I began writing People Tools many years ago so I could share with others the behavioral insights that have helped me to achieve my goals and to live my dreams. Three books and hundreds of blog posts later, I still ask myself a question you too may occasionally ask yourself.
“How do I know which is the best tool to use in a given situation?”
The simple answer is, I don’t always know. I still have to experiment.
It has been my hope that you and every one of my readers will use people tools to live happier and more fulfilling lives; to see doors where you once saw only walls, or experience the comfort of structure where you previously may have felt vulnerable and exposed. I hope that you have benefited from my experiences – both my successes and my own mistakes.
So what have I learned over the past few years since I began writing the books and my blog?
- Writing books and maintaining a weekly blog is a lot of work. It’s very rewarding, but it isn’t always fun.
- People tools pervade my life. They help me navigate through my business and personal life with honesty and self-awareness.
- Human possibilities are virtually limitless. I am constantly amazed and delighted by the insight, ingenuity and resourcefulness of the people around me.
- Sometimes the opposite can be more effective than the customary and it takes courage, sometimes great courage, to be different. I have found that being courageous is worth it.
- I don’t know all the answers. I don’t even know some of the most important questions. But I continue to be willing to learn –and to be taught.
Three hermits lived together in a cave. One day a palomino horse ran by. Two years later the first hermit said, “Sure was 
a pretty white horse.” Three years after that the second hermit said, “Twasn’t white. ‘Twas golden.” Five years passed before the third hermit chimed in. “If you two are going to talk so much, I’m leaving.”
Though it might feel at times as if you’re isolated in your life (and isolation may indeed be an inseparable part of the human condition), rest assured that we’re all in this together. I invite you to share your experiences with me and with each other. Talk to your friends. Get in touch and let me know what has and hasn’t worked for you in your life and what helpful tools you’ve discovered along the way.
The Road we travel together in our lifetimes is fraught with unforeseen difficulties and obstacles, and at the same time filled with promise and protection. And it helps when we stay close to ourselves and each other, and openly share our stories.
Alan
“Honey, do you like this dress?”
Several days ago, on March 5, 2016, I celebrated my 76th birthday. Actually, I celebrated from March 3rd through March 6th. Why not enjoy a good thing for as many days as possible?
Saturday afternoon of my birthday weekend I bought a front row seat to a performance of the musical Les Miserable. This is my favorite light opera, and I have seen it about eight times. The first time I saw it in Los Angeles many years ago, and I sat in the last row of the orchestra. I didn’t enjoy it much. Years later I saw Les Miz again in London from the third row. It was great. The next time I saw it in London I sat in the balcony and the performance was okay. Are you seeing a pattern? I always enjoy a theatrical experience far more when I’m sitting in one of the first five rows, and much less if I’m seated further back. That makes sense. How involved would you be in our conversation if we were fifty feet apart using megaphones?
Valley (below sea level) to see for myself the unusual flower bloom. I thoroughly enjoyed my day, including several hikes to the surreal sights unique to Death Valley.