Large, winding roller coaster set against a beautiful blue afternoon sky.

The Entrepreneurial Journey is a Roller Coaster. Put Your Life First.

Dave Labowitz Personal Growth, Scale

“The entrepreneurial journey is a roller coaster,” they’ll tell you. “But the rewards are worth it.” I’ve heard this, or some derivative of it, more times than I can count. Some entrepreneurs really believe it while others just mouth the words. I’ve gone on the entrepreneurial journey myself a few times, so I know the story. But there’s an unstated …

Picture of the words "thank you" written by hand on a piece of paper. The pen is still visible in the picture and has just completed the "u" in the word "you".

A Year-End Exercise in Gratitude

Dave Labowitz Leadership, Personal Growth

It’s the end of the year! You’re probably cranking on closing contracts and projects before the holidays hit and everything goes dead. Some of you are also doing your year-end review and strategic planning for next year. I know you’re busy. Nevertheless, I’d like to add a year-end exercise in gratitude to your plate. It’ll take an hour or less …

Screen shot from Karate Kid of Daniel-son and Mr. Miyagi. Miyagi is handing Daniel-son the sponge with which to "wax on, wax off". Image is symbolic of self discipline.

How to Hack Self-Discipline

Dave Labowitz Personal Growth

Self-discipline is like a muscle: the more you use it, the stronger it gets and the more you’ll be able to accomplish when you flex it. Getting into the habit of exercising self-discipline regularly will help you line up your behavior with your values, leading to greater happiness and more accomplishments. However, there will always be moments when engaging your …

This is a picture of Steve Jobs, along with one of his quotes that reads "The only way to do great work, is to love what you do."

Do What You Love and the Money Will Follow

Dave Labowitz Personal Growth

When my father taught me the phrase, “Do what you love and the money will follow,” I didn’t believe him. My family had very little money when I was growing up. I thought it was a cute concept, but only applicable to those with financial resources far surpassing our own. Through my teens and into my twenties, making the most …