Choosing a path to prosperity

      
Ah, the time of year when we all set New Year's Resolutions, think of how we can become better people in the next twelve months, and dramatically change the path of our life to lead to a better place.  While it is good to dream and set lofty expectations, how many of the resolutions that are set become reality beyond the first few weeks of the year?

In the past several weeks I have heard candidates and clients alike tell me about uncertainty for the future, fear that the economy may hold back growth plans, unhappiness with a colleague, or many other negative issues.  Yet very few of them have a solid plan in place to be drawn toward a better opportunity as opposed to simply running away from their problems. 

Ironically what shed some light on a possible solution for me was when I was watching the NFL playoff games with my seven-year old son.  He looked at me midway through one of the games and said he was changing his mind regarding his future football career.  He expressed interest in playing middle linebacker during his college career and then switching to running back in the NFL.  I began explaining to him that the average career for a running back in the NFL is not very long.  But a kicker could play for 20+ years under the right circumstances.  He thought about it for a while, took my advice to heart and asked if we could practice kicking field goals with a Nerf football.

The moral of the story is that you need set realistic goals, commit to a routine, execute a reasonable game plan, and see where it takes you.  Don't look at Adrian Peterson and wish you had his skills.  You simply don't.  You also don't have to compare yourself to him to know if you have been successful.  When looking for a career move or a new position the same theory applies - don't work outside of your core strengths and try to be something you aren't.  I also believe to truly look forward, you have to look back.  See where you experienced both success and failure in 2012 to help choose your path going forward in 2013.  Then use that as your foundation for where you want to be at the end of 2013.  Not where you want to be in February, but take a much broader look at your path to ultimately experience long term success and happiness.

I would love to hear from you if you have ideas you are implementing here in the new year to ensure prosperity and more success than last year.