No Good Excuse — Sean Baumstark

There are more than 7 billion different opinions in the world — one for each person on this planet. I’m not an authority on much, but I think many of those 7 billion people would agree with this ideal: We are each responsible for our…

When the time came to sit down and write this column, I hadn’t given thought to a specific topic. This doesn’t usually concern me, because I often jot down notes, moments, experiences, or ideas that come to mind throughout the week. Then, I simply dig…

I know I have to practice before it is reasonable for me to meet my expectations or achieve what I set out to accomplish. Although practice sessions can be tedious, time-consuming, and sometimes frustrating, the “routine” practice is commonplace. Routine practice…

In my previous column, I focused on the thought processes that prevent us from doing our best. This subject has been on my mind a lot recently. In a somewhat related vein, I wonder how I’m ever going to get good at…

I’m learning to be cautious of the commitments I make, big or small. I don’t like to wear myself out for reasons I can’t get excited about or when I can’t see the potential return on my investment of time. I also don’t like to leave things unfinished,…

I appreciate the consistent mindset this column helps me employ. With every new day, new challenge, or new opportunity, I quickly find myself coming up with new excuses as to why I can’t do something or why I shouldn’t try.

I am finding that change is so much easier when I tackle the changes I want to make with small, short-term goals in mind. I’ve heard that advice in the past and it’s always been a “feel-good” message. However, now I’m seeing its impact when I apply the…

Sometimes I wish that life would slow down, and some days, I convince myself that it will. That’s probably not true, though. I tend to take on projects and manage my calendar in seasons. This method implies that a “season” of less work and fewer projects, a period…

In a recent column, “Accountability Can Change Everything,” I gave credit to this column for helping me raise the bar in my personal performance by improving my awareness of the excuses I use to let myself off the hook. I have…

I have this phrase in my head that seems to be on constant repeat. I can’t tell you exactly where it’s from or if perhaps I put these words together myself. But I can tell you that it is certainly a culmination of podcasts, books, and self-improvement talks…

Last week, I had the privilege of co-hosting a panel discussion centered around living with a rare disease. Biotech company Amicus Therapeutics invited my podcast co-host, Kyle Bryant, and me to facilitate a panel with three teenage girls, each living with a different rare disease.

Some months ago, I went looking for a new apartment for my friend and me to rent together. Since I’m pickier than he is, we settled on a price range, and he agreed to go with a place of my choosing. My roommate is a smart guy.