The New Year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written. Many enjoy this time of year as it presents us with time to reflect, consider new ideas, evaluate progress, and apply what we have learned to the challenges that lie ahead.
The figure below perfectly illustrates the essence of achieving a goal that is fundamental to us all – happiness.
We all, ultimately, want happiness. While our paths and definitions may have their subtle nuanced differences, humans usually chart one of two approaches towards it – the hard way – or the quick way.
The hard way, or, The Grind requires more effort. It is a disciplined, incremental march through reality towards a goal.
Compare it to quick way, or, The Dream – a good idea that loses potency as it encounters reality.
In a quote about commitment to initiative, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe said:
“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth that ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now.”
2016 is going to be wonderful – in all its obstacles, teaching moments and victories. We hope that in this year to come, you make mistakes. That may sound strange, but if you are not making mistakes, then you are not pushing yourself, changing yourself, and changing your world.
Happy New Year!
Laura & Michael Sosnowski
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