1. Having unfinished business in your life, in any form, ties up your psychological energy in a negative way. Begin tying up loose ends-finish projects, half-read books, and restart exercise programs you abandoned way back when. Aside from the tangible benefits, you'll feel much better, since your mind is no longer cluttered with unfinished chores and tasks.

2. Make it a habit to ask for what you want in specific terms. If you really want a favor from someone, don't disguise it by buying them lunch and beating around the bush for an hour, hoping they get the idea. If they are your friend, or someone that can help you, they'll appreciate your being direct. It's a more respectful way to get what you need.

3. Get balanced views on topics, from politics to medical issues to reading recommendations. This will allow you to form an intelligent opinion on the subject matter, as well as keep a more open mind about emotionally-charged issues and discussions.

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Books I've read recently, or am currently reading and/or will finish this month:

1. Lego: A Love Story, by Jonathan Bender

2. Andrew Jackson: His Life and Times, by H.W. Brands

3. Unfinished Business, by Lee Kravitz

4. The Fighter's Mind, by Sam Sheridan

5. Lisey's Story, by Stephen King

6. The Magicians, by Lev Grossman

I've felt a strong sense of urgency lately in my life, and I've realized how important it is for my own self-growth that I embrace it fully. Having completed my first book, due out in September, I have now decided that I really do enjoy writing, and have now almost completed a book proposal and sample chapter for my second book. A third book proposal waits in the wings, and I don't intend to stop anytime soon.

Most of the great people I've met in my life have a sense of urgency to their lives. Not the sort of urgency that is frantic and unfocused, but a determined, rolling urgency. They work hard, but laugh off business failure. They enjoy deep friendships with those close to them, giving as much as they get. Work is simply a mechanism for freeing up time in their life to pursue things that make them happy, and they enjoy pursuing the ridiculous and the crazy. They love that chase, and the urgency of the pursuit of their dreams.

Perhaps it is because of recent birthday ponderings, or because I'm going through a difficult time in my personal life, but I feel I now wake with a stronger sense of urgency. I want to be a better father to my two small boys, not just a good one, not just a tired one. I want to be a better version of myself today than I was a week ago. I am determined to start putting more dreams on my schedule. In my reading, I am enjoying fiction stories more than ever before (even bad ones). I want to add more value in my work, reach more people, and help change more lives for the better.

Starting a fire under your butt isn't the worst of circumstances from which to start living a life that you are excited about. When you wake up with a sense of urgency, your perspective broadens, and your focus sharpens. Emotional baggage becomes kindling, and fans the flames of motivation.

Get the matches out, and get to work collecting firewood. I'll bring the marshmallows, and you can bring the graham crackers, but don't be late.

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