Geoff W. Sutton Blog

  The USA is the world’s superpower in many respects. We have a huge economy, significant military strength, world-class universities, large numbers of Nobel Prize winning scientists, leading healthcare technologies and discoveries, and powerful international businesses like Apple and Microsoft not to mention fast food and financial giants around the globe. We also happen to be a democracy that takes human rights seriously. No. I do not wear rose-colored glasses.   America has some weaknesses too. It’s those weaknesses that might make a difference in 2022 and beyond. Is the US being tested? As I write, Russia has amassed troops on their border with Ukraine. Stock markets are tumbling. President Biden has threatened sanctions. We are sending troops and weapons. It looks like we are on the brink of war. (e.g., CNN ) Earlier today, we learn the world’s second most powerful nation sent 39 warplanes toward Taiwan, which split from China during the 1949 Civil War. Yester...

  A saying by psychologist author Adam Grant caught my attention- "Sometimes you have to let others down to uphold your boundaries." It's true. People have expectations of us--sometimes too many. Trying to please others can sap the energy we need for our priorities. Of course, we can only be aware of the loss of energy for our priorities if we have clear priorities. After deciding on our priorities, we may have to deal with the fact that some people are so focused on their personal projects that they do not consider our boundaries.  Fortunately, some are sensitive and will both recognize and respect our boundaries when they are made aware. A simple note and an offer to reschedule can be enough. Unfortunately, some do not respect our boundaries. Guilt may appear when relationships end abruptly. Former friends are lost. Finding the right balance between caring for others and having a life isn't easy. Saying "No" and accepting an others' "No" can ...