Yearly Archives: 2011

Logging Off: The Power of Disconnection

My thesis: The great English writer E.M. Forster may have valued connection above all else, but for us 21st-century folks—with our jam-packed contact lists, e-mail from intimates and strangers, texts and phone messages left by friends, colleagues, passing acquaintances, and the occasional deranged stalker—disconnection is as necessary as connection for creating a healthy, happy life. - Continue Reading

Balancing Act: The Dance of an Unbalanced Life

Here is typical scenario from when my children were younger: It’s five o’clock in the morning. I’ve been awake for about 23 hours, having struggled vainly to fit in writing between yesterday’s tasks: getting the car fixed, taking the dog to the vet, answering email, grocery shopping, driving my kids to music lessons, seeing clients, - Continue Reading

A Fair Fight: Healthy Conflict Creates Healthy Boundaries

Until I was about 30, I spent most of my time trying to make sure that no one ever became upset with me. I tiptoed around disagreements, swallowed my opinion, tried to read other people’s thoughts, and ran away at the slightest hint of discord. Not fighting was ruining my relationships. If this sounds weird to - Continue Reading

Pronghorn Alert!

First of all, I wish to say a huge thank you to everyone who, acting on good will and perhaps a tiny dose of insanity, has already purchased my new book even thought technically it does not yet exist.  We managed to get into the top 200 bestsellers on Amazon for a considerable period, which - Continue Reading

Putting the “Fun” in Dysfunctional: Saving Your Sanity This Holiday Season

[Hello, Team! This is a reprint of my article from the December 2002 issue of O Magazine, where I first introduced "Dysfunctional Family Bingo", a staple for surviving any family event. My team put together a bingo card for you and your favorite people to play along. Enjoy and good luck out there!] In the - Continue Reading

Party On: A Survival Guide for Social-Phobes

If you are reading this with mounting excitement, thinking about the wonderful parties you’re going to throw or attend this holiday season, allow me to congratulate you. I’m one of the millions of party-impaired individuals who stand in awe of people like you—people who love to entertain, meet new friends, cavort with fun-loving crowds. When - Continue Reading

Coach 4 2day – Letting Go of the Past

In this video blog, Martha helps you understand how to reframe your stories to help you let go of the past so you can be more present. [Can't see the video above? Watch it online!]  

Sneak Peek: What is a Wayfinder?

In my new book – Finding Your Way in a Wild New World - I use the term “Wayfinder” to describe the new role we are all taking on to thrive in this wild new world. Check out the video below to learn more… Can’t see the video above? Watch it online!

The New 95/5 Principle: Insight from Martha

You’ve probably heard of something called the 80/20 rule. It was authored by the Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto, who found that in his country 20% of the people owned 80% of the wealth. Later on, business managers began using the 80/20 rule (or the Pareto principle) to increase their productivity. At a rough estimate, 20% - Continue Reading

Martha Beck: “Books for a Better Life Awards” Finalist

Martha Beck’s new book, “Finding Your Way in a Wild New World” was nominated by The New York City – Southern New York Chapter of the National MS Society  for the 16th Annual Books for a Better Life Awards. While Martha has been nominated before for The Joy Diet and Steering by Starlight in the past, - Continue Reading