As a communicator, I love to watch really good improv groups. The ability to think quickly and clearly is both a gift and a learned skill. As with most things that appear to be spontaneous, there is actually a fair amount of practice involved. Much of the practice has to do with retraining the instincts of the performer. The first -- and most basic -- rule of improv is called the "Yes, and" rule. It's designed to keep the scene open and moving. Saying "no" is akin to closing the door. It closes the sentence or stops the action. It becomes a conversational wall that must be navigated around. "Yes, and" is an invitation to continue. In life, there are many times it is appropriate to say "no" to something or someone. In fact, the ability to say no well is an important to have as a leader, pastor, or parent.…

Ever have someone ask you, "What were you thinking?" Typically, this in response to something we said or did that was a bit odd or goofy or even dangerous. Rarely does someone ask us that question when something goes well! I recently taught a class at Colorado Free University entitled Finding the True You. It's a three-hour class designed to help jumpstart the process of discovering your personal mission or purpose. It's always a fun class to teach because the people who sign up are "in process" -- they are looking for something different. Or just something. Anything. One of the sections I cover has to do with limiting beliefs we hold about ourselves, other people, or the world. For many students, they begin to realize that the force that is holding them back is actually the way they think. Instead of asking, "What were you thinking?" perhaps we should…