Update: I was interviewed right after my talk on the Art of Giving. The audience got to laugh and got to know me better. If this same interview happened a year-and-a-half ago, I would have been paralyzed with what to say. And I probably would have given more than what the audience wanted to hear.

So I'm glad I've been able to grow in the meantime. We've all been given this chance to grow. Make everyday a Day for Growing.

I'm hitting a busy week, so I'll check in with you in two.

Feature Article: This Song Isn't You

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The Finish Line...

"I want to buy your book," Jean said.

This was right after she heard my presentation. We've never met yet it was an unforgettable way to meet. My book isn't published because it's still swimming inside my cerebral cortex waiting for the right inspiration to put it in print. But that's a song for another day.

The question I want to pose is, "Are you singing your song?"

Do complete strangers engage you in conversation? Do people ask for your advice? Is what you do fulfilling and meaningful?

You'll discover when you're fulfilling your life's purpose or mission, you'll be rewarded more ways than you can count. But that's only if you start and see it through to the finish. I want to see you at the finish line.

This Song Isn't You

Dear Associate,

As I'm preparing my evening salad I flipped on the TV. A young female vocalist was straining her notes on American Idol. She was trying to impress her pundits as well as the public. She didn't look natural. She wasn't being herself. I couldn't wait to hear what the panel of judges had to say.

These were their comments: She was out of tune... she looked uncomfortable... and she was trying a bit too hard. She was over-performing. She attempted to impress everyone — but in doing so — she ended up impressing no one.

Now the panel tried to be nice. It appears as if there's always one judge who will side with the contestant when the decision to give the boot seems unanimous. But that's more for show than reality.

I believe it was Paula Abdul who gave the best cut-to-the-chase response, "This song isn't you."

Which means singing this song doesn't fit in with who you are. It's definitely not your style. It's not in your best interest to continue in this direction. Try to be yourself and forget about mirroring somebody else.

I'm starting to dig Paula even more.

Because people today are not looking for copycats. They want to see authenticity. They want originality. They want sincerity. They want transparency. The days of the posers are numbered.

Which reminded me of a painful lesson...

Earlier that day I sat in my car reading over a little speech I prepared. It looked great on paper, but then I began practicing it out loud. I was disappointed because the message didn't sound like me at all. It lacked my power, passion and mojo.

But that didn't dissuade me...

Trying to convince myself that I could pull this off, I decided to run it by my coach. She echoed the same concerns. She suggested I drop something that appeared manipulative (ouch!) and gave me some tips that would touch people on a deeper level.

How right she was...

I had to suck it up. I should have followed my gut in the first place. Better to turn around now than to make a bigger blunder.

I'm indebted to my coach. She played the part of Judge Paula. She had enough hutzpah to say, "This song isn't you." She's invaluable.

Are you willing to listen to a trusted friend who calls you on your stuff? Are you able to see yourself from another person's perspective? Have you ever argued with your inner voice?

You are a unique individual. You are nobody's clone. You are born with an original song to sing. Sing that song and the world will say, "Wow!"

Warm regards,