Tim Hoch

When you are engaged in a debate, always smile. This will accomplish one of two things. It will make your opponent lighten up or it will make them angry. Both can be equally effective.

Secretary of Homeland Security: I can’t decide. The Rock? Or Jack Bauer? Or that guy from American Gladiators? Or Clint Eastwood?

Thou shalt refrain from conversations about thy crossfit training, thy current medical condition, thy political views or thy baby.

I was recently updating my State Bar profile when I noticed that my date of admittance was 1988.

I’m whiter than a whale’s tooth. Can’t do much about it. Not that I’m complaining. As a middle aged caucasian male I’ve been the beneficiary of just about every privilege society can bestow.

The letter that only the bravest of families dares to send. I think most of us harbor a secret desire to send such a letter. So I’m here for you.

For people who encourage you to try, and want you to succeed.

Having an open mind allows you to reserve judgment. Reserving judgment is liberating. You can establish relationships and open yourself to experiences you might otherwise have prematurely dismissed.

Enough with this bullsh*t that Roger Goodell is “doing the right thing.” Please. This is the NFL. Violence is not only encouraged, violence is the product. And we are happy to pay billions of dollars every year to feed our voracious appetite for it.

You act out of guilt or false obligation.

I’ve been thinking lately about how often my thoughts are dominated by worry. Will I have enough money? What will happen to my kids? Will I be successful? Will I get sick and die?

The emotional toll from divorce is just too much. It affects not just the divorcing couple but everyone in their wake.

Two words: Live boldly. Every single time you are offered a choice that involves greater risk, take it. You will lose on many of them but when you add them up at the end of your life you’ll be glad you did.

We were lost. All of us.

When you fight tooth and nail for tolerance, here’s an idea. Exercise some. Not everyone is going to like you, or agree with you or accept you.

You allow the construct of religion to keep you from being an authentic person. Even more problematic, you use religious beliefs as a means to support your pettiness, your prejudices, your political preferences, your agenda.

Know this: there are very few obstacles that cannot be overcome. Hang in there and you will be amazed at what happens. You will achieve much of your success by attrition.

You will not be successful because of who you are. You will be successful because of who you think you are.