PERSISTENCE COUNTS!

In six weeks, we’ll begin a new year. A key question is whether you will make 2010 different, bigger and better than this one?
In 2010, you'll have 52 weeks to achieve whatever you wish. In 52 weeks you can transform anything, from your relationships to your personality, even your bank account. You can change careers in 52 weeks. You can marry the person of your dreams, learn a new language or sail around the world in 52 weeks. What will you do in the coming year?
Whatever you decide, you will have to persist. To change careers, you'll have to make decisions, take risks, make mistakes, call some people, start over, get training, perhaps move to a new community, be scared, and celebrate many small victories along the way. Through it all, you will have to "keep on keeping on".
Personally, I'm always in favor of working smart, and I love it when big things happen quickly! That's just plain FUN!
But most of the time, successful people are patient, persistent and work very, very hard. They have clear goals. They plan well, and use efficient strategies. If things ar e not working, they step back, re-assess and try another way. Always, they "keep on keeping on".
We juggle budgets, we try stuff, and we dream. We cross off wonderful ideas that don't fit, while adding ideas and projects that "pop up" during the process. By January 1st, we have a map, a set of strategies and specific outcomes to be achieved in 52 weeks.
It's great fun to dream and plan and strategize. It becomes a source of laughter and inspiration and we look forward to it. That's the easy part.
The hard part is keeping faith, week after week, and taking the daily steps t o get where we want to go. Which brings me back to publishing TIPS for 676 consecutive weeks.

Quotes of the Week
"The great tragedy of life is not death, but what dies inside of us while we live." -- Norman Cousins
"It takes great courage to faithfully follow what we know to be true." -- Sara E. Anderson
"Our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become."
-- Barbara Geraci
"Be patient with yourself. Self-growth is tender; it's holy ground. There is no greater investment." -- Stephen Covey

A LIST WORTHY OF YOU

Most people have been told to organize their day and work with a "to do" list. We've been told to list our priorities, write them down, start at the top and check each one off as it's completed. Unfortunately, my experience is that very few people actually do it, and those who do, rarely find it satisfying.
There is a better way.
I recommend creating a list of your top values, the things that remain constant over time, and then designing each day around those life-choices.
Most people can quickly name the handful of values, people, relationships, projects and purposes that are most important to them. These might include their faith, their career, their families, or something as concrete as buying a new home. The specifics differ for each of us, but most people can identify their personal list.
The problem is that most of us never actually write it down! My suggestion is that you write down your 5 or 10 top priorities and keep the list where you can see it, and take a moment to read it each day. Review it each morning. Smile as you read it, picturing each item in your mind.
Then, design your day and your "to do" list around those major priorities. Sure, some days will be spent on trivial errands or whatever, but most days, most of the time, focus on activities that reflect your "life list".
Over time, your list will evolve as your priorities change, but if you have the right items and the wording is "perfect", reminding yourself of your true priorities and your true passions each and every morning will make a huge difference. Try it. I think you’ll like results!

THE FOUNDATIONS FOR GREAT ACHIEVEMENT

I’ve been thinking a lot about ways to create a workshop around this simple recipe, and I want to share some prel iminary observations with you.
First: Know your strengths
High achievement comes from knowing what you do well, what you love and where your passion lies. Mid-level performance comes from people who can “get by” or are doing something “acceptable” but they are not using their talents to the maximum. When human beings do something they love and have some talent for, they are unstoppable!
Think about a teenager learning to drive, play sports or music, or asking someone special for a first date. Or how about your own determination to be a great parent, good lover or successful investor. When we are doing something that “makes sense,” something that draws and excites us, we find ways to get good at it. “First, know yourself” and always go with your strengths, passions and talents!
Second: Know your weaknesses
We all have blind spots and weaknesses. We have things we don’t enjoy, or don’t want to do, and yet too often we create lives or careers that require us to do precisely that! How dumb is that?
If you don’t like detail work, hire a bookkeeper! If you are shy or introverted, don’t go into sales or politics! If you’re a natural born entrepreneur, I wouldn’t recommend a career in the military. Like, duh!
Unfortunately, most of the time our weaknesses are not so dramatic and we find ways to hide or work around them. Then we end up in situations where we can get along, but we “forget” to do the accounting or calculate the budget. We get “bored” with meetings or annoyed with “those dreamers” in the R&D department. It's important to know what you’re good at, but it'sabsolutely vital to know what does not suit you. Acknowledge your weaknesses! Don't spend your life "trying" to do things that don't fit! Life's too short for that! Build on your strengths rather than compensating for your weaknesses.
Third: Know what you want
We all have dreams and desires. We know what brings us joy, what excites us, what fires us up. Sometimes, we get confused or lose track of our dreams, but they are still “in there.” The trick is to identify and express them!
The winners in life know what they want and they find healthy, productive ways to go after it. They ask, they poke and prod until they “find a way.” Recently, a client expressed amazement that since he identified a particular skill he wants to develop, suddenly he sees people doing it all the time! We’ve all had that experience. My comment was that “when you know what you want, you’re much more likely to get it.”
Fourth: Know how to express yourself
The final piece is “finding your voice,” your unique way to let the world know you exist. Some do this naturally and become entertainers, politicians or whatever. Others struggle to express themselves, but winners eventually find a way. They speak up. They reach out. They “go for it” and “make waves.” They voice their suggestions, work for their causes, and make a difference in the world.
High achievement starts by knowing who you are, what you want, and going after it. That’s not always easy or simple, but winners keep trying “until” they find a way. “Know thyself and to thine own self be true.” There is no stopping a human being who knows who they are, what they want, and is determined to get it.

Quotes of the Week
"To succeed you need to find something to hold on to, something to motivate you, something to inspire you."
-- Tony Dorsett
"Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now."
-- Goethe
"The greatest thing in the world is to know how to be one's own self." -- Montaigne
"Follow your bliss." -- Joseph Campbell

POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT

ACCENTUATE THE POSITIVE
We've all heard the old adage "you can catch more flies with honey than vinegar," and this is the principle behind behavior modification. Nagging someone to do something, whether it's a partner or child, often elicits just the opposite response: resistance, but almost everyone responds to positive reinforcement, but this approach to changing someone's behavior takes a little patience and emotional control.
Practitioners of behavior modification believe habits are learned because of reinforcement from the environment. This theory states that people will always do the behavior that earns the greatest rewards, even if, in the doing, there are some adverse effects. For instance, Tom may have learned from his mother that it really didn't matter whether his socks landed in the basket or not because she'd come along and pick them up for him. That was his reward but, because he only got negative messages from Fran for the same behavior he didn't have much motivation to "unlearn" it.
WHAT A SWEET CHILD!
When dealing with a child, attention is one of the most important rewards, even if it's negative attention; a child would rather be punished than have no attention at all, because it signifies they have an effect on the parent. If a child acts inappropriately, and then receives immediate attention for that behavior, it will tend to be repeated. If Johnny throws a temper tantrum in the supermarket and mom, desperate to have him quiet down, quickly purchases what he wants, his inappropriate behavior has now been rewarded, and will likely be repeated the next time. Mom has actually "taught" Johnny that throwing a tantrum pays off, and she can be certain he won't quickly forget that lesson.
When little Mary walks into a room full of people and shyly refuses to say hello or state her name, shyness can become a permanent part of her personality if that behavior is constantly reinforced. If her parents or the company present comment on "how cute that is," and give her plenty of attention for her nonverbal behavior, she's learning that noncommunication is desirable.

Besides attention, children will also respond to other types of reinforcers, such as tokens they can accumulate to buy something they really want, or even stars on a calendar which can be traded for a trip to the zoo, or some other activity the child really desires. Or a food treat can be given contingent upon the child finishing his or her homework. But, material rewards should always be paired with social reinforcers, such as praise, a smile, a hug or a pat on the shoulder, so the child doesn't become hooked to always being paid for doing what's required.
NAG! NAG! NAG!
Like children, adults also respond to positive reinforcement but, unfortunately, couples who live together tend to slip into a pattern of nagging or even denigrating their partner to get what they want, and frequently inadvertently reward the very behavior they don't want. For instance, if you'd like to go out to dinner at least once a week, the negative approach is to say something like: "We never seem to go any place nice for dinner anymore." A more positive statement, such as "Wouldn't it be wonderful if we went out for a quiet dinner and had some time alone, once a week?" is likely to elicit an affirmative response.
BATHROOM BEHAVIOR
How about the frustrating habit of the man in the house leaving the toilet seat up, and then you almost fall into it if you forget to look before sitting down? You may have nagged him repeatedly about this, and still he hasn't remembered, and you're getting increasingly ticked-off. Try to have the patience to wait until you catch him doing the desired behavior and then really praise him remembering! It won't take long before he remembers all or most of the time.
WANT MORE ROMANCE IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP?
Instead of statements like: "We don't make love often enough," "I need more affection!" or "When are you going to be in the mood?" which are sure to elicit a negative feeling in your partner, and definitely won't get you what you want, try positive reinforcement, such as: "I love it when you're affectionate with me," or, more specifically: "I love it when you do X," or "It makes me feel closer to you whenever we make love."
REINFORCING THE BOSS
Suppose your boss is the type of person who never notices how much work you have to do, but is always handing you even more, so that you feel overwhelmed. You don't want to complain because you're afraid he'll think you're not conscientious or hard-working. How to handle this positively? Whenever a day goes by that he doesn't give you more work, take advantage of this by telling him you appreciate having a break to catch up on everything you have to do, because this makes you more efficient. By praising him for doing something he wasn't even aware of, he'll probably be more sensitive to this in future.
THE NEIGHBORS' DOG WON'T STOP BARKING
When you've been kept awake for several nights because of the neighbor's dog, the temptation is to stomp over to their house and give them a piece of your mind. Resist doing this because it may cause your neighbors to dig in their heels and refuse to do anything about it. The best approach is to start off with anything you can think of that's positive, such as how nice their front yard looks. Or, tell them how much you've appreciated that, except for the last few nights, their dog has been quiet. Let them know they're good neighbors and you'd really like it if they could keep their dog in the house overnight so you can get a good night's sleep. Of course there are some people who are so malevolent nothing will work, but it's sure worth a try, whereas confronting them with a hostile attitude probably won't get you what you want, but it will get you a bad relationship with your neighbors.
MAKING IT A HABIT
Positive reinforcement can be used with anyone, for any behavior, because all of us resist criticism and respond to praise. So, the next time you want someone to accede to your wishes, try a little applause for the desired behavior.

USING THE WORLD'S BEST TOOLS.

This week I was talking with a colleague about technology and computers, and told her about my policy of replacing our computers every 18 months, or sooner. She exclaimed that she couldn't afford that, and my comment was that I can’t afford not to.
The rule is that the most productive workers, and ultimately the most successful people, always have the best tools. Period.
To earn more, you must do or produce more, and that requires better skills, more knowledge, more efficient methods, and of course, the very best tools. To compete in tough economic times:
1. Learn more. Continuous learning is a must. Brian Tracy points out that if you read one book per week, in ten years you will have read 500 books, and then he asks: "Would reading 500 books give you an edge over your competitors, knowing that most people never read at all?" I think the an swer is obvious.
2. Get the best equipment. I replace our computers because I do not want "down time." I replace them as insurance against failed hard drives and burned out chips. I replace them (and up-grade our software) because I trust Murphy's Law that if systems can fail, they will fail, and at the worst possible moment. I want our office to be a "problem-free zone" where we work without frustration or distraction. Get good equipment.
3. Expand your network. There is great truth that "it's who you know that counts." Through my network of amazing people I can get the answers to almost any question or find a solution to any problem. The good people in my network assist me, and they support my clients. My network is perhaps my most valuable asset. It provides me with what I need, when I need it, virtually every time.
To earn more, get better tools.

MAKE EVERYDAY COUNT

For many of us, life seems “endless.” We know of course, and that someday our days will end, but on a practical level, we live as if we have forever, as if there will always be another chance, another year, another opportunity. We pretend we are immortal and spend our days accordingly.
Big mistake!
The difference between extraordinary performance and run-of-the-mill performance is usually found in the "little things." We know that education, intelligence, wealth, even personality do not explain the difference between high achievement and failure. It’s not even close!
The truth is that highly successful people use better, smarter, more effective strategies. They know their top priorities and focus their time, their energy, their creativity and all their pow er on their few, top choices.
There is only a slight difference between landing a plane safely and crashing at the end of the runway, but that slight difference is the difference between life and death. In achieving your goals and creating the life you truly want, it's the small differences that ultimately determine your long-term results.
Winners know and use effective strategies! Highly successful people review their strategies and measure their results to see if they are "on course." Are they getting what they want? Are they making progress? Every day they ask, “Is it working?”
I have identified about a dozen key strategies in high achievers, but the first and most fundamental strategy is that high achievers MAKE EVERY DAY COUNT!
Cancer patients understand this. They focus their time, they plan their days, they do "first things first" and they GET THINGS DONE. No distractions! When you have limited energy, when you&r squo;re sick and weak most of the time, when your days are numbered, things get very clear.

In his excellent book, Thinking for A Change, John Maxwell details his strategies for organizing his work a month in advance and reviewing again at the start of each day. He is a master of planning and making every day count!
I am not convinced it is necessary to work extremely long hours, or to work extremely hard. Often, we can achieve a full day's RESULTS with just one action, if it is the RIGHT action at the right time, done in the right way. High achievers do the right things, at the right time, and they do them every day.
Most people rush quickly, thoughtlessly through life. We are all busy, but are we really getting anywhere? Is all that energy and activity moving us forward? With high achievers, day by day, the answer is an emphat ic YES!
Plan your days and work your plan. Before leaving your office in the evening, or first thing in the morning, outline your day. Review your schedule, choose your most important activities, and focus on them! Every single morning, I list the three most important things I want to do that day. They may be work or play or something in between, but they are my CHOICES and once committed to them, I don't go to bed until they are done.
The first strategy of high achievers is to make each day count! Focus on things you can control. Know your top outcomes and the key strategies for success, and put all your time and effort into those few things. I think it makes a nice difference.

Take action! It’s a place to start.

Quotes of the Week
"Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies." -- Mother Teresa
"Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved." -- Jeremy Kitson
"We don't know who we are until we see what we can do." -- Martha Grimes
"Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step."
-- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

GOOGLE AND FACEBOOK OWNERS

GOOGLE:

Lawrence Edward "Larry" Page (born 26 March 1973) is a US computer scientist best known as co-founder of Google Inc. He is ranked 26th on the 2009 Forbes list of the world's billionaires and is the 6th richest person in America. In 2007 he and co-founder Sergey Brin were both ranked #1 of the "50 Most Important People on the Web" by PC World Magazine.

Sergey Brin (born August 21, 1973). According to the 2007 edition of Forbes, Page had an estimated net worth of $16.6 Billion, placing him and Sergey Brin at rank 26 on Forbes's list of the richest persons in the world. They recently purchased a Qantas Boeing 767 airliner for business and personal needs.

Page and Brin are both worth $12 billion each in 2009 because of the economic crunch.

FACEBOOK:

Mark Elliot Zuckerberg (born May 14, 1984) is an American billionaire and entrepreneur best known for co-founding the popular social networking site Facebook. Zuckerberg co-founded Facebook with fellow classmates Dustin Moskovitz, Eduardo Saverin and Chris Hugheswhile attending Harvard. Zuckerberg serves as Facebook's CEO.[3] He has been the subject of controversy for the origins of his business[4] and his wealth

Time Magazine added Zuckerberg as one of The World's Most Influential People of 2008. He fell under the Scientists & Thinkers category for his web phenomenon, Facebook, and ranked 52 out of 101 people

In 2009 Mark Elliot Zuckerberg is worth $2 billion.

You may not earn as much as they do but you can start from somewhere now!

IT'S TIME TO TRANSFORM YOUR WORLD

Most people know the story of the ancient Greek mathematician, Archimedes, who said, “If I had a lever long enough and a place to stand, I could move the world!” Imagine that! A simple lever, nothing very complicated or hard to build. Just a long stick or pole. And a place to stand, even a rock or piece of ground would do—IF you understood and applied the principle involved.
I love that story!
So many of us want to improve our world. Particularly during these past months of recession and economic uncertainty, it’s clear how eager we are for things to get better! Many people believe that in our last election, President Obama tapped into a profound desire for “change” to make life better. We are a restless people who want a better life and a better world.
As for specifics, some of us are focused on income and want to “work less and make more.” Some of us are eager for time with family or for greater peace of mind. Some think primarily in term s of their investments and retirement, or changes in our health care system. Some long for “peace on earth” while others simply want a better job, or any job at all.
Well, I have good news! All of this is possible and getting started is relatively simple. Not easy, perhaps. But simple.
Archimedes captured the principle of leverage. Big changes always start with small, simple principles applied in powerful ways. The good news is that it works the same way in our own lives, and we can start today. There is no need to wait for Congress to pass health care reform. Or for the politicians to negotiate peace, or for the global economy to recover.We can take powerful, leveraged actions in our own lives that take effect today.
How? It begins with understanding and applying powerful, basic principles.
1. Order is better than chaos. Too many of us have allowed small bits of chaos to enter and grow in our liv es. Whether it’s credit card debt that weighs us down, or tangled relationships that cause stress, or a messy house that discourages us, we live with too much chaos. Order and routine beat chaos every time. Following basic rules of behavior and using systems to manage our lives are powerful principles that can be leveraged to change everything! Many of us think routine is boring. We value “spontaneity” and enjoy lots of “variety” in our lives. But trust me, order beats chaos every time.
2. Simple is better than complicated. Too many of us allow our lives to become far too complicated. We have too many commitments. We’ve made too many promises. We “have to” participate in too many activities, groups and “networking opportunities.” When too much becomes too much, simplify! Transforming your world sometimes starts by simply saying NO more often. Such a simple, powerful word! Leverage the principle of saying NO to organize and transform your world.
3. Clarity is power. Too many of us are fuzzy about the things we want or value in our lives. The ancient truth that “clarity is power” can be leveraged to get enormous power over our priorities, our time, our energy and our peace of mind. Too often, we want too many things, even things that contradict each other. We end up confused. We get anxious and we make mistakes. Instead, get clear about the things that are actually important and go after them! Let the rest alone! When you’re clear about your values, the world responds with clarity and things get much simpler. Claim your personal power! Get clear.
4. Goals are good. Human beings are goal-seeking creatures. We are constantly working to get more of what we want and less of what annoys or hurts us. The problem is that too often, too many of us refuse to choose. Set goals! Choose the things you want and develop plans, strategies, budgets and rules to get them. Then go for your (few) goals with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all the energy, skill and effort you can muster. “You can have anything you want in life, but not everything you might desire.” Choose goals wisely. Prioritize them. And make them happen. Goals are good.
Mahatma Gandhi once suggested, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” There is wisdom and power in that! Change always begins in the heart, one person at a time. Change always begins with “me.” Simplify. Seek order and use the power of leverage in your life. Go for what you truly want and let the other temptations, distractions, invitations and confusions go hang! To transform the world, start now. Start today.

Quotes of the Week
"We become what we repeatedly do." -- Aristotle
"You are what you think about all day long." -- Dr. Robert Schuller
"Change your thoughts and you change your world." -- Norman Vincent Peale
"The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes of mind!"
-- William J ames

THE LAW OF ADVANCE PLANNING

The best salespeople prepare thoroughly before every call. This principle is so simple that it is often overlooked. The hallmark of the true professional is thorough preparation, reviewing every detail, before every sales meeting. The very best salespeople are those who review their presentations and study the details of their products and their sales materials repeatedly prior to every new sales contact.
The Customer's Situation
The salesperson with the best knowledge of the customer's real situation will be the one most likely to make the sale. The more time you take to thoroughly understand your prospective customer and your prospective customer's situation, the more likely you will be in a position to sell at the critical moment.
Sales Professionals Plan their questions in Advance
There is a direct relationship between the quality of the problem focused questions that you ask a customer and the likelihood of a sale taking place. The only way of assuring that your questions are clear and penetrating is by writing them out, word for word, in advance. Some of the most successful salespeople who have ever lived have been "question experts."
Notes
The power is on the side of the salesperson with the best notes. Plan your sales-call objectives thoroughly in advance of meeting the client. Write down and itemize exactly what you hope to accomplish in this visit. After the call, quickly write down everything that was said. Don't trust it to memory. Remember the Chinese saying, "The palest ink lasts longer than the finest memory." Prior to every sales call, and no matter how many times you have visited this same customer, take a few minutes to review the customer's file, the customer's situation, and your own notes on what has taken place in the past. You'll be amazed at how impressive you sound when you go into a sales interview having just reviewed the customer's file a few minutes before. And customers always know if you have done your homework.
Prior to Closing a Sale
The top salespeople in every field prepare exhaustively prior to selling, prior to their presentations, and prior to closing. They think everything through in advance. And they leave nothing to chance. Remember, it's the details that make the difference. The salesperson who has taken the greatest amount of time to acquaint himself or herself with the most specific needs of the customer is the one who builds the highest level of trust and the best sales relationship. Thorough preparation is the essential precondition for successful selling.

THE ECONOMY OF GOING FIRST CLASS

This week, I was reminded again of how often entrepreneurs try to build a business while running on "empty" in terms of money, time, energy or creativity.
Specifically, I get calls every week from people who would love to hire a coach "but I can't afford it." Whether it’s not hiring the coach they need or some other investment, often they are literally starving their businesses to death!
Contrast that with successful business leaders who look back with pride that "the first thing I did was invest in…(fill in the blank)." Whether you need a personal assistant, a web designer, an accountant, or more sales staff, you CANNOT AFFORD to cheat your business.
If y ou or your business need support, make the investment! Maybe you need a housekeeper or better day-care for your children. Maybe you need a personal coach, or someone to clean up at night. Whatever it is, never limit your business with foolish "economies." My grandmother called it being "penny wise and pound foolish."
Here are two examples from my own business:
*** Normally, I fly economy like everyone else. But, whenever I have to do a presentation or public event the same day as my flight, I ALWAYS fly first class if it's available. It makes a huge difference! I arrive rested, refreshed and much more productive. It doesn't "cost" – it pays.
*** Similarly, this week we did another up-grade on our computers and wireless network. Ken Almett does a wonderful job for us and what he charges is nothing compared to the freedom, confidence and productivity we get as a result. The ROI (Return on Investment) is immediate and dramatic.
In your business, always go first class! (Not a bad idea for your personal life as well!) If your performance and results are lacking, find the problem and fix it. If you need a coach, get one!

THE JOY OF GOING TOO FAR

Many people have observed that the only way to have more, earn more, or do more is to first “become more.” I’ve always had a conflicted relationship with that advice.
On the one hand, none of us will ever be one bit “more” than we are right now. We each have, and have always had all the tools, brains, creativity, drive, talent, and resources we need to be fully human. We wil l never be even a tiny bit “more” than we are right now. So, one part of me objects to the idea that we can “become more.”
There are far too many people telling us we are somehow inadequate or less than we “should” be. I reject that! Advertisements are always telling us that to be happy or sexy or rich or powerful (or younger—I love that one!) we should buy their product, join their campaign, or learn some new skill.
On the other hand. There is great truth in the idea that very few of us ever develop all the potential that lives within us. I’ve always had a dread of dying “with my music still inside me.” I hate the idea that fear or laziness or being “too busy” may keep me from exploring my world and living to the full.
One of my value s is to end my life by looking God in the face and being able to honestly say, “I did it all. I used all the talent, explored all the opportunities, experienced all the richness life had to offer.” I’ve always shared Henry Thoreau’s fear that he might die “and discover that I had never truly lived.”
Life is to be lived! We know we’re alive because we’re growing, deciding, trying, learning, exploring and yes, making mistakes. We know we’re fulfilling life’s promise by using the talents God gave us. Imagine the insult to life, to God, of “hiding our talents” or being shy about them! Rather, I suspect we honor life and God by “showing off.” We honor life by doing stuff, by reaching further, by dancing wildly, by singing (yes, even off-key) and exploring our world. There is something God-like and uniquely human about audacity. Even the “sin” of hubris, the arrogance of going much too far, has a joy that I like. Better to try too much, to reach too far, to dare the impossible than to sit quietly, waiting for death.
I’m convinced that few, if any, of us are ever fully alive, fully human, in the sense of being and doing all we are capable of. To me, that's a terrifying, sad and tragic thought.
At the same time, I understand the fear that holds us back. No one likes to fail or be embarrassed. No one enjoys the pain of trying, only to be ridiculed or laughed at if it doesn’t work out as we hoped.
But here’s a huge secret: Only those who risk going “too far” ever discover the joy of knowing how far they can go! And here’s a deadly corollary: Those who laugh the quickest and loudest at our “arrogance” are those held most tightly in the grip of fear.
Neil Armstrong went “too far”—all the way to the moon and back. Lewis and Clark went “too far”—all the way to the Pacific ocean and back. Maggie Thatcher and Golda Meir went “too far”—and became the heads of their respective countries. Amelia Earhart regularly went “too far”—and in the end she died, but what a life she lived!
Whatever else you do with your life, be sure to stretch your wings. Regularly, go “too far.” Live until you die. Try stuff. Push the limits, take risks, express your opinions and show the world your true colors. The world is not hungering for “average” or “safe!” We need all the greatness we can get! Show us what you can do.
If you wish, start small. Here are some suggestions:
1. Read more. In particular, read something you would normally ignore or something you’re sure you’ll disagree with. Read history or a comic book, science or one of the great novels. Just read. Learn something n ew.
2. Watch better television. Anyone can watch silly comedies or cop shows. But why bother?! Rent a documentary or something controversial. Watch a cooking show, or history, or science or some “talking heads” arguing politics. Let them make you mad. Let them make you think. And above all, argue back!
3. Eat something strange. Try a new restaurant you’re sure you “won’t like.” Or, how about worshiping with a friend who practices a different faith? How about learning a new language or attending a cultural festival? You won’t die, and you might discover something about yourself.
4. Be a beginner. Try a hobby or sport you’ve never tried. Sign up for a class on a topic you’ve never considered and see what happens. Try sky-diving or square dancing or take that computer class. I double-dare you!
5. Do lunch. Invite someone you’ve never met to lunch, preferably someone who’s very successful in a field you know nothing about. Ask questions, then listen. What’s it going to cost? A few bucks? And you were going to have lunch anyway, so see what you can learn. You might gain a friend, or even a new career!
Happiness is partly about becoming all we can be. Happiness and joy are connected to discovery, exploration and daring. If you can, buy a ticket on the space shuttle, but if you prefer to start smaller, start smaller. But start. And keep on going.

Quotes of the Week
"Courage is doing what you are afraid to do. There can be no courage without fear. -- P. Hayes
"Every man dies. Not every man truly lives." -- Braveheart
Entrepreneurship is a state of mind, a can-do attitude, a capacity to focus on a vision and work toward it.” -- Barry Rogstad
"In each of us are places where we have never gone. Only by pressing the limits do you ever find them. " -- Dr. Joyce Brothers