Goals Gone Wild October 20, 2006

Many Happy Returns on Your Investment

Matthew Poepsel, LeftBrain/Co-Founder

I'd like to take a moment to recognize someone for whom I have a tremendous amount of respect: you. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not just sucking up here. (Well, maybe a little - sweeps week is just around the corner.) No, I just feel that we should all stop and give credit where credit is due.

So congratulations! Now let me explain the reason for my well-wishes.

Despite everything else that's going on in your life right now, despite all of the other things you could be doing, you've taken the time to stop and read this column. Even if it only takes you 5 minutes, you certainly could've spent that precious time doing something else. But you didn't. You've come today seeking an opportunity to learn, to be motivated, to improve your condition in some small way, and perhaps to be entertained along the way. (I'll do my best, but I can't make any promises.)

By reading this column today, you've opened a door. Think of the all of the reading material that's competing for your attention. There is an endless stream of books, magazines, pamphlets, and pulp with which you could occupy yourself. (Many people sadly think they can fill holes in their lives with empty content!)

It's your choice how you spend your time. In selecting this column, you've made a commitment to yourself to inject something constructive into your life. And if you're still reading this, you're following through. Way to go!

It may seem small, but I think that kind of special effort deserves recognition. Your selection and readership represents a building block through which you can multiply and truly change your life. You are separating yourself from those around you who are content to complain but not compelled to take action. Your willingness and ability to invest in yourself is the key to long-term success.

So thanks for opening that door - I'm really moved by your investment. I encourage you to keep seeking those improvement opportunities. And while I love the fact that you're here in my little part of the world, please be sure to read a lot of the other great stuff that's out there. Right now, for example, I'm working on a business classic "Don't Fire Them, Fire Them Up" (Frank Pancetta) and a newer philosophical work "Happiness: A Guide to Developing Life's Most Important Skill" (Mathieu Ricard). Even if you're not a certifiable self-improvement junkie like me who spends hours on the stuff, you're here now, and that means a lot (to us both).

Your ability to create the future you seek lies in direct proportion to your ability to prepare yourself to get off your butt and go out and get it. But you already knew that. Like many other people, you've stopped in for a little encouragement along the way, a little nudge, a little support, and a little direction. Because you've demonstrated the drive to make the investment in yourself, I know you have everything you need to be successful to the benefit of yourself and those around you. I, for one, can't wait to see exactly what you're capable of!

So thanks for taking the time and making the effort to invest in yourself. I really appreciate it. We all do.

email: contact@icanthrive.com

web: http://www.icanthrive.com