Category: Success Thinking

Six Skills to Survive AI

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Will AI take over the world, or at the very least, take your job?

With the rise of all manner of AI tools and agents, it is fair to ask how humans will compete against machine learning. Will all the degrees and job skills destined to be replaced by a computer? Is there anything we humans can do better than AI?

In his recent newsletter, author Daniel Pink wrote and shared a video about the Six Skills You Need to Survive AI. Pink is not an AI doomer, as he sees a future where people and AI collaborate in ways never before seen. To that end, he believes that there are specific skills and talents that humans have that AI cannot master. In the video, he shares six abilities that complement each other.

• Asking better questions
• Developing good taste
• Iterating relentlessly
• Composing pieces into something meaningful
• Allocating human and machine talent
• Acting with integrity

Let’s dive into the first one that he calls asking better questions. Pink points out in his video that AI is great at generating answers. In fact, it can provide dozens and dozens of potential answers to any inquiry. However, answers are worthless unless the questions are meaningful. It calls back to the old computer maxim of “garbage in, garbage out.” He believes that humans have the intrinsic ability to consider the meaning and objectives of a idea or problem in a way that computers simply are unable to do. To ask better questions, Pink suggests several starters, such as beginning inquiries with words such as, “What Does”, “What If”, “Why Not” and perhaps the most important question of all, “What are we trying to solve here?”

To strengthen your questioning skills, Pink suggests using a simple exercise known as The Five Whys. It is technique developed by Sakichi Toyoda for Toyota. The Lean Enterprise Institute has a good explanation of this approach.

5 Whys is the practice of asking why repeatedly whenever a problem is encountered in order to get beyond the obvious symptoms to discover the root cause. … Without repeatedly asking why, managers would simply replace the fuse or pump and the failure would recur. The specific number five is not the point. Rather it is to keep asking until the root cause is reached and eliminated.

I invite you to consider the recent questions you are asking at work, at school, or anywhere in your private life. What techniques can you use to improve the quality of your questions? Also, be very clear on the problem you are trying to solve when you ask them. By being very deliberate, the questions you ask today could lead to a groundbreaking insight tomorrow.

To learn more from Pink about the skill of asking better questions, along with the other five abilities, please see his video in the Pink Report.

Is It Ever Too Late?

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Have you ever heard someone say, “It’s too late to pursue that dream.”

When we are young, it seems like there is an abundance of time and energy to complete every goal set, finish every project started, and see the entirety of the world. Then as we grow older, time slips away and those youthful dreams feel unobtainable. And while some avenues may realistically close up as we age (like becoming an Olympic athlete in your fifties) is it really ever too late to chase most dreams?

According to Shola Richards, the answer is an solid “NO!” In a recent post on his website titled It’s Never Too Late, he explores why people give up on goals.

It’s never too late to do anything. So, why do we often think that it is? …

Sure, those dreams can be pushed aside, discouraged or ignored, but if you think that by saying “it’s too late” will succeed in killing those dreams, then I’ve got some really bad news for you.

Our dreams are persistent AF, and as long as you live, …

Shola clearly states that the only time your dreams die is when you do! In other words, so long as there is breath in the body there remains a path forward to obtain the goals that inspire and excite. He says:

Your dreams didn’t come to you so that you could throw your weakest excuses at them. They came to you so that you could literally do the damn thing.

If nothing else, remember this: persistent dreams only visit the souls who have the ability to transform them from imagined reality to actual reality.

With this clarity in mind, why not put this advice into practice.

Take a few minutes to consider the goals, projects, and dreams that have been shelved in your mind. Are you working under the misconception that they are no longer obtainable? Consider them one by one and ask two questions for each:

1/ Does this goal, project, dream, still excite me?

2/ Is there a very specific, undeniable, hard truth, no arguments about, scientifically valid reason this goal, project, dream is no longer obtainable?

If the answer is YES on question one and NO on question two, then I invite you to reengage. Write down exactly what success would look and feel like for this endevour. Then create ONE actionable item that can be done to move it forward in the next 24 hours.

Once that’s complete, decide on the next step and the next one after that. Before you know it, the dream will be realized.

Enjoy the journey!

Temptation Bundling – A Way to Get Things Done

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One of the biggest struggles in our lives is wanting to do things we enjoy versus the doing the things we resist but are good for us. Some days it feels like we have the proverbial angel on one shoulder and devil on the other. Is there any way to get past this struggle?

In a recent newsletter, Charles Duhigg pointed to a research study titled: “Holding the Hunger Games Hostage at the Gym.” Beneath the playful framing is a serious idea with powerful implications. The study explores a concept called temptation bundling. The study authors define it this way:

“Temptation bundling involves the coupling of instantly gratifying ‘want’ activities… with engagement in a ‘should’ behavior that provides long-term benefits but requires the exertion of willpower.”

The researchers tested this concept at a university gym. Study participants were given access to high quality audiobooks, but only while physically at the gym. If they wanted to hear the next chapter, they had to show up to the gym and exercise

The result? Gym attendance jumped dramatically compared to the control group. Even more telling was that when the experiment ended, a majority of participants were willing to pay to keep the restriction in place. The study points to an intriguing finding. We often frame productivity challenges as moral ones: “I need to be more focused.” “I need to stop procrastinating.” But temptation bundling suggests a different framing. Instead of trying to suppress the “want,” we can strategically attach it to the “should.” Packaging the reward and chore together will maximize results.

The key is exclusivity. The temptation has to be contingent on the productive behavior. If you can binge the audiobook anywhere, the gym loses its leverage. Temptation bundling isn’t about tricking yourself. It’s about acknowledging how motivation actually works and building systems that cooperate with human nature rather than fight it.

Although it is written in a scholarly style that doesn’t make for easy reading, I invite you to view the full article to learn more. Then go ahead and figure out how to use temptation bundling in your own life.

Support Florida Libraries! Support the Florida Library Association!

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In 2026, Florida’s libraries are facing new challenges and unprecedented opportunities. From protecting intellectual freedom to expanding digital access and workforce development, library professionals across the state are stepping up in powerful ways.

Now is the time to stand together and tell your story about why libraries matter.

The Florida Library Association (FLA) has a bold goal: building a stronger, more connected community of library workers and advocates. As a Past President of FLA, I personally invite you to join Florida’s premier professional association for library employees, supporters, and champions. This year, FLA President Allision Grubbs is inspiring us to tell our story about how libraries change lives. The best way to share your story is to join with colleagues across the state to build a better future.

Why Join FLA in 2026?

FLA has made membership more accessible with reduced and flexible membership rates, ensuring that every library worker at every stage of their career can participate. Don’t work in a library? Membership is also open to library supports and retirees. In short, anyone who loves libraries is invited to share their story and join the association.

I’ve been a proud FLA member for over twelve years. Through the Association, I’ve grown as a leader and built lifelong professional relationships with amazing people from across the state. As well, I’ve strengthened my advocacy for the essential work libraries do every day to connect communities, inspire learning, and protect access to information.

When you become an Individual Member, you gain:

  • Leadership Opportunities – Serve on committees or the Executive Board and develop valuable leadership skills
  • Timely Advocacy Updates – Stay informed on fast-moving legislative and policy issues impacting Florida libraries
  • Continuing Education – Access webinars, trainings, and professional development opportunities
  • Statewide Networking – Connect with colleagues from public, academic, school, and special libraries
  • Recognition & Awards – Celebrate excellence at the FLA Annual Conference
  • Voting Rights – Help shape the future direction of the association
  • Conference Discounts – Save on registration for our Annual Conference
  • Member Groups – Join or form communities centered on your professional interests
  • Member Communications – Stay informed through exclusive mailing lists and updates
  • Publication Opportunities – Access Florida Libraries journal and opportunities to be featured
  • Exclusive Online Resources – Including the member directory and professional tools

Whether you’ve never joined, or are considering returning, or are ready to renew, 2026 is the year to take that step.

Your Membership Matters More Than Ever

Libraries are essential infrastructure for democracy, education, and community resilience. Your membership strengthens FLA’s ability to advocate effectively, provide professional support, and ensure that all types of libraries across Florida can thrive. For more than 100 years, the Florida Library Association has championed our state’s libraries. Now we’re building the next century of access and empowerment, and we need you with us.

Don’t Wait. Join Today!

Commit to your profession. Invest in your growth. Stand up for Florida’s libraries.

Visit the FLA membership website and become a member today. Together, we are stronger. Together we will shape the future of libraries in Florida by telling our story. In 2026, I look forward to welcoming you as an FLA Member.

Upcoming Webinars

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I’m excited to share information on three upcoming webinars that I’m presenting over the next two weeks. Registration for all of them are open now. This is your chance to get more comfortable with public speaking, be more productive, and became a better supervisor.

Thank you to the Florida Library Association and the American Library Association for sponsoring these webinars.

Florida Library Association Webinar
The Art of Public Speaking
Thurs. Feb. 19, 1 pm EST

In this webinar, you will learn the art and science of public speaking based on the Toastmasters approach. Free to FLA members. $20 for non-members.

ALA Webinars
A Plan for Personal Productivity for Library Staff: From Inbox to Completion
Wed. February 18, 2:30 pm EST

Is your inbox overflowing? Is your work spilling onto every available surface? Do you want to get more stuff done in less time while looking effortless in the process? In this energizing webinar, you will learn methods for workflow management based on the internationally recognized Getting Things Done (GTD) system. These practices work in any type of library and at any level of employment. With many libraries seeing record vacancies, mastering workflow is vital for peace of mind and completing valuable tasks. ALA Member Price: $80.10; Non Member Price: $89.00; Student Member Price: $44.50

ALA Webinars
Managing Employee Performance Using the SBI Method
Wed. February 25, 2:30 pm EST

The success of any project or plan relies on the work of your staff. All too often, library managers rely on employee assessment that feels like nothing more than a pointless exercise in filling out forms for both manager and employee. How can we manage library employee performance without stress, without unnecessary conflict, without busywork, but with positive results? In this webinar, learn a simple and widely tested approach to interacting with your employees that takes some of the stress out of the process. Using the Situation-Behavior-Impact (SBI) Model, supervisors can speak with staff in a way that is direct, yet supportive, while keeping the conversation on the topic at hand. SBI can be used to address poor performance or acknowledge great work. ALA Member Price: $80.10; Non Member Price: $89.00; Student Member Price: $44.50

Please note that all proceeds from these webinars go to the sponsoring organizations. Sign up for the webinars through the links provided.

The Wednesday Rule

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How many times have you looked back on a recent decision and wished you had done something different?

Regret happens far too often. It would be helpful if there was a way to consider the wisdom of your future self before making a decision today without the need for a time machine. However, maybe we can bend time and space after all. Not with a time machine, but instead with the assistance of a little imagination.

The Minimalists have created a simple approach to decision making that anyone can use to avoid future regret. It is called the Wednesday Rule. They explained it in a post on their website.

Here’s how it works…

Before you make a decision, simply ask yourself one question:

Will I be delighted with this decision next Wednesday?

It’s that simple.

They claim this approach can be used for any type of decision. By imagining how your future self will look back on this choice is surprisingly easy to do. The answer you receive will be revealing.

If the answer is yes, then it’s probably a good decision.

However, if the answer is No, I will not be delighted by this decision, then the decision is already made for you:

When in doubt, opt out.

What decision are you facing right now? Consider the options and then think ahead to the future having selected each one in turn. The correct choice may reveal itself immediately.

Read the whole post on the Minimalists website.

You Can Do It! Overcoming Public Speaking Challenges

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Are you afraid to speak in public?

The fear of public speaking is exceedingly common. The thought of standing in front of a crowd can cause people’s knees to weaken and the stomach butterflies to launch. Yet public speaking is considered an essential professional skill, especially for those moving into leadership positions. Therefore, how can one overcome public speaking fears?

A recent “Life Kit” article resurfaced on the NPR website this past week titled, “Oops, I messed up! 7 common public speaking issues — and how to fix them.” In the piece, reporters Kyle Norris and Audrey Nguyen speak to a public speaking expert, who provides tips on how to overcome fearful speaking situations. The first issue they explore is the problem of unfocused speeches.

Before you dive into your speech, figure out your core message, says Dominguez Chan.

“If my audience could walk out of this room with one thing, what would that one thing be?” she asks. It can be an idea, a feeling “like wanting your audience to walk away feeling appreciated” or a call to action — like inspiring someone to vote.

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Next, they tackle the challenge of figuring out what to include in the speech.

Now that you have your core message, make sure all the ideas in your speech point back to it, says Dominguez Chan.

It makes it easier to decide what to say and it “helps you make every other decision, from the structure to the specific stories and concrete images that you include,” she adds.

A third topic they explore is how to engage with, and not simply talk to, an audience.

Dominguez Chan likes using what she calls “sticky stories” in her speeches — honest, vivid anecdotes with details that engage the senses of sight, sound, smell, taste and touch.

They “are going to make your presentation memorable. People remember stories and images,” she says.

To learn more about these three issues, plus discover techniques to overcome four more, please read the rest of the article on the NPR website.

The Power of Deep Reading

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We are a culture of shallow readers.

What does that mean? Nowadays, most people only read short sentences or paragraphs from social media or news stories. While this can keep people abreast of surface level information, it fails to provide a deeper understanding of the world. How bad is the problem? Worse than you think!

In a recent article on the Conversation website, JT Torres and Jeff Saerys-Foy argue that deep reading is important for our wellbeing. They start the article titled Deep reading can boost your critical thinking and help you resist misinformation – here’s how to build the skill, with a clear picture of the challenge.

The average American checks their phone over 140 times a day, clocking an average of 4.5 hours of daily use, with 57% of people admitting they’re “addicted” to their phone. Tech companies, influencers and other content creators compete for all that attention, which has incentivized the rise of misinformation.

Considering this challenging information landscape, strong critical reading skills are as relevant and necessary as they’ve ever been.

The authors go on to explain why they believe that deep reading is a vital skill to master.

As a cognitive scientist and a literacy expert, we research the ways people process information through reading. Based on our work, we believe that deep reading can be an effective way to counter misinformation as well as reduce stress and loneliness. It can be tough to go deeper than a speedy skim, but there are strategies you can use to strengthen important reading skills.

So how does one become a deep reader? The authors suggest a few strategies. One simple approach is to slow down.

Simply being aware of how digital reading practices shape your brain can encourage new attitudes and habits toward how you consume information. Just pausing can reduce susceptibility to misinformation. Taking a few extra seconds to consciously judge information can counteract illusory truth, indicating that intentionally slowing down even just a bit can be beneficial.

Reading deeply means being able to intentionally choose when to read at different speeds, slowing down as needed to wrestle with difficult passages, savor striking prose, critically evaluate information, and reflect on the meaning of a text. It involves entering into a dialogue with the text rather than gleaning information.

To learn more ways to build deep reading skills, please read the rest of their article.

12 Characteristics of a Good Leader

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What makes for a good leader?

Some people think that leaders are born that way. Others think that leaders are diligently grown. Either way, are their signs and skills which make someone a good leader?

The Center for Creative Leadership is an organization devoted to understanding the science of leadership. A recent article on their website titled 12 Essential Qualities of Effective Leadership identifies an comprehensive list of qualities found in good leaders. Based on research by Micela Leis, PhD, and Stephanie Wormington, PhD, the article opens with a general summary of their findings.

A good leader should have integrity, self-awareness, courage, respect, compassion, and resilience. They should be learning agile and flex their influence while communicating the vision, showing gratitude, and collaborating effectively. See how these key leadership qualities can be learned and improved at all levels of your organization.

The article goes on to provide a list of specific qualities that good leaders bring to the table. The first one is Self-Awareness.

Self-awareness is the understanding of yourself, including personality traits, behaviors, anxieties, and emotions. While this is a more inwardly focused trait, self-awareness and humility are paramount qualities of leadership. The better you understand yourself and recognize your own strengths and weaknesses, the more effective you can be as a leader. Do you know how other people view you, and do you understand how you show up at work and at home? Take the time to learn about the 4 aspects of self-awareness and how to strengthen each component.

What are the other eleven characteristics of a good leader? Read for yourself on the Center for Creative Leadership website.