If you’re thinking about starting a consulting business, here’s the truth: the most successful consultants don’t just sell advice—they solve real problems in specific markets. But how do you find that sweet spot where your expertise meets an urgent need? The answer lies in identifying a substantial breakdown within a specific ecology and then tailoring your services to solve it.

We live in a world where facts are often uncomfortable. They challenge our assumptions, disrupt our comfort zones, and force us to confront realities we'd rather ignore. Whether in politics, business, or our personal lives, the ability to face hard truths is a critical skill—and one that separates successful leaders, thriving businesses, and fulfilled individuals from those stuck in denial. But let’s take a closer look at what we mean by "facts."

The September 10, 2025, U.S. Presidential Debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump provided more than just a clash of policy. It offered a strategic lesson in the art of agitation—a skill anyone can use to enhance influence, persuasion, or negotiation. Whether in a debate or daily interactions, knowing how to agitate effectively can shift the dynamics in your favor.

As we celebrate Labor Day, it is essential for business owners and individuals alike to appreciate the importance of labor while recognizing the potential pitfalls of viewing labor as the sole means of making a living. Understanding the true nature of labor helps us see it as the backbone of maintenance for both our personal lives and our businesses.

Gaining traction, especially in the early stages, is crucial for small business owners. Yet, even with a groundbreaking solution, many startups struggle to achieve adoption. The question is often not whether the solution solves a problem but how to effectively drive adoption within the specific demographic where their solution is needed most.

Startup success often hinges on identifying and solving problems others haven’t yet recognized. Some of the most groundbreaking innovations emerge not from market research but from the lived experiences of those at the cutting edge—those we call “lead users.” By adopting the mindset of a lead user, startups can uncover hidden opportunities, innovate ahead of the curve, and ensure their solutions resonate with real-world needs. In a world where the difference between success and failure can hinge on finding the right problem to solve, the power of context cannot be underestimated.

Innovative founders are often celebrated for their groundbreaking ideas and creative vision. However, many of these brilliant minds face a significant challenge that can make or break their ventures: lacking essential people skills. While technical expertise and innovation are critical, effectively leading, communicating, and managing a team is just as vital for a startup’s survival and growth.

In a previous article, I explored the decline of the self-esteem movement and highlighted the need to balance confidence with competence for genuine personal and professional growth. Once a powerful cultural force, the self-esteem movement often promised the experience of confidence without its essential foundation of skills and abilities. As we continue to evolve in our understanding of what drives genuine success, we must adopt practical strategies that foster both competence and confidence.

Businesses are increasingly turning to automated sales funnels to streamline marketing efforts and reduce costs. The allure of these systems lies in their promise of quick, effortless results and operational excellence. However, the reality often falls short of expectations, particularly for small businesses.

If you cling to your own ideas, independence, structures, and conclusions, collaboration may seem challenging. However, embracing collaboration will ultimately liberate you. Collaboration isn't just a buzzword; it's a crucial strategy for enhancing innovation, solving complex problems, and achieving sustainable growth. The saying "Two heads are better than one" suggests that multiple perspectives can lead to remarkable outcomes. The challenge most of us face is the willingness to relinquish our grip on our view.

The need to stand out has never been more crucial in a crowded global marketplace. Each individual must cultivate and maintain their value by developing unique skills, abilities, and solutions. This article delves into why specialization is essential, how continuous study, practice, and application contribute to personal and professional growth, and the broader implication of these efforts: your labor, value, and compensation.

For decades, the professional narrative has focused on being and acting confident, presenting a positive attitude as a fast-track solution to eliminate self-doubt and boost self-worth. This narrative has been preached in leadership development, sales training, and management skill-building.

The self-esteem movement has shaped generations, but the results have yet to live up to its promises. Individuals raised with an overemphasis on self-esteem often face challenges in resilience and competency, unrealistic expectations, a lack of real-world preparedness, and a tendency for psychological fixation (an obsessive focus on one's inner state).

For most of my life, I believed that being multitalented and entirely self-sufficient was the ultimate achievement. Thanks to my parents, I immersed myself in Renaissance history during my Italian studies abroad and took pride in considering myself a modern-day Renaissance man, like da Vinci: well-rounded, adaptable, and capable of innovative thinking across different areas of expertise. While I still cherish my natural curiosity to explore new skills and ways to think, my life took a massive turn for the better the day I learned about the myth of being self-sufficient.

Throughout these years, I was privileged to meet many remarkable individuals united by a common purpose: to celebrate our shared humanity and contribute to building a better world. I’m writing this opinion article because I am often asked about this long period of my history and how it led to my role with Influential U.

Lowering marketing costs is critical for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with limited resources. You can’t blow your resources trying to be all things to all people. You must target a specific niche customer (the more specific, the better) with a niche solution and align your business model with one of three core strategies—customer intimacy, product leadership, or operational excellence. Here are the steps to help you think accurately.

Creating a compelling business offer is critical in securing partnerships, clients, and growth opportunities. However, even the most well-intentioned offers can go awry due to common mistakes. Today, I delve into some of the frequent errors businesses make when crafting their offers and provide strategies to avoid them.

In the dynamic and interconnected world of the 21st century, the ability to influence has become a critical determinant of success. At Influential U, we recognize that influence is not just a valuable skill—it's a cornerstone for shaping the future. Here’s why the future belongs to those who master the art of influence.

Before you can wipe the sleep from your eyes, the headlines are blaring alarming news: geopolitical tensions, social unrest, economic turbulence, and market disruptions paint a grim outlook. Many are 'holding their breath,' awaiting the outcome of the 2024 November U.S. elections, which adds another layer of unpredictability to an already volatile time. Yet, amidst this chaos, some see opportunity while others see despair. How?

In recent years, the visibility and influence of LGBTQ leaders in the business world have grown significantly. These executives in the “Q-Suite” bring a unique blend of resilience, creativity, and diverse perspectives that significantly enhance company cultures and outputs. By positioning diversity as a crucial driver of economic growth and innovation, companies can better integrate these initiatives into their strategic objectives.

Recent trends indicate a troubling shift away from DEI efforts, often under the guise of cost-cutting or reactionary responses to political pressures. This retreat is shortsighted and detrimental, not just to the individuals directly affected but also to the organizations themselves.

Ah, the good old days—when coffee was just coffee, and a single index card held the fate of your sales quota. Before the digital age brought its shiny gadgets and complex CRM systems, salespeople relied solely on their charm, a telephone, and a stack of index cards. Let's take a nostalgic look back at why these small rectangles of cardstock were once (and still could be) titans of the sales world and part of a genuine relationship revolution.

Prospecting is not just a skill but is an essential activity for sustainable growth. Prospecting involves identifying and qualifying potential customers who are not only interested in your product or service but also align with your business objectives. It's a multi-faceted process that requires strategic planning, effective communication, and a deep understanding of your target market.

In business, the crystal ball is not a mythical artifact but a metaphor for the acute insight needed to navigate the future. What is the secret sauce? We call it “Studying the Current”—a concoction of trend-watching, data-analyzing, model-flexing, and innovation-engaging strategies.

In the last decade, leadership has undergone a profound transformation. Gone are the days when leadership was confined to a select few at the top—wielding authority in a one-directional flow. Today's leadership landscape is a dynamic, inclusive, and collaborative journey that recognizes and nurtures talents from every corner of an organization, often from places least expected.

Many overlook transforming their knowledge, insights, and inventions into real-world achievements, preferring theory's safety over the unpredictability of action. However, the leap from knowledge to action is often avoided due to fear, resulting in inaction. It appears that dreaming within the confines of theory is more appealing than navigating the risks of practical application. Why?

Welcome to the corporate jungle gym, where swings reach the sky, slides defy gravity, and the unwritten may be to break the rules themselves. In the grand narrative of modern business, it's crystal clear: those leading the charge are not the ones who play it safe. They're the daring, the ambitious—the playground mavericks.

Cast aside visions of cinematic underdogs; our narrative is grounded in the realistic, gritty play-practice-prevail interpretation of the failure-success saga. Indeed, the journey to success is strewn with missteps.

That’s not particularly earth-shattering, is it?

The business rollercoaster proves that competition is as constant as the poor coffee in the break room. Yet, rather than a problem, savvy businesses view competition as the secret sauce to growth and innovation. Instead of fretting, it's time to flip the script and turn those market rivals into unwitting mentors and strategy goldmines. Ready to learn how to make competition work for you? Buckle up; it’s going to be an insightful ride.

In the game of business, the terrain is as unpredictable as it is challenging. Strategic thinking is not just a valuable skill—it's an indispensable one. The ability to navigate this terrain, armed with foresight, adaptability, and a keen sense of direction, separates the trailblazers from the followers.

Your Strategy Shouldn't Mirror the Competition.

Borrowing tactics from the competition is as tempting as it is misguided. It's like sneaking a look at your neighbor's test paper, only to realize later that the questions on your exams were different. This approach might seem practical at first—after all, if it's yielding results for them, why not us?

Beware the Borrowed Tactic

It's time to dive into the meatier subject of frameworks that underpin strategic thinking. The realm of decision-making is not for the faint of heart.

Developing a strategic mindset goes beyond piecing together a series of makeshift plans; it's about deploying resources wisely to carve out a path to victory. And here's an essential insight: strategy is fundamentally about resource allocation—those critical assets that always seem in short supply.

Ready to turn your grind into a groove? Today, we're diving deep into the art of transforming masterful practice into play. We all know practice is essential for mastering any skill, but let's be honest - it can sometimes feel like a chore. Let's add a twist of fun to it. Let's explore how we can make our practice sessions as enjoyable and engaging as our favorite games. Game on!

Did you know that play is a big deal in the animal kingdom? From cats chasing laser pointers to kids building sandcastles, play is everywhere. It's not just a human thing - it's a nature thing. Renowned researchers like Panksepp have shown us that play is hardwired into our DNA. It's how we learn, grow, and outsmart life's challenges.

Pushing beyond the comfort zone—it's the self-help industry's favorite cliche, isn't it? You can hardly scroll through your feed without seeing some over-caffeinated influencer preaching about the glory of discomfort. "Leap into the unknown!" they shout, "Embrace the fear!" And while they're grinning through their perfect teeth, the rest of us mortals are here on earth, grappling with the genuine, sweaty-palmed terror of actually doing it.

At Influential U, the term "gAIM" signifies an approach to setting and achieving aims by reimagining them as play. We’ve evangelized “know thy aims” for years. This twist on the concept encourages individuals to view carefully crafted aims through the lens of game strategy, blending the intensity of deliberate practice with the spirit of play. Becoming a “gAIM Master” can accelerate success, turning every challenge into a strategic and enjoyable journey.

As we step into the Influential U 2024 Year of Practice, we are reminded that the path to excellence is not linear but a dynamic dance of precision, creativity, and adaptability, leading to a future where success is not just achieved but continuously reimagined.

This year’s focus is simple yet uncommon: "Winning Through Intelligent Play and Masterful Practice." But what does this really mean for you and your business?

In a world that worships seasoned experts and venerates experience, here's a radical idea: What if I told you that embracing your inner newbie is the key to personal and professional growth? Buckle up because we're challenging the status quo and pushing you to question just how coachable you really are.

In the quest for expertise, the role of mentorship is often pivotal. However, its effectiveness hinges on one's attitude towards learning, particularly openness and humility. Understanding and bridging these differences is crucial in a world where generational perspectives on mentorship vary widely.

In today's YouTube-a-skill world, the definition of 'expertise' seems to be evolving—or devolving. With just a few clicks, individuals can access a vast array of tutorials and courses, leading many to label themselves as 'experts' in various fields.

Ignoring people skills development can have profound consequences in our complex, interconnected world. These skills are essential for effective communication, building and maintaining relationships, cooperation and effective collaboration, and contributing to personal and professional growth.

As we approach the ever-evolving business landscape of 2024, staying ahead of the curve requires practicing the human touch. In an era driven by technological advancement, human-centric talents are an in-demand trend highlighted by renowned futurist Bernard Marr in Forbes Magazine.

How are these skills becoming a critical differentiator to success in 2024?

The speed at which the world is evolving is unparalleled. Every so often, we find ourselves grappling with new technologies, trends, and professions. Such rapid changes compel us to wonder: are we equipped to face the new challenges and demands of the modern world?

Growing up, the go-to option for career development was the MBA. But nowadays, with the price tag, debt, and lost wages, it's lost its value. According to Forbes, "It's becoming more and more clear that an MBA degree is not just a questionable investment—it's a risk that's simply not worth it."

The nature of work has been in a state of persistent flux over the past five years. We can expect discussions on hybrid work wars, stability hunting, upskilling, and more if you study the current headlines. Here are the top 5 Must-know work and business trends for 2023.

I have to confess I have never been the #1 in anything. I have been in the top 10, the top 3, and the top 1%. As a student, I was middle of the road and only rallied when it came to passing the exam to make it to the next grade; without flying colors. The extra effort it would have taken to become #1 in anything was just not worth my time when there were so many other things I wanted to explore.

Fake Famous is a 2021 HBO Max documentary with the description: "Followers, likes, comments – these are the currencies of fame today. Illuminating the good and bad of our obsession with social media, a new documentary trails three starry-eyed Los Angeles transplants as they participate in a social experiment designed to turn everyday people with modest online followings into 'famous' influencers." Should we be horrified by 'faked fame' or consider it a legitimate strategy?

Two roads running parallel yet at the core have seemingly vastly different tactics to reach the end destination. Initially looking into Influential U, I was skeptical about how a course focused on business professionals with eyes on growth and individual promotion correlated with my career in city government.

It may seem that friction and dysfunction are a normal part of business because that’s the way it is – people are people, right! In my experience, this is particularly the case in the construction sector. Missed deadlines, delays with subcontractors, variations, cost overruns – sounds familiar, doesn’t it?

Ignoring philosophy and its relevance to medicine is like ignoring gravity. We all know gravity exists; we don't know exactly what it is, but we know we can't ignore it. We know philosophy exists, but mostly we ignore it … at our peril. Why is philosophy relevant to medicine? And what are the dangers of ignorance of the influence of philosophy?

As a teacher of Transactional Competence, I am used to hearing the term “transactional” misused and abused. However, a recent rash of scenes on the Showtime series BILLIONS has finally brought me out from behind the velvet rope of my business to call B.S. on the show’s bastardization of something we all do every day—transact. Humankind exchanges to survive. No one is immune.

Everything you know about being an influencer is wrong. Well, somewhat wrong. Case in point: a huge hit on Netflix is "Inventing Anna", a drama miniseries starring Julia Garner, about the case of Anna "Delvey" Sorokin, a German convicted con artist and fraudster who Instagram-pretended to be a wealthy heiress defrauding banks, hotels, and acquaintances of hundreds of thousands of dollars. How has she stolen "the hearts and money of New York elites" as well as all this attention? Is she a charming fraudster or a genius influencer?

A record number of employees have or plan to quit. Already hobbled by the pandemic, businesses are now looking for new ways to balance investment in talent attraction, professional development, and finding tools to increase productivity. With more people reconsidering their careers, many companies will have to reinvent productivity amid a rapidly evolving society and culture.

A Google search for ways to make extra income will result in some 4.5 billion results talking about side hustles, second jobs, and even clinical trials. But how do you earn more wages from your current job? You don't have time for more work; you want less of it. It starts by being in the driver's seat of your own value rather than hoping for a promotion and accepting whatever you get. Here are five secrets to pulling more income from your current job.

Toxic Cultures include a failure to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. Beginning to emerge is a full spectrum of worldviews no longer willing to remain unacknowledged. HR needs to focus diversity and leadership training towards understanding varying worldviews and behaviors.

According to Moderna co-founder Noubar Afeyan, the pandemic could begin shifting into an endemic stage in 2022. While a few countries gradually consider treating Covid as an endemic disease (the World Health Organization says this is premature), many businesses wonder what this might mean for the next normal.

Workers want more flexibility, freedom, and work-life balance. They seek choices that satisfy all their conditions of life rather than options they must tolerate. The rebellion against crappy, dead-end jobs is really about asking ourselves what we truly want out of life.

In some cases, when we ask our students to "describe how you plan to fund your retirement," a growing number states, "I don't plan to stop working." But what if they don't have a choice? For those seeking jobs, the job market may be done with you long before you've funded your retirement.

Microsoft's survey of 30,000+ workers indicated that 41% of workers were considering quitting or changing professions this year, citing burnout, a desire to work remotely, poor treatment, or insufficient compensation. The Great Resignation has many dreaming of a business of their own. If you're one of the thousands longing to turn a hobby or side job into a full-time gig, you're not alone. Here are five things to consider if you want to succeed

The Great Resignation is resulting in an unprecedented number of new startups. Do you have what it takes to start your own business? Take this two-minute quiz to find out if you’re ready to quit your current job and turn your idea into a full-time gig. See your readiness score and get our tips for success!

What should you study? The tech mogul says that in the wake of artificial intelligence (AI), "what will be needed in this futuristic society will be human interaction." These are skills and abilities that are less specialized or rooted in specific occupations and more aligned with personal attributes, skills related to your attitudes, and your intuitions.

Congress passed the bipartisan infrastructure bill to compete with growing countries with more robust and modern foundations, while ours are outdated or crumbling. However, the glitch in the plan is that the US has fewer skilled trade workers. How did we get here, and how did "doing" become dirty work?

This next internet era of social capital reorients access to influence and resources. Now more than ever, it is feasible to fund your venture where your social capital is the investment. In the wake of the pandemic, many are starting (and funding) their ventures. Research points to a future in which nearly 80 percent of teenagers say they want to be their own boss; 40 percent aspire to start their own business.

Your human capital is your ability to be compensated more (or the same within a shorter time or with less labor). Financial advisors don’t talk about this too often; however, being better at what you do (skill, specialty, etc.) creates a greater return than any other financial instrument. The greatest asset on your balance sheet isn’t your home or stock portfolio; it is YOU.

Do quitters never win? Apparently, they do. In the wake of the pandemic, more people than ever are starting on their own. The biggest winners are Solopreneurs. How they navigate the next twelve months will make or break the trend. Quitters with transactional competence stand the best chance of making a sustainable transition.

This isn't one of those hit pieces meant to stoke the political divide. Instead, we look at Joe Biden through the lens of his transactional personality, the Performer. Often seen as a great connector, Performer personalities are primarily concerned with others (and almost to a fault). Is this true of President Biden? Let’s explore.

We often see, even in the most successful achievers, an imbalance in their lives. Perhaps they make a high income, but their health is poor. Maybe they are so focused on one aspect of life that they struggle to satisfy others. It isn't easy to create balance in our lives, however, it is quite possible to be profoundly satisfied across many Conditions of Life.

If you’ve studied the 2015 Paris Agreement, you’ve been delighted by the pledges, promises, and plans adopted by 196 countries and counting. It is a legally binding international treaty on climate change to limit global warming. It accounts for several variables and terms, so what is missing? With the Oct 31 Glasgow Climate Conference behind us, a few vital missing components render the agreement less a contract and more a pledge of goodwill.

With Facebook's firestorm of social and legal problems, perhaps CEO Mark Zuckerberg's motto "move fast and break things" is akin to an arsonist setting fires his colleagues (and the world) have to extinguish. Zuckerberg and 30.6% of those we've surveyed identify as the Inventor personality. This personality's superpower can likewise be his (or your) demise. For Zuckerberg (and others), this unchecked genius is getting its due.

When did ambition become a dirty word? Perhaps we have forsaken the pursuit of opportunity equality (anyone can become anything) in favor of pursuing outcome equality (trophies for showing up). Studies have found that ambitious people attain higher education and income levels, build more prestigious careers, and report higher overall life satisfaction.

The greatest innovations in history share one common ingredient: they convert scarce resources into abundant ones. This secret recipe begins with a reinvention of tangible, intangible, and human assets. So what is the formula?

Human history is filled with stories about exchanges of trinkets, labor, wisdom, and resources. These stories include a pattern language so familiar they form the foundations of every conversation. Do you know your eight primary narratives?

Most millionaire households do not have the extravagant lifestyles that most people would assume. Rather than surrendering their income to luxury goods or status items, they live below their means and devote their time to continued study, nurturing relationships, and self-improvement.

More than you might think. Sociality means group living. We form and maintain groups because all the individuals involved gain genetically. Are you a queen, drone, or worker bee? Has your hive shaped your role in it? In this article, we’ll turn our attention to eusociality—a sociobiological theory applied to ants, bees, and humans (to name a few).

If asked to draw a transaction, you'll likely sketch two stick figures shaking hands while exchanging money for something. Your abridged interpretation may be the root of all your problems; it's why you struggle with career, money, people, and the reason satisfaction is always just beyond your reach. Here is a diagram (and explanation) of what you might be missing.

The wait is over. Our personality quiz is here. Discover your inner influential superhero — and its kryptonite. It’s a quick online quiz that offers an easy onramp to the business philosophy behind Transactional Competence. The quiz introduces first-timers to the Transaction Cycle by showing them their place in it. It reveals both the superpowers and kryptonite of their transactional personality.

The zero-sum, winner-take-all, business-as-usual approach has reached its endgame. We now believe in our bones that the onus is on us—faculty and alum—to bring our unique business philosophy to the wider world. So, what is transactionalism, and why does it get a bad rap? While what we teach can be quite heady, true transactionalism is just as much a matter of the heart.

Basic financial literacy begins with your ability to think accurately about money. This includes your ability to recognize, explain, and apply the fundamentals to your personal finance. So, why then, are we so crazy about money? Because we forget that money is merely a tool. Any other orientation is simply flawed.

The foundational and wildly popular go-to resource for influence and persuasion—a renowned international bestseller, with over 5 million copies sold—now revised adding: new research, new insights, new examples, and online applications. Dr. Cialdini demonstrates the seven levers of influence to activate the shortcut mechanism in our brain. The result: we then accept willingly and quickly.

Cooperation is an essential organizing and survival attribute for many organisms. Human beings cooperate to live, work, and exist in groups. We form tribes with one membership rule: be loyal to one's tribe and disdain those not in your tribe. Watch any sports match, and the behavior is on full display. Tribalism, however, conflicts with cooperation. What now?

There is no natural division of brain and body, so why do we talk and behave like these are two separate things? Whether we comprehend our position in the cosmos, place in history, or differing views, we often grapple with our inability to reckon with whole systems. These fractured truths threaten our ability to think accurately about ourselves, strategies, and influence.

When students apply for our programs, we often see, even in the most successful achievers, an imbalance in their lives. Perhaps they make a great income, but their health (stress, weight, fitness) is poor. Maybe they are so focused on one aspect of life, that they struggle to satisfy others. It isn't easy to create balance in our lives, but it is quite possible to be profoundly satisfied across many domains of our lives. Although there are no shortcuts, for work-life balance, we offer a how-to in 13 steps.

Many of us have heard the mantra “Do What You Love and Never Work A Day in Your Life.” This affirmation may be misguided and misleading. It is likely to produce more hardship and struggle. For high-achieving ambitious professionals who desire an aspirational life and whole-life balance, here are my 9 Things Wrong With This Mantra.

Although we seek the freedom to act as individuals, we cannot escape the fact that we are part of a society of people, including families and groups of all sizes. So why do we sometimes think and act as if we're entities (separate and distinct)? Why do we insist on our independence? Is this a bit of assholery? Maybe.

A penguin waddling across the Antarctic tundra is an agile rocket once in the water. If you pay attention to the environment, it makes a massive difference in how you perform. Let the environment do the heavy lifting! You succeed only when your ideas and actions get produced in an environment where others accept and nurture them.

When you produce any resource (money, a home, a good name), it must be maintained. All resources come with the labor, work, and action to maintain them. Poorly maintained resources can cause instability, threats, and breakdowns. The cost of regular maintenance is minimal compared to the cost of a significant breakdown; however, all maintenance has a cost.

A key phrase here is "willingly working with others" - note that it does not say "begrudgingly working with others." Rather than consider cooperation a necessary evil, consider it the only means to think and act in ways you'll never consider on your own.

Most of us think we know more than we actually do. We believe this because we ignore complexity and believe that our brain is like a computer; designed to store information (this isn't the case). Instead, our brains evolved to work with other brains and to engage in collaborative activities. Indeed, it's our ability to divide cognitive labor and share intentionality that's led to our species' success. So, when thinking about intelligence, we should take into account people's collaborative aptitude. We'd do well to encourage more collaboration – not just in school, but in society as a whole.

When and How Did Everything Become Awesome? In The Lego Movie, the song, “Everything is AWESOME!!!” was Nominated for Best Original Song at the 87th Academy Awards, a Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media, and a Critics’ Choice Movie Award for Best Song. Personally, I’m grateful the song won none of these (but am sure the songwriter still feels awesome, right?).

Students of Influential U programs are steeped and practiced in the fundamental narratives of every transaction. When transactions move smoothly and seamlessly, it is because the parties to transactions reach a meeting of the minds as they move from one narrative to the next in the cycle. But rarely are transactions smooth and seamless – I mean, let's face it – human beings are involved, and at any given moment in time, any single human being is unpredictable. Sure, we can hedge our bets and engage with personalities, and/or do everything in our power to control the environment of transactions, but there are always situations that arise in transactions that challenge us.

In the course of transacting to satisfy any aim, we (and the environments we can't escape) evolve, age, gain or lose resources, fitness, etc. As we have seen firsthand with many of our advanced students, the satisfaction of foundational aims (i.e., health, money, activity, career) begins to reveal the need to address higher aims (i.e., legacy, aesthetics, self-actualization). Want to make your wildest dreams come true? Start with satisfying your biological and linguistic Conditions of Life first, and watch what new possibilities and opportunities emerge for you and your loved ones. Think about it. What might you be able to do if you were satisfied with your money?

As you ponder the next year (or the next ten), what you aspire to accomplish can often get expressed in your favorite quote. What might this narrative reveal about your personality and your social groups?

Throughout this study, we have introduced principles that are immediately applicable. The intuitive student will quickly begin to see their life through the lens of ubiquitous transactions; that in fact, they are always transacting to satisfy their aims, and so is everyone else. To further their understanding, an ambitious student might begin to consciously practice making invitations, offers, or requests to gain compliance. Perhaps they’ll attempt to tailor these exchanges to differing personalities or deliberately hold their tongue to lower their perceived cost. They may practice listening for the narratives of the transaction cycle or how they might move the transaction on to the next exchange.

I work with some highly stressed clients with huge demands, and an allostatic load (scientific term for the body’s wear and tear) that has them progressively less able to function at their best, and they end up just surviving and turning it on each day, all the while feeling like a fraud, only to come up for brief amounts of air (vacations and weekends) so they can keep it all up. As I have said in many previous articles, this can lead to brain burnout and all sorts of other behavioural, psychological and physical issues arising that, left unchecked, can be detrimental to their personal and professional lives.