"It's what you learn after you know it all that counts."

— John Wooden, American Hall of Fame basketball coach

“All right everyone,” I said, clapping my hands together. “Two-word check-in.”

I could see many furrowed brows as participants in the weekend empowerment workshop struggled to choose two words that best described how they felt right then and there. Two-word check-in is an exercise in self-awareness, a looking inside and assessing our current state of mind. It’s also a great way for me, as a facilitator, to monitor everyone’s attitude and progress over the course of the workshop.

“Relaxed and inspired,” said someone.

“Calm and expectant,” declared another.

I looked at Ted. He looked back at me t...

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