Running around bone on bone is NO FUN! And operating in our relationships bone on bone is even less enjoyable. One of the primary benefits of clearly establishing and publishing our values, ethos, or guiding principles—whether in life, in our families, or in business—is that it puts cartilage in our relationships. It acts as a buffer, allowing us to point to the agreed-upon ethos statement or shared value(s) as the basis of the conversation, rather than making harsh, accusative “I” statements.

In the business world, where you cast your line matters just as much as the bait you use. That’s the core of my “Where Do You Fish?” model, which breaks down market strategies into four key quadrants: The Mud Puddle, The Swamp, The Ocean, and The Fish Hatchery. Each quadrant reflects a unique mix of market size and felt need, guiding you on where to focus your business efforts. The main takeaway? Your business will thrive when you address your customers’ felt needs directly.

This past week, I found myself knee-deep in some heavy conversations with people I mentor—conversations that left my heart a little heavier and my mind a little clearer. I had four soul-wrenching talks with individuals navigating the messy, painful challenges that life likes to throw our way. And let me tell you, these weren’t the kind of chats that end with a high-five and a “You got this!” No, these were deep dives into the soup of life’s toughest moments.

We live in a scorching, red-hot time where it feels like everyone is perpetually out of balance—from the fiery political rhetoric to the strong opinions on raising families and succeeding in business. Finding balance in these crazy times is one of the biggest challenges I see with those with whom I work.