I can be flexible

An unexpected run, a total power move, and 7 other things worth your time.

Sometimes, you’re willing to do almost anything for a meeting.

A few years back, when I was writing my book about West Point and the Iraq War, I had a breakfast set with a high-ranking officer.

So, I drove to the academy the night before, checked into a cheap hotel, unpacked, ordered a sandwich—and then, I got a call.

Breakfast was off, an aide told me, but if I wanted to meet the general right then, and accompany him on his daily four-mile run, he'd be happy to have me.

Power move, no doubt. But what could I do?

I popped two Advil, drank a ton of water, and ran four miles with him. The interview worked out well—although, man, did I ever feel it the next day.

Another time, more recently, I wanted to interview a famous celebrity.

She was onboard, and I told her publicist that I could talk anytime at all during a two-day period—except for 10 a.m. on the second day. 

You can guess what happened, right? She sent me confirmation for that exact time: 10 a.m. on the second day.

Still, I reshuffled…