Creation vs Consumption

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There is a duality to our existence, the ignoring of which can lead to imbalance. Let me explain.

Humans, no matter the age, love to create. Whether it is a crafting a work of art, making a tasty meal, or planning a party for friends, the action of creation is exhilarating.

At the same time, we love to consume. Whether it is watching a movie, eating a delicious meal at a restaurant, or attending a high energy celebration, the action of consuming is satisfying.

What happens when that balance falls apart?

That is the question explored by the Minimalists. In a short reflection on their website, they identify what they believe is a fundamental problem in our modern world. Right now, we are consuming far more than we are personally creating.

Marketers do a great job convincing us we need more: they establish a void so we will try to fill it. This is no secret; in fact, we take it for granted now: amongst the bombardment, we realize what advertisers are doing, yet we still give them carte blanche with our attention—we let them into our homes, onto our screens, and into our personal lives via Facebook and other outlets—and when we do, the void grows deeper.

The Minimalists

What is the solution to this growing problem? According to the Minimalists, we must deliberatly practice the act of creation.

We must realize the real void is on the other side of the equation: the void most of us feel is a creative void—we’re so caught up in our consumeristic mindset we forget our inherent need to create. The solution, then, is to create more and consume less—if we spend more time creating, we will spend less time consuming: This is how we move the needle of contentment back to the positive. This is how we resolve our individual issues regarding compulsory consumption and mindless self-indulgence.

To learn more about this delicate balance and to hear their call to action, please read the rest of their reflection.

The Eisenhower Box: Make Decisions Like a President

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How many times have you struggled to make a decision?

With so many decisions to make in our lives, it is tempting not to make any of them! However, making decisions is a requirement of many jobs, especially high levels positions. In the United States, there is no higher office than the President. They face high-stakes situations every day, which means the need for an effective decision-making system is vital. To be successful, one mid-20th Century President created a unique approach to decision making that remains useful to this day.

Dwight D. Eisenhower served as President of the United States from 1953 to 1961. Before that he was the Supreme Allied Commander in Europe during World War II, overseeing the D-Day invasion. With all that responsibility, Eisenhower had to develop a streamlined approach to make decisions quickly. His technique became known as the Eisenhower Box.

Author James Clear wrote an article on his website to explain this simple, yet powerful approach. Here is how he describes the options in the Eisenhower Box.

Eisenhower’s strategy for taking action and organizing your tasks is simple. Using the decision matrix below, you will separate your actions based on four possibilities.

  1. Urgent and important (tasks you will do immediately).
  2. Important, but not urgent (tasks you will schedule to do later).
  3. Urgent, but not important (tasks you will delegate to someone else).
  4. Neither urgent nor important (tasks that you will eliminate).
Notebook displaying Eisenhower urgent-versus-important matrix with four task-priority quadrants
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One component of the Eisenhower Box that needs clarification is the difference between urgent and important. Clear shares the following understanding.

Urgent tasks are things that you feel like you need to react to: emails, phone calls, texts, news stories. Meanwhile, in the words of Brett McKay, “Important tasks are things that contribute to our long-term mission, values, and goals.”

Another feature of the Eisenhower Box is that it is a powerful tool to eliminate unnecessary items. Often people approach productivity systems as a method to accomplish everything that comes their way. Eisenhower shows us through his box that many things are simply not worth the effort to complete. Clear adds to this idea.

Too often, we use productivity, time management, and optimization as an excuse to avoid the really difficult question: “Do I actually need to be doing this?” It is much easier to remain busy and tell yourself that you just need to be a little more efficient or to “work a little later tonight” than to endure the pain of eliminating a task that you are comfortable with doing, but that isn’t the highest and best use of your time.

To learn more about the Eisenhower Box and how it can be used to make faster and more meaningful decisions, please read the rest of James Clear’s article.

Eliminating the Dreaded “Um”

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What does “Ah,” “Um,” “So,” “Well,” and “Like” have in common? They are filler words and mostly likely they are littered through your public speaking.

A filler word is a sound or short word that serves no purpose which is inserted into a speech. Even polished speakers fall victim to this problem. It is especially prevalent when people are being interviewed or responding to questions on the fly. Why do speakers fall into this habit and more importantly, how can it be stopped?

In an article on the Harvard Extension website titled Tips on Public Speaking: Eliminating the Dreaded “Um”, leadership expert Steven D. Cohen shares why people default to filler words.

The simplest answer is that we have been conditioned to answer questions immediately from an early age. When our mother or father asked us a question, we were sure to answer right away—either because we wanted to show respect or because we were afraid of what would happen if we didn’t answer. Consequently, we feel the urge to speak when spoken to.

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Cohen believes it is this urge to say something swiftly that is the source of filler words. Our minds are thinking quickly, and the mouth is making noise to pass the time until coherent thoughts emerge. Therefore, a possible solution is to simply slow down.

When you use a filler word such as “um,” you are thinking verbally. In other words, you are verbalizing your thought process. Armed with this information, it is easy to realize that the best way to avoid using filler words is to pause. If you are not speaking, you can’t say “um”!

Why is a pause so powerful? Cohen says that it provides two key benefits.

The next time you are asked a question, take a couple seconds to think about what you want to say. This pause serves two important purposes: it will help you begin powerfully, and it will help you avoid using a filler word. Pause, think, answer.

To learn more about how to reduce or eliminate the use of filler words in your speeches and responses, please read the rest of the article.

Balancing Quiet Time Versus Go Time

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It seems like our world is perpetually urging us to go faster and faster. The pressure to accomplish more today than the day before can be intoxicating. However, is it sustainable?

Recently on his website, Darius Foroux explored this problem. In a post called Balancing Quiet Focus Time with Go Time, he explores the delicate balance between speeding ahead to our objectives versus slowing down to take a breath. He starts by exploring the fallacy of being constantly in motion.

Most ambitious people have this false belief that they should always be in go time.

They want to be fit, social, have a good romantic relationship, spend time on their hobbies, see their friends, learn new skills, travel, and do well at work.

When I list all of this, it sounds ridiculous. How can one person push hard in every area of life, every single day?

You can’t.

Foroux goes on to define the two modes of time and how they interact. This is important to understand how to balance them out.

Go time is when you push. You execute ideas, meet people, travel, train hard, learn new skills, take on projects, and move things forward. Your energy goes outward.

Quiet focus time is when you slow down and narrow your attention. You read, think, write, plan, recover, or work on one important thing without trying to do ten other things at the same time.

You need both modes. And the balance between them keeps changing.

The trap that Foroux calls out is the misunderstanding that our energy levels can be kept in a constant high state. The truth is that they change all the time. Pretending otherwise can lead to long term problems.

I understand the urge. If you can force yourself to feel energetic, you can keep doing everything on your list.

But I don’t think that’s a good long-term strategy. You can override tiredness for a while, but eventually you pay for it. I don’t want to use up my body just so I can feel productive every day.

To learn more about how Foroux recommends balancing between quiet time and go time, I invite you to read the rest of his post.

The Case for Leadership Wisdom

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AI is everywhere, but will it take over everything?

Fears about AI stealing jobs are real and widespread. When simple prompts can create documents and presentations in mere moments, it seems like no work is safe. However, are their types of knowledge work that AI cannot do?

According to the Center for Creative Leadership, AI struggles to replicate wise leadership. Writers George Hallenbeck and David Altman explored this concept in their article titled, Lost in a Sea of Answers: The Case for Leadership Wisdom. They start the article by setting up the problem.

Leaders can generate more answers in less time than ever before. What’s becoming harder is knowing which answer deserves action, how it impacts others, and where accountability lies once a decision is made.

More answers don’t ensure greater knowledge.

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What leads someone to greater knowledge? It is the result of diving into the information available, processing it, playing around with it, and then putting it into practice. Hallenbeck and Altman believe this is the path to growing wisdom, and it is a journey open to all.

What then is the important trait that allows leaders to thrive? It is the development of leadership wisdom. What do they mean by this idea? As they explain:

Our emerging perspective on leadership wisdom begins with the premise that it isn’t reserved for a select few, nor is it separate from the practice of leadership. Wisdom is a leadership capability that leaders can understand, build, and put to work — starting with what it’s often associated with: judgment and decision-making.

The writers believe that AI can assist leaders with identifying potential solutions to any problem. However, it takes sound judgement and wisdom to decide on the best course of action. AI by its very nature lacks these qualities, but humans can develop it.

AI can’t simply apply leadership judgment and wisdom. It has no way to reflect on a past decision and use what was learned, or empathize with the impact the decision may have on others and factor that into how to proceed. Nor can it engage in the collective sensemaking that infuses raw information with deeper meaning.

To learn more about the concept of leadership wisdom and how to develop it, I invite you to read the entire article.

Speeding Up by Slowing Down

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Are all productivity techniques designed to speed up your daily work?

Most people who engage with approaches like Getting Things Done want to complete more items in less time. Whether it is whipping through emails, checking off to-do lists, or flying through meetings, the desire work at a rapid pace is enticing. However, is moving faster actually the path to long term success?

GTD creator David Allen mused on the subject in a recent post on the Getting Things Done website. He opens with this statement:

I want to talk about one of the more mysterious best practices in the GTD® methodology: the art of speeding up by slowing down.

I am making the assumption that all of you reading this are on some track of improvement and growth to begin with. I mean, why speed up, instead of slow down, as an end-result?

As Allen unpacks his argument, he shows that the idea of speed as the path to productivity ultimately proves self-defeating. The problem he sees is repeatedly doing many things of little value jeopardizes long term success.

One of the subtlest ways that positive energy retreats from us is in our busy-ness. Losing perspective in trying to control everything, finish it all, fix it all—all at once. It shows up in ways like practicing Getting Things Done® out of frustration instead of inspiration, or helping yourself and others out of compulsion, not compassion.

For those who have not practiced GTD, Allen’s counter-intuitive conclusion may seem confusing. Yet, when considered more fully, the practice is not about getting everything done. Instead, it is knowing what is truly valuable and giving that priority. This approached alleviates the stress of busy-ness and induces a state of calmness. Allen states:

As a matter of fact, your ability to do nothing—to be idle, to daydream, to nap peacefully, to give yourself permission for 100% zoning out—is a hallmark of GTD maturity. And if you don’t believe me, just read the plethora of new data from the cognitive scientists about the need for the brain to rest—daily. That’s a bit tough to do, though, unless you’re REALLY onto the GTD game.

To understand better how slowing down will help you get important things done, feel free to read the full blog post on the Getting Things Done website.

A Slice of Passion: An Evening with California Pizza Kitchen Co-Founder Rick Rosenfield

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If you live in the Palm Beach area, I invite you to attend what may be the most delicious author talk of the year. Learn how pizza and passion came together to form one of America’s most successful restaurant chains.

Join me for an engaging interview with Rick Rosenfield, a former Federal prosecutor and co-founder of California Pizza Kitchen. During the evening, Rick will share about his experience as an attorney, the impetus to jump into the restaurant business with no prior experience, and the ups and downs of expanding CPK across the country. Along the way you will learn the importance of partnership, practical decision making, and following your dreams.

The event will take place at the Gardens Branch library on Mon. Oct. 5, 6:30 pm. Preregistration is encouraged through this link.

The California Pizza Kitchen book

Rick Rosenfield recently wrote the story of California Pizza Kitchen in his new book, The California Pizza Kitchen Story: How Two Federal Prosecutors Changed the Way America Eats Pizza. According to the book’s website:

The California Pizza Kitchen Story: How Two Federal Prosecutors Changed the Way America Eats Pizza is an honest business memoir that tells the unlikely journey from federal courtrooms to the creation of one of the most predominant brands in modern casual dining.

What followed was the moment California-style pizza became mainstream—with its unexpected ingredients, open kitchens, and a relaxed yet elevated dining experience—and the rapid growth of CPK from a single location into a global brand. Along the way, Rosenfield and Flax navigated explosive expansion, skeptical bankers, partnerships with major corporations, and the pressures and consequences of private equity ownership.

Audience Q&A will follow the interview and copies of the book will be available for purchase and signature. The event is sponsored by the Friends of the Palm Beach County Library System and will be joined by the CPK franchise in the Gardens Mall.

Please sign up on the Palm Beach County Library website through this link. I look forward to seeing you there.

Protect Yourself from AI

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How much of your information is exposed to AI?

AI has been rapidly moving through our world. Versions of it are integrated into most software and apps. This makes it feel like AI is inescapable. Because of this, many people are wary of exposing their information to AI. Are their ways to keep our data safe without leaving the internet entirely?

A recent article on the Fast Company website is a must read if you are looking to limit exposure to AI. Kevin Lewis, who serves as the Chief Information Security Officer for E78 Partners, wrote an article titled, 4 things you can do to protect yourself from the rising threat of AI. He opens by describing the scope of the problem.

The concern is understandable—and underscored by recent warnings from high-profile AI researchers about the threat of superintelligence. AI is in our home appliances, work products and even attends our meetings. It shapes the apps we use, the content we see, and the messages we receive. Voice assistants listen to our commands, shopping sites predict what we’ll buy next, and AI tools quietly learn from the data we create. Meanwhile, the traditional cybersecurity risks of stolen passwords, compromised accounts, and phishing emails haven’t gone anywhere. They’ve only gotten more sophisticated and harder to spot.

Photo by Tara Winstead on Pexels.com

To mitigate risk, Lewis provides four ideas on how to avoid exposure to AI. The first is to start limiting your digital footprint.

Remove the apps you never use from your phone, then review app permissions on the ones you do use, opting out of unnecessary data collection where possible.

Always avoid sharing personal details with AI chatbots. Be especially cautious with free AI sites that use your prompts, conversations, or uploaded files to train their systems. Anything you share could be stored, analyzed, or reused in ways you did not intend. Privacy-focused options such as proton.com and duck.ai may be better choices because they are designed to reduce data collection.

To learn the other three approaches, I encourage you to read the rest of the article. Then do your best to apply them across your digital world. Good luck!

Celebrate Library Card Sign-up Month

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Do you have a library card? If not, now is the perfect time to get one.

September is the annual celebration of a simple card that opens up a world of unlimited possibilities. Your library card allows access to a wide range of print and electronic resources for free. National Library Card Sign-Up Month is an invitation to everyone to visit their local library to explore and discover a wealth of knowledge right at your fingertips.

The national musically inspired theme this year from the American Library Association is “A Library Card Hits All the Right Notes.” As described on the ALA website:

No matter what your tastes are, a library card hits all the right notes!

Check out a classic story or hit shuffle and try something new. Find harmony at your library’s book clubs, movie nights, crafting classes, and author talks. A headphone kind of day? Find your focus in a study room or vibe out in a cozy nook. Compose your future with new skills in your library’s makerspace or check out instruments and tools in the Library of Things. No matter what rhythm you find yourself in, there’s a seat in the front row at the library for you.

This September, B sharp, and sign up for a library card!

Library Card Sign-up Month Banner

To celebrate, some library systems are providing incentives to sign up for a free card. For example, the Palm Beach County Library System is offering this deal.

This September, the Palm Beach County Library System is celebrating Library Card Sign-Up Month with a special incentive encouraging members to share the Library with friends and family.

For members who bring a friend or family member to any Library location to sign up for a new Library card, or renew an expired card, both will be entered into a drawing for a special prize. Both participants will also receive a limited-edition Pop-It keychain featuring the phrase “I Heart Palm Beach County Library System,” while supplies last.

To participate, visit any Palm Beach County Library System location in person: www.pbclibrary.org/locations

In a time when reading for pleasure has declined, a library card is a great way to expand your mind beyond endless phone scrolling. In fact, the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners declared 2026 as the year to Rediscover Reading. Even if you don’t live in Palm Beach County, you can participate in the themed months to expand your reading beyond the usual.

What are you waiting for? Drop in today to get your card! You deserve it!