Today is my birthday and I am taking the opportunity to look back over the few short years of my life and gratefully consider the magnificent journey that it has been to this point.
As I sit in our family room looking out at the boats on the water as the palm trees gently blow in the sea breeze I see my little (well actually quite big) reminder to think big. The sign ‘Infinite Possibilities’ spans the entire width of the room and reminds me of how big life is – how many options I have – how big is the potential of humanity – how big a change one person can bring.
I have had truckloads of possibilities, good ideas, intentions, hopes, dreams and resolutions in my lifetime. They have taken me to so many fascinating places in my world of fantasy much like the untold movies I have viewed in my life. They have occupied hours of my time and I have consumed countless others in my fantasies – “We know, says my family” The sheer volume of intentional talk would fill an ocean.
Of all of the possibilities I have romanced there are many that I have acted upon. As I consider my past I know that I have made some very un-useful choices from the sea of possibilities and at the same time I have made some very useful choices. The point is that I made choices and then acted upon them. That is what made the difference. Whether they worked out or not is somewhat immaterial. The important thing is that I made a choice and followed through.
The often-quoted statement attributed to the Cistercian abbot Saint Bernard of Clairvaux (1090 – 1153). ‘The road to hell is paved with good intentions’ comes to mind in this context. Intention is important, just like dreaming but it needs more – it needs action and that leads to creativity. This is where the good stuff really happens.
The things that have counted so far in my life are the things that I have gone into action for. The things that I have implemented and creatively engaged in are the things that have had a chance of success – the dreams have stayed just that – whimsical dreams.
This month is always a great time to reflect on the past year and project on the upcoming year (even if you don’t have a January birthday). Spend some time considering what your dominant intentions are for this year. Now consider what action will you take to realise the intention. It may be gathering skills or hiring advice. It may be lining up finances and resources. Or it may just be saying ‘yes’ and making the phone call, booking the ticket or writing the cheque.
I am committed to helping people to realise their potential as a human being and the heart of this endeavour is the transformation of ideas to reality.
If you are really committed to making 2017 a standout year where you make things happen rather than dreaming, hoping and intending then you will want to join us in an awesome program that we have put together called the Fantastic Future Formula. We will spend the month of February together getting clear on what takes to turn your intentions into reality so that you get the results that you desire.
There is another road.
Best,
Mark
