TRANSFORMING KNOWLEDGE TO ACTION DEMONSTRATES WISDOM

Today’s world is afloat with facts, data and information yet it seems that problem-solving skills are slipping through our hands like water. We read newspapers (sometimes), watch news (occasionally), page through magazines (when available) and check out our electronic resources (constantly) – knowing what is happening (almost before it happens) throughout the world – yet little time is devoted to “why” the “what” happened.  When we are provided with all we ever might need to know about situations, however, without the need (or opportunity) to form our own opinions, we have difficulty trying to apply our knowledge to unrelated circumstances.  Our senses seem overly stimulated by details, information and opportunities to the point that we do not feel the need to fully identify issues before moving forward with (in hindsight) untenable solutions. We run before we walk – seemingly oblivious to the fact we might fall or cause great harm if we rush to a place where others might know better than to wander – our impatience ruling the day. We choose to ignore the fact others have come before us – relegating their experiences (both wins and losses) to a silent history of the past rather than including their insights into our ongoing thought processes as we look ahead to that which has not yet come to fruition.

Many can memorize facts that might be applied to resolve recurring situations but far too few can ask the “right questions” that would allow for the formation of a “best” solution when presented with a new challenge. We often seek answers before fully formulating a question – wanting a resolution NOW without a moment’s hesitation. We want to be entertained (rather than informed), agreed with (rather than challenged) and given what we feel is appropriate (rather than identifying the needs of and providing for others).  We pursue the impossible (or at least the improbable) rather than finding comfort in the reality of “what is” and extrapolating it into that which has not yet become – far too often leaping ahead to what might seem to be the obvious conclusion without thought or direction rather than moving intentionally (and thoughtfully) forward after identifying the root cause of a problem considering all possible solutions.


It really does not matter which path you take when you are lost – if you know not to where you are going nor from what you are moving, any progress is better than no movement at all.  In order to transform knowledge into wisdom – to apply what we know towards the resolution of our concerns, challenges and difficulties – we must take the time to analyze the information around us prior to acting.  In order to make decisions count we must anticipate our potential destination(s) before moving from one situation to another – we must plan where we want to be before leaping from the frying pan into the fire. While it is true that one rarely fails if they do not establish goals, success hinges upon the creation and attainment of targets so we can recognize when we have accomplished our individual dreams (or recognize when we have simply moved forward towards the fulfillment of a goal without yet coming to a full resolution). It is nearly impossible to make a poor choice or move in the “wrong direction” when one does not care where they are going nor worry about how they will get there.  Little credit, however, can be taken (or praise given) for unanticipated results generated through unplanned actions, unexpected resolutions or unrepeatable processes. 

Discretion was once the rule – it is now an exception to the rule. Integrity was once an integral part of an individual’s make-up – it is now but an insignificant backdrop to life’s everyday drama. Relationships once rooted in honesty now seem built upon circumstance and fed by individual desires. It seems that the application of information to create a viable solution – taking the risk required to make a difference by thinking and acting in a uniquely individual manner – is no longer a socially acceptable approach.  Impatience and intolerance have become the driving factors in “effective” communication as we strive to achieve self-advancing results – the analysis of data and deliberate actions once used to guide those decisions but afterthoughts in the creation of everyday reality.  In order to gain credibility (and respect) we must recognize and understand the values, likes, dislikes, preferences, abilities (and inabilities), strengths and weaknesses of others, encouraging them (and incorporating their ideas) into our everyday activities.

In order to leverage our knowledge into results – to transform our learning into wisdom – we must study, learn and apply before charging headlong into an appointment with disaster. When you analyze the information around you and apply it to your circumstances, you will be able to leverage your knowledge to make wise decisions rather than blindly following the thoughts, suggestions or considerations of others.  Look ahead to avoid the obstacles in your path rather than behind at what has already been accomplished – for studying what has happened in the past might prevent history from repeating itself but that, in and of itself, will not provide alternative courses of action that might change the course of history.  Seek not what others can do for you but rather what you can do with the knowledge you have attained.  Choose to apply what you have learned as you act intentionally to initiate change – to alter what will be by leveraging your understanding of what has been – and you will experience transformational change leading to success you never thought possible.

IS YOUR “BOX” A PRISON, A PLATFORM OR A PLACE TO START?

Many people reference “thinking outside of the box” or “being confined within the box” when describing how an individual acts and reacts to issues, situations and their environment.  Those whom approach things from a “known, tried and tested” philosophy are considered to be “inside the box thinkers.”  There is nothing innately wrong with thinking inside of the box but, as can be seen from this picture of our granddaughter playing contentedly within her enclosed environment, you are able to function, perform and produce ONLY with what you have at your fingertips.  IF what you have access to – what you have included with you inside of your box – is enough to make you happy, good for you.  Unfortunately, most individuals tire of doing the same thing over and over – especially if it produces the same results, provides the same outcomes and becomes more of a rote duty than a revealing adventure.  Thinking inside of the box may be good for someone wishing to minimize their potential, accomplish the wishes of others and stay below the radar (possibly even closing the box to hide from the world’s attention) BUT most would prefer to gain more from their efforts and contribute more through the actions they take and the choices that they make.  Inside the box is sheltered, tried and true BUT, as a singer once stated, “Is that all there is to life?”  I would think not, for most individuals.

Some might say that to get outside of the box with your thinking you must “stand upon the box” rather than being contained within it.  While not a bad thought, Jordyn demonstrates the flaw to that logic.  Standing on the box allows you to see your environment – to identify the toys and tools that are around you as well as those that were with you inside of your box – but you are unable to interact when standing above the fray.  Recognizing and identifying your potential is a good start but in order to act – to make a difference – one must become engaged within the opportunities presented and available.  If all we do is stand above where we were – gazing upon the potential around us without ever acting or engaging – much could be imagined but very little can be accomplished.  In order to make a difference we must not only get outside of our boxes, we must utilize the tools at our disposal to initiate change.

When we step down from our soapbox, committing to action rather than relying upon the eloquence of our lessons and lectures, a whole new world of opportunity awaits us.  What was once outside of our reach becomes available to us.  What was at most a thought or dream becomes reality.  We can hold new toys (or tools) in our hands, identify new places to wander, formulate different applications for commonly accepted practices and immerse ourselves in a world that could not have been a consideration from inside the security of the four walls we once called home.  Our actions are limited by the box in which we allow ourselves to be captive.  Our potential is restricted when we can only see what is available but are unable (or unwilling) to access it so that we might initiate change or accomplish planned or anticipated results.

In order to lead we must acknowledge the limitations our “boxes” put upon us and consciously choose to climb out of our confined surroundings and step down from the feelings of omnipotence that standing upon them might evoke so that we can become engaged within our surroundings – utilizing new and untested options available to us.  When we truly “think and play” outside of the box, our achievements will not be contained and our influence cannot be restricted.   When we allow ourselves the opportunity to access the plethora of new processes, untested tools, unfamiliar toys and undefined alternatives we can achieve much.  We will become unique (and innovative) enough to be recognized as leaders when the actions we take and the results we achieve are built upon personal credibility and demonstrated strength of character rather than based on the volume and tone of our words.  Personal success can ONLY be built upon a foundation of recognition and acknowledgement (of our self-imposed limitations), intentional action (to remove the boundaries our limitations present) and purposeful exploration and expansion (of the new horizons revealed to us).  When we chose to abandon our comfort zone – to get outside of our box – we can (and will) accomplish great things.

LIFE’S PATH TO THE PROMISE OF A DREAM...

We all come to a point in our lives to either “stay the course” or move on to a new and different horizon.  We either rush boldly where others fear to wander or move steadfastly towards a well-considered destination.  We far too often abandon all of the “old” in favor of the new – leaving behind not only what did not work but also what may have worked well.  While many changes are initiated on our own, it is ALWAYS easier to move forward when sharing the path with others – for without the help of another, who would lift you up should you fall?  Having another join us – be it to guide, prop up, encourage or come along beside us as we move ahead – can make the difference between success and failure.  How can we know when it might be time to change?  Consider the following…

They stood at a crossroads together, hand in hand, turning slowly to look from where they had come while seeking where they might wander.  They looked back at life’s journey as it unfolded strangely behind them, reveling in the high peaks of accomplishment yet troubled by their low valleys of despair.  They held tightly to the shining moments of joy within their past but found them shrouded by a hazy darkness of uncertainty that had entered their lives.  Then slowly and deliberately they turned to face ahead, seeking a future without yearning for their past.  Ready to begin anew holding no regret as they sought a new and distant dream, their past journeys diminished to but pleasant memories as they sought a distant tomorrow.

As they looked to begin their new journey, one road led towards a distant village glimmering in the sun – a pleasant place that beckoned to their individual needs as though old friends, knowing of their ways and welcoming them to her comforts.  The other path seemed less traveled as it wound towards a deep, dark pool teeming with life, struggling to escape the confines of its shores as it pounded incessantly against any who tried to contain her power – hinting at a promise of adventure while calling out to them with a hopeful voice of things not yet considered. 

The crossroad did not foretell a clear choice nor a defined destination – two paths weaving endlessly and inexplicably together into the horizon before splitting and going separate ways.  The path less traveled would take them towards an unknown and unpredictable Sea of Promise.  The more predictable road split into two narrow trails leading towards separate seaside villages of Refuge within which they could both find quiet peace from life’s storms within their own separate dreams – their dilemma being whether to travel together along one rough and rugged path or to move forward separately fulfilling their singular dreams, refusing to be captured, contained, supported or encouraged by another.

They gazed ahead – then upon each other – and chose the path more challenging.  They preferred to take life’s path towards the promise of a dream rather than finding comfort in living their individual realities.  They sought that which had not yet been defined as a destination – to discover what life might hold within its infinite depths – rather than being content to do what they had always done while finding satisfaction in receiving what would always come from those comfortable and learned efforts. 

 

Walking away from all that had been, they chose to travel upon the path leading to a future not yet realized – towards a dream that held promises of all that could be possible within their wildest imaginings.  They pledged to forge a new life as they threw caution to the winds – not knowing where their beginning might take them nor how their travels might end – content only that they walked together – that together was enough - refusing to be torn from the promise of their dreams.

Life is full of choices – from choosing to remain within the comfort of our familiarity to reaching out to grasp potential rewards an unknown future might provide.  As you wander through life – regardless of the decisions you make – dream big so that you can accomplish much.  Do not despair if you do not immediately find your resting place within the Sea of Promise for life holds many adventures not yet verbalized, formulated nor defined.  Unless we identify the outcomes we wish to achieve, we cannot know when we have arrived at our destination of choice. Refuse to be content with what comes easily, however, for we cannot seek all that life might offer or discover all it might hold unless we travel through its mysterious ways upon undiscovered paths towards the promise of a dream.  

UNLEASH YOUR POTENTIAL BY AVOIDING “BUT…” AND “IF ONLY…”

Life holds limitless possibilities – often influenced by the choices we make (or avoid making) every day.  We have many opportunities to make a difference – most influenced by the way we perceive an issue, problem or situation – yet often choose to obfuscate our influence by neglectfully doing nothing rather than intentionally doing something.  Successful people decide to act when action is necessary (and INTENTIONALLY choose NOT to act when allowing a situation to run its course).  What many of us do not recognize is that taking no action can often create as much significant and meaningful change as planning and implementing for change as long as we are willing to accept the results of our inaction.  When we preface failure with validators such as “but,” “if only” or “it wasn’t my fault,” we discount any learning that our efforts may have produced by excusing our shortcomings and minimizing the need to succeed by accepting less than our best. 

Complacency is the strongest of emotions – possibly more powerful than love or hate because it represents an acceptance of everything and a lack of conviction for anything.  Complacency cannot be argued or discussed – it is simply “existing” without living.  Complacency obscures any thoughts of change behind the mask of “But,” then buries it forever beneath the surface of “If only”.  People often justify their inaction by using these deferral words only to find that avoidance not only fosters failure, it encourages unsuccessful endeavors by presenting a plausible alternative.  When we impose the “I would have accomplished something if not for…” or “We would have succeeded but…” excuses, we are accepting failure as a reasonable expectation and removing any need to achieve.   

Awareness – and the taking of action based on that awareness – is the key to eliminating complacency as you chart the path upon which you choose to travel.  Some examples would include:

• “I could have made a difference in that organization (or in life) but I was fired (or dumped) for no reason!”  While some people lose their job for “no apparent reason,” and others end relationships “through no fault of their own,” more often people DO (or do not do) the things that create (or lead to) their own situation.  If an individual COULD HAVE MADE A DIFFERENCE, why was “the difference” not made when the opportunity was presented?  If a relationship “went bad,” what were you doing to nourish and maintain it when it was “good?”  In order to avoid blaming others for “things gone wrong” we must often take intentional action aimed at preventing things from going bad rather than waiting for the book to be written (and published) before wanting to rewrite the final chapter.
• “I should have done things differently but I knew nobody would have listened anyway.”   How could
  
  you know if nobody would have listened if you chose not to speak?  Most people using this excuse assume that they won’t be heard.  Did they truly have something worth saying when they had the opportunity or do they typically talk so much that nobody would know if what they had to say was “suddenly important” should they have made a suggestion?  It has been said that the only bad question is one not asked.  Likewise, the only poor action is one not taken.

 Nearly as frustrating (and equally as hopeless) is the individual who hides behind “If only…”

• “I’d be living on easy street if only I’d been recognized for the contribution I personally made to my job (or my relationship).”  Far too often people expect an immediate “return” for their efforts and are disappointed if they are not given one.  Few people can find reward (or satisfaction) in their individual accomplishments or progress made towards the completion of a goal (rather than the completion itself).  Most, it would seem, require verbal recognition or visible rewards to come from “outside” rather than “inside” to be meaningful.  If every situation (or relationship) were blanketed by an attitude of “how much can I give” rather than “how much will I receive,” we might find ourselves too engaged in basking within our accomplishments to seek excuses for our failures.
• “I’d be happy if only someone cared about me as much as I care about them.”  It is not possible for a person to make another feel good about him or herself. Caring about others is an admirable quality.  Doing it with the expectation that another will return the feeling is folly.  I have never seen a “conditionally caring” person happy – nor have I often seen the recipients of conditional caring return nearly as much as they receive.  Giving freely – with no expectation of anything being given back – often produces an exceptional return on your investment.

Self-defeating (and action deferring) statements might make sense to someone looking to take the easy way in life, but not for someone passionately believing in maximizing the human potential.  Success will come ONLY when we replace “if only…” with “what if?”  It will touch our lives ONLY when we eliminate the concept that “I would have done this but for…” and replace it with “I’m glad I did this because…”

HOW DO PEOPLE CHANGE?

We often seek to understand people by observing what they do then try to determine what causes them to act in a particular way RATHER THAN trying to establish why they continue to act the way they do.  People invariably act in ways that provide them comfort, security, an escape, protection, or some other perceived benefit.  If we truly want to share a mutually beneficial relationship with and better understand people, we should focus on why they CONTINUE to act in a certain manner – determining what the personal benefit is for them to act that way – rather than trying to determine what happened to make them act that way in the first place.  Shifting one’s paradigm a bit from the cause of behavior to the reason it is maintained will help us understand why people do the things they do – and how to better influence behavior when it needs to be changed.

Since so many of our interactions with people are driven by emotions (rather than hard, documentable facts or results), we should acknowledge several factors that must be addressed prior to helping someone change their behavior:

YOU CANNOT CHANGE PEOPLE – THEY MUST CHANGE THEMSELVES.  No matter how hard you try, or how influential you may be, you cannot alter the way another thinks, acts or behaves JUST BECAUSE you think your way is better.  Until someone recognizes that there is a reason to change – that their present reality is not necessarily the way they want the future to be – they will not alter their behavior.  It is better to seek ways to maximize the positive that someone can offer than to try to alter the negative until they can be convinced there is a reason to change. 

THE REWARD FOR CHANGE MUST BE GREATER THAN THAT PROVIDED BY STAYING THE SAME.  People do the things they do because they like (or accept) the results of their actions.  If you want someone to change their behavior, you must provide a greater benefit for their changing than they would have received without alteration.  Many people break the speed limit because they feel their risk of “being caught” are relatively small compared to the time they gain by going fast.  Once ticketed, most slow down (at least temporarily) because the pain of compliance is greater than the gain their behavior created. 

COMFORT IS THE BIGGEST INHIBITOR OF CHANGE.   INTRODUCE AN UNDESIRABLE DISRUPTION INTO A COMFORTABLE LIFESTYLE IF IMMEDIATE TRANSFORMATION IS WANTED.  Why do New Year’s Resolutions rarely come to fruition?  Typically people seek to exorcise the “biggest elephant in the room” when setting New Year’s Resolutions.  They identify the one thing that has eluded them all year – if not their whole life – and decide to eliminate it from their innate behavior patterns overnight.   After a day or two of intentional change, most individuals fall back into their daily routine – to their comfortable patterns – often abandoning the desire to change because it is not critical to their lifestyle.  I was hesitant to change jobs once NOT because I received continual challenge and opportunity from my work but rather because I was comfortable doing what needed to be completed, liked my peers, and had gained respect and credibility from my workforce.  I was not actively seeking to change employers UNTIL I realized the organization I worked for might cease to exist in a year or two.  A disruption of my comfortable lifestyle initiated a life-changing transition – but not until I recognized that the risk of leaving was less disruptive (and much more controlled) than the alternative of staying.

All people can change should they choose to – and all will change if they are properly motivated.  As you work with people (or even try better to understand yourself), focus on what value current acts or actions provide AND on how that value can be increased should a different path be followed rather than on trying to change your actions or acts to “something different” without knowing where you might wish to land or what you intend to accomplish.

When one begins a journey having no destination in mind, he or she will never be lost along the way (because they do not know where they wished to land).  One may never experience personal failure when doing ONLY what has been specified, directed or dictated by another BUT they will never taste individual success.  One may be at peace when finding comfort and safety within their present reality BUT may be disappointed should they ever question “what could have been” rather than accepting “what is” as all that could ever be.  People CAN and DO change but all we can hope to be is the INITIATOR of change in others – they must seek alternatives and follow-through with actions in order to accomplish transition.  We can, however, be the originator and implementer of change within ourselves if we hold onto what we have just long enough to become committed to what we seek until we can realize what might be possible (rather than accepting what is).

TRANSFORMING DREAMS TO REALITY

We must never try to be someone we are not.  Many individuals start the New Year with fresh “resolutions” to do something (or be something) different.  Unless there is more gain from the change, however, than pain from NOT changing, such corrections rarely prove effective.  People change very little once they have established their basic values, patterns and thought processes.  It is often easier (and more effective) to leverage an individual’s strengths than it is to try to change their shortcomings.  As a “well known philosopher” (Dr. Suess) once so aptly proclaimed, "Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."

The Holidays are a great time for people to sit back and dream – about what they have (or do not have), who they are (or who they might wish to be), and what they want to do differently so that they can achieve an altered result.  One must first imagine something as being a possibility before it can become a probability – yet "Dreams take time, patience, sustained effort, and a willingness to fail if they are ever to be anything more than dreams." (Bryan Linkoski).  Unless (and until) we dream of something different, nothing will change.  If, however, we wish to have change without recognizing where we are or what we are currently doing and consciously initiating a course of action that will move us from our present towards our “wished for” future, we will never feel the “thrill of victory” as we will be helplessly mired within the “agony of defeat.”

While “failure” is not a desired (nor welcome) outcome of change, dreamers often recognize that there is a very real possibility they may not achieve immediate success.  Robert F. Kennedy said, "Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly."   Individuals whom have truly made a difference in this world understand that failure is not the worst thing that might happen to them – failing to try is a far more impactful (and personally devastating) choice.  While much intentional thought and deliberate action is required to succeed, individuals making a difference in life recognize that nothing of significance is ever accomplished without having to overcome criticism, conflict and doubt as they move from the established road to a path less traveled.  Further, if thoughts are to become reality, the word “impossible” must never be considered.  While facts, information and well-considered alternatives are the building blocks of change, when our dreams become real to us – taking on a life of their own as we strive to fulfill the possibilities that they present – the facts do not really matter.  What we BELIEVE we tend to ACHIEVE – it is those things we only wish and hope for (without acting upon) that often fail to materialize.

Life is a series of starts and stops – of closed chapters and of new beginnings.  Most have heard that insanity is doing things the way they have always been done while expecting the results to change.  If we are to realize change it is important that we not only recognize the need for altered behavior as we plan for a different outcome but that we also intentionally ACT to make it happen.  Knowing the facts and understanding how to make change happen does not ensure transformation.  Even if we know what must be done AND recognize our role – realizing the path that must be taken should we choose to leave where we are in pursuit of what we wish to be – we will be run over and left behind if we just sit and consider what the next steps might be.

During times of change – of altered perspectives and intentional actions that create potential conflict and send us into uncharted waters – many seek to follow individuals more willing to take risks.  They hope for the rewards earned by those willing to risk much by hitching their wagons to another’s star.  They seek equality rather than equity in the world – often pulling down those who are successful, taking from them the fruits of their labor in an effort to narrow the gap between “those who have and those who have not.”  Think about how much could be accomplished (and achieved) if “those without” would be willing to accept the tools necessary to narrow the gap and learn how to use them to elevate themselves (rather than hoping to receive what they feel they deserve).

Mark Twain once said, "Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first." We are not “owed” success – we must identify what WE consider to be success before seeking ways that might move us from possibility to probability then INTENTIONALLY ACT to make our hopes and dreams become reality if we are to start fresh and experience change.  What might be possible if everyone worked towards an elevated goal rather than accepting their current reality as an end?  Imagine the heights we could achieve if all attempted to reach the top of their mountain rather than being content to rest in the shadows and valleys.  Think of the dreams that might be brought to fruition if all viewed their present position in life a starting point rather than a destination – a beginning rather than an end.  Make 2016 a year of transformation by thinking big and acting audaciously – embracing (without fearing) failure and accepting (without hesitation) each opportunity or challenge that enters your life.

RESOLVING TO START 2016 ON THE RIGHT FOOT

We often start the year with hope and promise, then fall so hopelessly behind that we forget about our planned course of action to end up where we started – thinking about the things not accomplished (and where all the time we had intended to spend on them has gone), placing them back on our “priority lists” for next year. Following-through on the “fresh starts” you seek this year can only happen when an intentional course is charted – when groundwork has been laid and planning has been done – prior to initiating your journey and intentionally carrying-on - taking life one step at a time.

Before setting (or renewing) resolutions for 2016, you should reflect on how specific actions made a difference during the past year. Were you able to accomplish all you wanted at work…at home…with those you love and care for? Are you in a better (or worse) place than when the year began? What happened to you “in spite of yourself” rather than “because of something you did?” Until you are able to identify “what is” and realize “what has been,” you will never be able to travel down the road towards “what could be” as you seek the possible rather than settling for that which is (and always will be) probable.

Successful individuals define objectives, consider as many possible “roadblocks” as can be reasonably anticipated and plan to avoid these obstacles before moving forward with definitive actions. To these individuals, success is not just a possibility – it is a foregone conclusion! When one sees more “downside” in failing than “upside” in succeeding – becomes hesitant to act for fear of what might go wrong – success will remain an enigma. Success eludes those who think “Why?” as it attaches itself to the actions and words of those who truly believe “Why Not?” We must recognize that SHOULD change happen, only when we accept and embrace the altered paths that open up to us will we assimilate the new realities we are presented.

Are you willing (and able) to accept change IF what you want to happen does occur? When we explicitly resolve to do something DIFFERENT, we must implicitly accept that our comfort, circumstances and situations WILL NOT remain the same!  We must leave our shelter before we can climb the summit if we hope to experience the view of a new horizon.  If we would prefer to remain where we are - to accept the view that presents itself to us as being the best we will ever see - perhaps it might be better to find comfort with what you have rather than wasting time and energy to discover something different that will be left unrealized.

There may have been a time where “keeping up” with the world allowed one to maintain their position in life. We live in a knowledge-driven world – one in which the only constant is change. To avoid another year of failed expectations, approach your “resolution process” systematically. Make sure you exercise your right to live – to make decisions, accept responsibility for change, assume accountable for implementation AND enjoy the praise when your dreams come to fruition (or take intentional action should your path fall short of its intended destination). Some basic things you should consider before closing out your old year and exchanging it for new hopes, dreams and opportunities would include:

Review your last year’s accomplishments. Identify what you resolved to accomplish last year. Celebrate your successes by “shouting them from the rooftops” to a friend or co-worker. Determine if the obstacles keeping you from tasting success were “inside or outside” of your control – and if anything was done to eliminate the roadblocks that prevented you from realizing your goals. Do not forget to list successes from the year that were not part of your resolution process. Just because you did not “resolve” to initiate a change does not mean “credit” should not be taken for its accomplishment. The difference between successful people and those that seem to hover at the edge of greatness is often one of perspective. Some assume success is a foregone conclusion while others think of it merely as a remote possibility!

Clearly define and record your goals for the coming year. Share them with someone you trust to establish accountability. Telling someone, however, is not enough. You should maintain contact with your “support network” throughout the year to keep you “on task” and focused. Secret goals are rarely accomplished and no (or low) expectations rarely result in significant change.  While "shooting low" will keep you from being disappointed, it will never reward you in a meaningful way, either..

Believe that “Nothing is impossible.”  Too many people confuse “impossible” with impractical or improbable. All things are possible - our only limitations are typically fiscal, physical, timing, confidence issues or a lack of knowledge. We will inevitably face detractors and naysayers whenever we try something new. Do not add to your apprehensions, doubts or inadequacies by questioning yourself before beginning!

Regardless of what your goals might be for 2016, remember that the only bad resolution is one never resolved. The only wrong action is action never taken. The only unforgivable mistake is one that did not teach. Reflect on last year’s successes - replicating the positive actions that “made a difference” while thinking about your failures just long enough to understand what went wrong so you can avoid repeating them.  When you consciously resolve to move forward - taking one step at a time - the sky will be your only limit!