I mentioned David Brooks’ short TED Talk last week when inviting us to avoid confusing titles with accomplishments, so I thought I would share it today. Brooks’ point is that there are two competing dimensions of our selves, one that seeks to build a career and strives for success – the kinds of things that look good on a resume – and one that seeks connection and love and wants to contribute to the common good – the kind of things that contribute to a good eulogy. It’s a reflective talk that reminds me a bit of a commencement address that that I think we can benefit from at any point of our lives. Note:...

There are any number of ways in which the various committees on which we serve or positions we may hold make valuable contributions to the organizations of which we are a part. I am absolutely certain of that. At the same time, while holding positions and serving on committees may be valuable, that is not necessarily the same as accomplishing things. I know that may initially sound odd, but we probably all know – and have perhaps served on – committees that don’t get much done. And we have all seen – and perhaps been invited into – positions that are largely routine or representational. Building things, accomplishing things,...