About Michael Mackniak

Michael refers to himself as a "recovering attorney" with a passion for problem-solving on a macro level. He has worked with multiple non-profits, state agencies and Mission-Driven Entrepreneurs to imagine a culture of collaboration in order to attain the best outcomes for those most at need. Michael's work is based on the belief that we are placed on this Earth in order to bring our very special talents to others.

Benefits of Abuse

Using your own scale of comparison, the determination of potential benefits of substances are completely subjective – until they become objective reality. Can we realistically think of a time when our use of drugs or alcohol has been of benefit to us? For many, a drink or a drug, are a social outlet and a

2019-12-09T15:02:31-05:00

The Will to Act

Many who suffer from addictions are faced with hard questions. Indeed, it is those tough issues that may have led them down the road to addiction to begin with. Perhaps the toughest question we all must face is, in light of our bad habits or overall neglect, are we prepared for the consequences? For the

2019-12-09T15:02:22-05:00

Woulda Shoulda Coulda

Who are we comparing ourselves to? Why do we feel that we must be what others tell us to be or that we need to live up to a standard set by others? When we continue to “should” all over ourselves, we are preventing ourselves from becoming self-actualized or freely expressed into the person we

2019-12-09T15:02:16-05:00

“True” Suffering

There are so many things that we “awful-ize.” There are situations we do not wish to confront for fear of a perceived negative effect. We imprison ourselves in the thoughts leading up to or the consequences resulting from an even to the extent that we create a self-fulfilling prophecy. High performers know that part of

2019-12-09T15:02:08-05:00

(Un)Funding the Needy

The following article is a satire. It is provocative insofar as it is a real assessment of the duplicity and waste in our Human Service Systems. In no way is this piece meant as a criticism of the amazing work being done by the true heroes of social service agencies across this country with whom

2019-12-09T15:02:00-05:00

Week 75 – Shift Happens

There is another life for us. This is not to be some spiritual rhetoric or prophecy. The point is, if you are unhappy or dissatisfied with your current station you absolutely have the ability to change it. When you make the decision to make a shift, “the universe will align to help you.” As human

2019-12-09T15:01:52-05:00

Week 74 – Count Down

Doubt is not set by anyone other than yourself. Use any technique in your arsenal to “hit the send” button and get courageous. Even something as simple as counting down from “5” may be enough to give you the motivation you need to make the move you had been avoiding. When you are feeling doubt,

2019-12-09T15:01:46-05:00