Thanksgiving Prelude

What’s more important: Not resting on your laurels?  Or stopping to smell the roses?In a month when we celebrate Thanksgiving, I believe it’s important to purposefully put aside our tendencies for self-deprivation to seize opportunities to reflect on our personal fulfillment.  So allow me to lead by example.

My November 2013 Celebrations

I’m proud to share that this month marks several significant milestones.  Three are professional/business related. One is personal.

Business Milestone #1

It’s been two years since I made moved out of my home-office business headquarters and into a more professional environment in Deerfield, IL.  My shared office space (with Coe Financial Group) provides a convenient and productive setting for client meetings.  We’ve had some magical, breakthrough moments in our conference room.

Business Milestone #2

There is one way that I’ve addressed the challenge of being my own boss.  I ask myself two questions:

1. Am I truly committed to this business?
2. If I am, what should that commitment look like?

My answer to #2 recently materialized as I went “back to school”.  And I’m pleased to report that I’m now a graduate of RACA (the Resource Associates Coaching Academy).  My significant investment of time, money and uncomfortable, positive personal change is already reaping both tangible and intangible dividends.

Business Milestone #3

My business milestone would not have been possible without the the support of my wife (see next milestone).In November 2001, I hung out my shingle as a solo-entrepreneur and opened my “boutique strategic development firm“, Vista Development. That was 12 years ago.As I progressed, Chicago Executive Coaching evolved into the primary brand/offering.  My coaching practice clientele has reached a level that has far exceeded my initial expectations and dreams. And on most days, this thing that I’m paid to do doesn’t  feel like work.I’ve received the help and support from many along the way. But I’m not sure if I could have reached 12 years in business without a…

Personal Milestone

My wife Holly and I recently celebrated our 35th wedding anniversary.  While it’s an achievement that is exceeded by some, all too many other relationships don’t last three-and-a-half decades.  We’re proud of our two children and our other team accomplishments.It’s been said that there is a great woman behind every great man.  Whatever personal greatness I may have achieved, my support on the home front has been instrumental.Thanks to all who have contributed to our success.

And You?

How skilled are you at stopping to smell the roses?Success is not a destination. It IS a journey.  While we shouldn’t halt your journey to extensively rest on our laurels, that doesn’t mean we should deprive ourselves of opportunities to enjoy the journey.

Credit The Source

It was tennis pro Arthur Ash who gave us the quote:

“Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome.”

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