like this, please consider making a donation. Every little bit helps in continuing to provide quality guidance and inspiration.

But whether you can offer support or not, I’ll continue to try and write a blog that gives back, informs and sometimes even entertains. I hope you enjoy it!

Thanks for your support!

Make a monthly donation

Make a yearly donation

Choose an amount

$5.00
$15.00
$100.00
$5.00
$15.00
$100.00
$5.00
$15.00
$100.00

Or enter a custom amount

$

Your support is greatly appreciated.

Your contribution is appreciated.

Your contribution is appreciated.

DonateDonate monthlyDonate yearly

How to Keep an Open Mind — And Why It Matters

Steve Keating Leave a comment

There is a famous quote that says, “A mind is like a parachute. It doesn’t work if it is not open.” The quote has been attributed to several people, so I’ll just say it’s from someone smarter than me.

A couple of those attributions are from nearly 100 years ago. If that quote was true back then, it’s even more true today. In a completely unscientific study conducted haphazardly by me, it’s been determined that people are more closed-minded today than ever before.

In today’s fast-paced and opinion-heavy world, that’s pretty darn dangerous. In fact, these days, keeping an open mind has become both a rare skill and a powerful leadership asset. Whether you’re leading a team, navigating relationships, or just trying to grow as a person, an open mind helps you see more, learn more, and connect more deeply.

But what does it actually mean to have an open mind? And how do you keep it open—especially when your beliefs feel challenged or your patience runs thin?

Here’s a practical guide to help you stay open-minded and benefit from it in every area of life.

Recognize That You Don’t Know Everything

The first step toward an open mind is a dose of humility. No matter how much experience or knowledge you have, there’s always more to learn. When you assume you might be wrong—or at least not fully right—you create space for new insights.

Ask yourself regularly:
“What if there’s another way to look at this?”
That simple question can open doors to deeper understanding.

Listen to Understand, Not to Respond

Most people listen with the intent to reply, not to truly understand. Open-minded people do the opposite. They give others the respect of full attention, even when they disagree.

Next time you’re in a conversation, resist the urge to interrupt. Instead, focus on why the other person sees things the way they do. You don’t have to agree—but seeking to understand first will help you think more clearly.

Challenge Your Own Assumptions

We all have mental shortcuts and biases—assumptions we have carried for years. An open mind is willing to question those.

Ask yourself:

Why do I believe this?

Where did this belief come from?

Has anything changed that should change my thinking?

This self-inquiry isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a mark of maturity.

Get Curious About Opposing Views

When you encounter an opinion that feels “wrong” or uncomfortable, treat it like a puzzle instead of a threat. Ask, “What would I believe if I grew up in a different place? If I had different experiences?”

Curiosity is the fuel for open-mindedness. It replaces judgment with learning.

Take in a Wide Range of Input

Broaden your sources of information. Read books outside your usual interests. Follow people with different viewpoints. Attend events or discussions where you’re not the expert in the room.

Exposure to diverse thinking doesn’t dilute your values—it sharpens them.

Know the Difference Between Being Open and Being Unprincipled

Open-mindedness is about considering new ideas, not blindly accepting everything. You can keep an open mind and still hold strong convictions. The key is to be willing to refine your views when new evidence or experiences call for it.

Practice the Pause

When you feel defensive, offended, or frustrated, pause before reacting. Often, it’s not the idea itself that bothers us—it’s the emotion tied to it. Taking a moment to breathe and reflect can help you respond thoughtfully instead of reflexively.

Why It Matters

People with open minds grow faster, lead better, and connect more authentically. They learn from mistakes, adapt to change, and inspire trust in others.

So if you want to be a better leader, a better friend, or just a better version of yourself—start with an open mind. Not only will you discover more about the world, but you might also discover more about yourself.

Remember:
An open mind doesn’t mean an empty head. It means a mind that’s curious, humble, and always ready to learn. An open mind gives you a way better chance of success—in every area of your life.

One-Time
Monthly
Yearly

Consider supporting my efforts with a gift!

Hey everyone, I’m passionate about sharing insights on life and leadership through my blog. If you’ve found value in my posts and wish to see more content like this, please consider making a donation. Every little bit helps in continuing to provide quality guidance and inspiration.

But whether you can offer support or not, I’ll continue to try and write a blog that gives back, informs and sometimes even entertains. I hope you enjoy it!

Thanks for your support!

Make a monthly donation

Make a yearly donation

Choose an amount

$5.00
$15.00
$100.00
$5.00
$15.00
$100.00
$5.00
$15.00
$100.00

Or enter a custom amount

$

Your support is greatly appreciated.

Your contribution is appreciated.

Your contribution is appreciated.

DonateDonate monthlyDonate yearly

What to Do When Someone Is Lying About You

Steve Keating Leave a comment

A whole bunch of years ago, I sat down with my boss for my annual review. He had a kind of “interesting” way of doing things. His annual review process was not exactly how the corporate HR department had suggested it should be. We had the “real” review and then the one he submitted to HR. I actually liked that process because the one that went to HR was always better.

Now one thing you should know is that I completely respected this particular boss. He certainly had a few flaws but he was a leader. He helped his people do their best. He knew when to push, he knew when to let up. He was hard on people, while still being a people person.

So my “real” review began with him informing me that there was a lot of talk about my drinking problem. The “buzz” was that I was drinking on the job, coming into the office hours late, and consistently being one of the first people out the door at the end of the day. My drinking was negatively impacting every part of my job. Customers were noticing.

To say I was shocked would be an understatement. I may have had a drinking problem, but it wasn’t really affecting my performance. I’ll admit I drank a lot, and I drank throughout the day. I’d stop on my way into the office at 5:30 a.m. and pick up my first 64 oz Diet Coke of the day. I’d pick up my second one during my early lunch at 11:00am. Frequently I’d pick up yet another on my way home about 4:30 or 5:00 p.m.

But… that wasn’t the drinking he was talking about. He was talking about my massive consumption of alcohol. Except he knew, and I knew he knew, that I didn’t drink alcohol at all. I knew he knew I was the first one in our division in the office most days. I knew he knew the talk of me being a drunk was complete and total bullshit.

But he wanted me to know that it was becoming the “buzz.” I had a pretty good idea where that lie had begun. I worked with a bunch of people who really did often drink to excess, and they seemed offended that I wouldn’t drink with them. So they decided to lie about me.

I suppose I should have been mad, but the lie was so outlandish that anyone who knew me also knew that it was laughable. So we laughed about it. Until one day I got a call from a very respected customer from a very prestigious account. He thought I should know that he had a meeting with my division’s Vice President. The customer made a comment that they appreciated the relationship they had with me and enjoyed working with me. The VP then told the customer that he was happy to hear that because not many customers would say that. He then told the customer about my massive drinking problem. Not a single customer had ever complained about me, but the VP had picked up the rumor about my drinking and, for whatever reason, ran with it. I know he also knew I didn’t drink, so he was simply spreading, and because of his position, giving credibility to the lie.

Well, the customer wasn’t just a customer; he was a friend, so he called me immediately. That’s when I got mad. I suppose I could have sued the VP and the company. I maybe could have gotten him fired. But as he shared with more people that I was a drunk, I decided to leverage the credibility I had in the industry to undermine his.

A few years later, when it came time for the prestigious account to renew their contract, the VP went to meet with them personally. He was told they didn’t do business with people they can’t trust, and his comments about me had caused them to lose trust in him and the company. I had changed divisions by then, so it didn’t really affect me. Truth be told, I was sad for the company but felt some level of satisfaction that the VP had lost the account.

As I think back on that period of my life, there are a few things I would have done differently. I certainly would have been more aggressive in professionally shutting down the rumors of my drinking. I had more than enough influence to handle it almost any way I wanted to, and I’m really not sure why I let it go.

Today, my advice to others would be to not do what I did. It is never a good thing to have others spreading lies about you. It can negatively impact your reputation because some people will believe almost anything. It can impact your self-esteem if you begin to doubt yourself or question why someone is lying about you.

Whether it’s a professional rival, a bitter acquaintance, or someone you once trusted, being the target of falsehoods can make you feel angry, helpless, and betrayed. So, based on my experience and what I’ve learned in the ensuing years, here are my suggestions on how to handle it when someone is lying about you — with wisdom, strength, and integrity.

Don’t React Impulsively

Your first instinct might be to confront the liar, lash out online, or try to “set the record straight” with anyone who will listen. Resist this. Emotional reactions often escalate the situation and give the liar more fuel. Take a breath. Step back. You need clarity, not chaos.

Document Everything

Keep records of what’s being said, who’s saying it, and when. Screenshots, emails, text messages — anything that preserves the false information can be important, especially if the situation escalates to legal action or a workplace investigation. Documentation also helps you detach emotionally and focus on facts.

Consider the Source and Their Motive

Ask yourself: Who is this person, really? Are they known for this kind of behavior? Are they projecting their own insecurities? Is there a hidden agenda — jealousy, control, or retaliation? Understanding the motive doesn’t excuse the lie, but it helps you choose the most effective way to respond.

Correct the Lie — Thoughtfully

If the lie has harmed your reputation or relationships, consider a calm and clear correction. This might mean speaking directly to the person involved or addressing the people affected. Focus on truth, not revenge. Example:
“I’ve heard that [false claim] is being said about me. Just to clarify, that’s not true. I’m happy to talk if you have any concerns.”
You don’t need to over-explain — just be concise and grounded.

Lean on Your Character

The truth has a way of surfacing, especially when your actions are consistent with your values. If you’ve built trust with others, one lie — even a loud one — won’t erase that. Let your integrity speak louder than the accusations. The people who matter will see through the noise.

Protect Your Mental Space

Lies can get under your skin. They can make you question your worth or feel isolated. Don’t let someone else’s dishonesty take up more space in your mind than it deserves. Limit how much time you spend thinking about the situation. Talk to a trusted friend if needed. You don’t have to carry it alone.

Know When to Take It Further

If the lie is defamatory, threatening your livelihood, or causing serious harm, you may need to seek professional help. That could mean HR involvement, legal counsel, or even law enforcement. You don’t have to tolerate abuse or defamation — there are systems in place to support you. Just keep in mind (and this won’t make my HR friends happy), but keep in mind HR represents the company, not you. They will do whatever they can to keep the company out of trouble, so always keep your guard up when talking with them.

Final Thought:
When someone lies about you, you’re not just fighting a rumor — you’re facing a test of character. Pass that test not by stooping to their level, but by rising above it. With calm, courage, and clarity, you can protect your name without losing your peace.

One-Time
Monthly
Yearly

Consider supporting my efforts with a gift!

Hey everyone, I’m passionate about sharing insights on life and leadership through my blog. If you’ve found value in my posts and wish to see more content like this, please consider making a donation. Every little bit helps in continuing to provide quality guidance and inspiration.

But whether you can offer support or not, I’ll continue to try and write a blog that gives back, informs and sometimes even entertains. I hope you enjoy it!

Thanks for your support!

Make a monthly donation

Make a yearly donation

Choose an amount

$5.00
$15.00
$100.00
$5.00
$15.00
$100.00
$5.00
$15.00
$100.00

Or enter a custom amount

$

Your support is greatly appreciated.

Your contribution is appreciated.

Your contribution is appreciated.

DonateDonate monthlyDonate yearly

How to Be More Adaptable: Thriving in an Ever-Changing World

Steve Keating Leave a comment

One of the most common excuses for not planning is that “the plans never work out anyway.” When I hear that from someone, I don’t worry about their inability to plan; I worry about their inadequacies when it comes to adapting their plan to a different set of circumstances.

Lacking the ability to adapt kills more potential opportunities than the lack of a plan, the lack of funds, or the lack of help. Don’t get me wrong, planning is very important; the process of developing a plan is even more important than the plan itself. As President Eisenhower said, “no plan survives first contact with the enemy; you must be able to adjust.”

In a world where change is truly the only constant, adaptability is a superpower. Whether it’s navigating a career change, embracing new technologies, or adjusting to unexpected life events, being adaptable allows you to thrive in uncertainty.

But adaptability isn’t just about surviving change—it’s about embracing it, learning from it, and using it to grow. Here’s a guide on how to develop adaptability and flourish in an ever-evolving landscape.

Understanding Adaptability

Adaptability is the ability to adjust your thoughts, behaviors, and actions in response to new circumstances. It’s a blend of resilience, flexibility, and open-mindedness. Unlike rigidity, which can lead to stress and stagnation, adaptability empowers you to pivot when plans go awry, seize new opportunities, and maintain balance no matter what life throws your way. The good news? It’s a skill you can develop with intentional practice.

Cultivate a Growth Mindset

At the heart of adaptability lies a growth mindset—the belief that you can learn, improve, and evolve through effort and experience. People with a growth mindset see challenges as opportunities to grow rather than insurmountable obstacles. To foster this mindset:

Reframe setbacks: Instead of viewing failures as dead ends, treat them as learning experiences. Ask yourself, “What can I take away from this?” For example, if a project at work doesn’t go as planned, analyze what went wrong and how you can improve next time.

Embrace curiosity: Stay open to new ideas and perspectives. Read books outside your usual genre, listen to podcasts on unfamiliar topics, or engage in conversations with people who think differently.

Celebrate effort over outcome: Focus on the process of learning rather than immediate success. This builds resilience and encourages you to keep trying, even when things don’t go as expected.

Build Emotional Resilience

Adaptability often requires managing emotions during uncertainty. Emotional resilience helps you stay calm and focused when faced with change. Here’s how to strengthen it:

Practice mindfulness: Techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or journaling can help you stay grounded. For instance, a 5-minute daily meditation can reduce stress and improve your ability to respond thoughtfully to challenges.

Acknowledge your emotions: Change can bring discomfort, fear, or frustration. Instead of suppressing these feelings, name them. Recognizing “I’m feeling anxious about this new role” allows you to address the emotion constructively.

Develop a support system: Surround yourself with people who uplift and encourage you. Sharing your experiences with trusted friends or colleagues can provide perspective and reduce the emotional weight of change.

Stay Flexible in Your Approach

Being adaptable means letting go of the need to control every outcome. Flexibility allows you to pivot when circumstances shift. To enhance flexibility:

Let go of perfectionism: Striving for perfection can make you resistant to change because it creates rigid expectations. Instead, aim for progress. If a plan fails, adjust and move forward rather than dwell on what didn’t work.

Experiment with new methods: If your usual routine isn’t working, try a different approach. For example, if your traditional study methods aren’t helping you learn a new skill, explore online courses, group discussions, or hands-on practice.

Practice scenario planning: Anticipate potential changes and prepare multiple responses. For instance, if you’re launching a business, consider “what if” scenarios like market shifts or supply chain issues, and brainstorm solutions in advance.

Sharpen Your Problem-Solving Skills

Adaptability often involves finding creative solutions to unexpected problems. Strengthening your problem-solving abilities can make you more agile in dynamic situations.

Break problems into smaller parts: When faced with a challenge, divide it into manageable steps. This makes overwhelming situations feel less daunting and helps you focus on actionable solutions.

Seek diverse perspectives: Collaborate with others to gain fresh insights. A colleague or mentor might see a solution you hadn’t considered.

Learn from past experiences: Reflect on times when you successfully navigated change. What strategies worked? For example, if you adapted to new software at work, recall how you broke the learning curve into small, daily tasks.

Embrace Lifelong Learning

In a rapidly changing world, staying adaptable requires continuous learning. Whether it’s mastering new technology or acquiring soft skills, staying curious keeps you relevant.

Stay updated on trends: Follow industry news, attend webinars, or take online courses to keep your skills current. Platforms like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning offer accessible ways to learn.

Develop transferable skills: Skills like communication, critical thinking, and collaboration are valuable across contexts. For instance, improving your public speaking can benefit both your career and personal life.

Be open to feedback: Constructive criticism helps you identify areas for growth. Seek feedback from peers or supervisors, and use it to refine your approach.

Build Confidence in Uncertainty

Adaptability thrives when you trust your ability to handle the unknown. Building confidence in uncertain situations takes practice.

Start small: Take on small challenges that push you out of your comfort zone, like trying a new hobby or speaking up in a meeting. These experiences build your tolerance for uncertainty.

Visualize success: Before tackling a new situation, imagine yourself handling it well. Visualization can reduce anxiety and boost confidence.

Reflect on past adaptability: Remind yourself of times you successfully adapted. This reinforces your ability to navigate future changes.

Final Thoughts

Becoming more adaptable is a journey, not a destination. It’s about building habits that allow you to face change with confidence and curiosity. By cultivating a growth mindset, staying emotionally resilient, embracing flexibility, sharpening problem-solving skills, committing to lifelong learning, building confidence, and prioritizing well-being, you can transform uncertainty into opportunity.

Start small: pick one or two strategies from this guide and apply them to a current challenge. Over time, you’ll notice that change feels less like a threat and more like a chance to grow. In a world that’s constantly shifting, adaptability isn’t just a skill—it’s a way of life that empowers you to thrive, no matter what comes next.

One-Time
Monthly
Yearly

Consider supporting my efforts with a gift!

Hey everyone, I’m passionate about sharing insights on life and leadership through my blog. If you’ve found value in my posts and wish to see more content like this, please consider making a donation. Every little bit helps in continuing to provide quality guidance and inspiration.

But whether you can offer support or not, I’ll continue to try and write a blog that gives back, informs and sometimes even entertains. I hope you enjoy it!

Thanks for your support!

Make a monthly donation

Make a yearly donation

Choose an amount

$5.00
$15.00
$100.00
$5.00
$15.00
$100.00
$5.00
$15.00
$100.00

Or enter a custom amount

$

Your support is greatly appreciated.

Your contribution is appreciated.

Your contribution is appreciated.

DonateDonate monthlyDonate yearly