Today, the world lost a musical genius and legend.  I lost the person I have used as an example of the perfect combination of talent and heart since I first started talking about the Rudy Syndrome in 1993.  Michael Jackson's contribution to the world of music is profound and will never be forgotten.

Thanks, Michael, for being the ultimate demonstration of what you can achieve when you develop your skill on par with your talent.

In memory of Michael Jackson.  1958-2009.

        

This morning, the pastor at church delivered a sermon titled, "This is Your Life." He came at the issue slightly differently than we do, but essentially, the message was the Rudy Syndrome, in spades. His point was simple: this is your life, what are you doing with it?<< MORE >>

In 1987, my very good friend, Sheila, said something to me that was so profound, I never forgot it. She said, "Christine, people treat you the way you let them treat you." This was appropriate in the context of our discussion 22 years ago. But, it is also relevant to life in general. If you believe it and live it, you will be amazed at how your life will change.<< MORE >>

Last week we got an email from one of our readers, Carol, from Denver. The subject line was typed as "The Rudy Symptom" instead of "The Rudy Syndrome." It was an unintended typographical error, but it struck a chord. Maybe we should do a series of articles about the symptoms of the Rudy Syndrome.<< MORE >>

I know a lot of school teachers. And, they all say the same thing: today's students are not striving for high achievement. They seem to be reaching for a life of mediocrity. This, of course, is a generalization. There are some really bright kids out there who put an incredible amount of effort into everything they do. But, on average, kids today do not seem to appreciate the need to work hard and succeed.<< MORE >>

It's January 1, 2009. This seems like a good time to make some predictions about the year to come. We don't have a crystal ball, nor a window into the future. We don't even have a set of Tarot cards. These are just random predictions that may nor may not happen. << MORE >>

The year 2008 is almost over. As we take inventory of the past year, we might ask ourselves a series of questions like: what did I do this year? Who did I help? Where did I go? What did I accomplish? How did I improve my life or the life of someone else? And, most importantly, did I avoid the Rudy Syndrome?<< MORE >>

Sometimes the best examples of people avoiding the Rudy Syndrome are so obvious, we miss them. In fact, I realized recently I had missed sharing a very compelling story because I was so close to it, I simply overlooked its motivational value.<< MORE >>

When Congress approved a $730 Billion economic relief package last month, it was hard not to wonder how America had transitioned to socialism without so much as a polite discussion of whether it was a good idea.<< MORE >>

Every year during the first week of August, hundreds of hopeful young musicians gather in the mountains of Colorado to pursue their dream of musical stardom. << MORE >>