Aspiring is more than looking upward. Ask Tom Hanks

Who you choose to be as a leader can impact trust and connection, writes Sherif Sakr, the CEO and co-founder of CEO-S, who offers seven ways to live more mindfully, including developing morning and evening routines, setting a time to disconnect from the job and incorporating practices such as meditation and gratitude. "Some of the richest people in the world feel poor because they don't feel grateful, and some of the poorest people feel wealthy because they are grateful for the simplest blessings in their life," writes Sakr.

Put it into practice: Be aware of the three main areas of life -- energy, work and love -- by exercising, scheduling downtime during work and time for friends and family, Sakr advises. "When you're able to improve one area, you also improve the others."

Looking toward the next achievement in business won't get you there because "[y]ou only rise as a leader by doing the job you have now, doing it well and doing it well in the context of the whole," leadership consultant Larry Robertson writes. Robertson explains why Tom Hanks failed at first during the filming of "Splash" by comparing himself to two other actors and how director Ron Howard gave him the advice he needed to succeed in his own right.

Put it into practice: Be yourself, know what your job is and perform that job, not someone else's, to the best of your ability, Robertson writes. Keep reaching upward, but always take direction from great leaders if you want the whole project -- not just your part -- to be successful.

Unnecessary words in speeches and other communication not only bog down your message but dilute its meaning and impact, writes communication coach John Millen. Learn a "less is more" lesson from President Abraham Lincoln, who had so much of import to say in Gettysburg, Pa., in 1863 -- yet managed to cover it all, eloquently, in 273 words.

Put it into practice: "[S]top talking so much" if you want to ensure a clear, strong message, Millen advises. Speak from the heart, let your words tell a story and end with a call to action.

Early in his career, Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci applied his engineering training to solve operational problems at the Seattle airport, but says he found learning to communicate effectively with people more challenging. He said he is "really aware of how I start conversations," makes sure to give our praise as well and criticism and ensures he is never the first person to speak at a meeting.

A 1964 Gibson SG electric guitar -- called "The Fool" -- played by iconic guitarist Eric Clapton has sold at auction for $1.27 million to the Jim Irsay Collection in Indianapolis, with a portion of the proceeds going to a mental health awareness initiative. Despite the high price tag, Kurt Cobain's Martin acoustic remains the most expensive auctioned axe, selling for $6 million in 2020.

In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday in the US, SmartBrief will not publish Thursday, Nov. 23 and Friday, Nov. 24.

As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving here in the US, I hope everyone takes Sherif Sakr's advice on living more mindfully, especially developing a gratitude practice. There's nothing more effective at putting you in the present moment than looking around and being grateful for the people, things and relationships in your life. You can't think of grievances or plans for the future when you're focused on giving thanks for what's right here.

If you need a catchy earworm to help you remember to live in the moment, listen to this Jason Mraz tune. My favorite lyric: "Wherever I'm going, I'm already home." The present moment is always home, so why not live there more often?

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