Lessons from a Cancer Scare

By Marty Nemko

I had a lump in my breast. Yes, guys get breast cancer too--1,500 new U.S. cases each year. It turned out to be nothing, but during the week I wasn't sure, confronted with possible early death, I found myself changing. I was gentler with everyone, more tolerant of their weaknesses. I rushed less--ironic given my possibly shorter lifespan.

What can you do today?
Imagine you were diagnosed with cancer? Does that make you want to change anything about your worklife? Your out-of-work life? If so, write it down. Put it on your to-do list, on a post-it on the frame of your computer monitor, on your bathroom mirror, or all of the above. That will brand your new resolution into your brain.