7 Traits Kids Need To Succeed

Success is measured by much, much more than an IQ score.

That's the idea behind Paul Tough's new book How Children Succeed—Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character.

The link below is an article that discusses some of the key points in his book, and also features a few videos. If you're like me, you'll probably scan down right away to find the list of traits. I'll save you the 'trouble'.

1. Grit
2. Curiosity
3. Self-control
4. Social intelligence
5. Zest
6. Optimism
7. Gratitude

Quite an array of character traits. Looks to be an interesting read...

Click here for the article

8 Talks That Give Bono Hope

I’ve been a fan of TED Talks for a few years. From the website: “TED is a nonprofit devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. It started out (in 1984) as a conference bringing together people from three worlds: Technology, Entertainment, Design. Since then its scope has become ever broader. The two annual TED conferences, in Long Beach/Palm Springs and Edinburgh, Scotland, bring together the world's most fascinating thinkers and doers, who are challenged to give the talk of their lives (in 18 minutes or less).” (www.ted.com)

I’ve been a fan of Bono even longer. Aside from the music, there’s an energy and passion for giving back that transcends the songs.

This list is comprised of the 8 talks from the TED conference that Bono selected for their powerful ideas. From Bill and Melinda Gates, to Stephen Hawking and Ken Robinson, the ideas are awesome. I’ve shared Ken Robinson’s talk numerous times, through various media. If you only watch one of the 8 great selections, make it that one.

Click here for 8 Talks That Give Bono Hope.

10 Things to Stop Doing Right Now

...if you want to be happier.

I'm guilty of several of these bad habits. Actually, I've probably been guilty of all of them at some point in my life. I have, however, made a conscious effort to stop, or at least reduce the frequency with which these habits creep into my life.

 Sometimes, it's the things we don't do that actually make us happier.

Click here for 10 Things to Stop Doing Right Now.

10 Reasons That Lists Matter

I read through a lot of news sites, and as I scan the headlines of each, I am invariably drawn to the articles that are written in the form of a list. Recently, I thought it might be kind of interesting to create a blog that consisted only of lists... a list of lists of sorts.

 It's always been my belief, right or wrong, that a blog should have a purpose. That being the case, 'The List' will hopefully consist of posts that can have at least some meaningful effect on a person's life, big or small. I'm not big on trivialites - I think they're best suited for small talk over coffee, not Facebook, Twitter or Blog sites.

I'm not sure if this first list fits the 'meaningful' classification, but I thought its content appropriate for the initial post...

Click here for 10 Reasons That Lists Matter