Dan J. Harkey

Master Educator | Business & Finance Consultant | Mentor

Personal Growth & Development

A practical guide to getting better results in your work, your time, and your life.

If you’ve collected enough advice to fill a bookshelf but still feel like your calendar owns you, you’re in the right place. My articles focus on the successful practices that move the needle: goal setting, time management, sales and relationship-building, negotiation, more intelligent time allocation, and reinventing yourself when the old version stops working. Less inspirational theater. More execution.

Most people don’t fail from lack of talent—they fail from drift. I write about how to build clarity, protect your time, strengthen relationships, negotiate better outcomes, and create a repeatable system for progress. Practical, direct, and occasionally funny—because growth is serious, but it doesn’t have to be grim.

Search Results

“The Old Testament: The Foundation of Christian Faith”

The Old Testament profoundly shaped the formation and growth of Christianity in several key ways:

The Jesus Movement: How a Non-Political Faith Transformed the World

The “Jesus Movement” began in first-century Judea as a small, persecuted sect within Judaism and has since become a global faith with roughly 2.6 billion adherents today. Its growth is extraordinary: Christianity expanded without state-building, without armies, and for its first three centuries, often against political power.

Mastering Public Speaking

From Fear to Authentic Confidence

The German Shepherd’s Post-War Odyssey:

From Stigma to Symbol—And How Rin Tin Tin Helped Rewrite History

German Shepherd vs. Belgian Malinois:

Two Titans of the Working Dog World

Tenacity: The Greatest Trait for Personal Success

Real-world case studies, lessons, and a practical playbook you can use today

Confidence as a Valuable Trait

How it’s built, how it breaks, and how to balance it for life and business

“Mary” Isn’t Merry Anymore: AI-Driven Nuisances

“Bored Stiff;” “Bored out Of My Mind”

The phrase “bored stiff” is an idiomatic expression meaning extremely bored or utterly uninterested. It conveys a sense of being so bored that one feels almost immobilized, highlighting how intense boredom can leave someone physically and emotionally stuck, helping readers relate to the experience.

“Shucks,” “Ah, Shucks” is an exclamation.

Origin and meaning: “Shucks” is an interesting one with roots in American English.

"Cut to the Chase"

The phrase “cut to the chase” means to skip unnecessary details and get straight to the main point.

“Talking Turkey”

Talking Turkey has an interesting origin and evolution:

Pigging Out: Excessive Indulgence

Don’t pig out” is an informal phrase meaning “don’t overeat or overindulge in food.” It’s often used as a casual warning or piece of advice to maintain moderation in eating or other forms of restraint.

“I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing,” Aerosmith:

Originating from a tender romantic moment between Barbra Streisand and her husband, James Brolin, which can evoke warmth and nostalgia in the audience.

Fraidy Characters: Why Timid Heroes Matter in Children’s Stories-Short Preview

“Evil Woman” — How a Last-Minute Inspiration Became ELO’s First Global Breakout- Technical Read

“Lies” by The Knickerbockers and “Lies” by The Thompson Twins: Reveal distinct themes, styles, and cultural contexts that highlight the unique eras.

Although these two songs share the same title, they represent very different eras, styles, and cultural messages:

Lies, Lies by the Thompson Twins: A Sharp Critique of Deception and Power

Released in 1983 on the album Quick Step & Side Kick, “Lies, Lies” became one of the Thompson Twins’ most recognizable hits. With its infectious synth-pop sound and biting lyrics, the song is a commentary on dishonesty and manipulation—both in personal relationships and broader social contexts.

History of Objective vs. Subjective Journalism: Trust in Our Institutions Has Declined

Journalism has long been regarded as the cornerstone of democracy—a profession tasked with informing the public truthfully and objectively. Yet, the evolution of journalism over the past century reveals a stark contrast between its original mission and its current state.

Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door:

A classic song written and performed by Bob Dylan in 1973 for the soundtrack of the film Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid. It has since become one of Dylan’s most covered songs, with famous versions by Guns N’ Roses and Eric Clapton.