“Put your best foot forward.”   We’ve all heard it and probably used it at some point. And it’s good advice, I guess. But as I get older (and the number of things that remind of my advancing age is growing all the time), I’ve begun to question “superlative” phrases like this, especially when it comes to motivating myself.   A little background. The origin of “Put your best foot forward” may date as far back as the late 15 th  century, but more common is the thought that it wa

This week, people all around the U.S. will be telling themselves and others what they’re thankful for. It’s not a bad exercise. In fact, we should probably remind ourselves often (maybe daily) what–and whom–we’re grateful for. Lots of “experts” tell us to do that, and honestly, I routinely (though not daily) make a mental list; to give me perspective and to reset those days when I’m feeling like things are working against me. I’m not usually big on doing or saying things just

A few days ago, I was having coffee with a friend. During our discussion, which covered topics ranging from the personal, to family, business and sports, he mentioned a guy he knew that everyone called “Big Steve." I can’t recall the context, but when my friend introduced me to this character, he followed up with, “I’m sure you can imagine how he got the nicknames ‘Big Steve.’” (I could.)   Anyway, the topic at hand, as well as the character of Big Steve, came and went, and w