It’s Monday & we‘re all back to work. Some of us head out for an early a.m. commute while others splash water on face & head down the hall to a home office. Either scenario spells “back at it again!”

This month, I’ve been trying (operative word!) to focus on the “U” in the word S.U.C.C.E.S.S. - our motto for ‘09. The very shape & form of the letter indicates upward movement. Growth, reaching, striving. . . all action words that define movement toward a specific target or goal.

This being the 2nd month of a new year, we may be wondering “what works“. I know I am. What works that will get us what we want - in the timeframe we’ve outlined? How do we put to “work” the skills, abilities, knowledge & wisdom we possess to achieve SUCCESS?

One thing I’ve learned over the years is that what we possess is often not enough! Imagine that? Even when we have considerable knowledge & a ton of experience. . .it may not be enough. And our individual wisdom falls short of the power of “collective wisdom” when the climb to SUCCESS is long & arduous!

So what then? Do we crawl back into a shell & give up? Go back to the “drawing board” & develop a new or different strategy?

You can if you want. But a better USE of time & energy may be finding a MENTOR or COACH. That person doesn’t have to be defined professionally as a “coach“, but they do have to know how to ask the right questions. Questions that will elicit answers from YOU. Because that’s where the “answers” reside.

And she (or he if you choose) must be positive about what you‘re up to! Has to be a “cheerleader” of sorts, who will encourage you when the going gets tough.

Truth is we were never meant to “go it alone“. I read that somewhere & have learned it’s an absolute truism. Going it alone only leaves us discouraged when we can’t see the way ahead. An entire ‘raft’ of sayings emerged over time telling us the same thing.

So if you’ve ‘Started’ on the road toward your SUCCESS GOAL & are “Using” all you have to get there but feel you’ve reached a “rut” in the road - look around.

Look for someone you admire. Someone you know to be wise & perceptive. A person who has your best interests at heart & would be willing to spend a few hours to help you. And if your budget allows an expenditure for such assistance. . . interview & hire a “coach“.

If not, then search among those you know for someone to be a MENTOR to you. Meet on a regular basis over coffee or lunch. Once you have a level of trust with each other. . .let your “hair down” so to speak. Lay out what works & what holds you back. Go over every inch of your plan & strategies. Give her (your MENTOR) all the info she needs to be the kind of resource you need.

Then get UP & get going - knowing you are not “going it alone“! Turn the question “what works?” into a statement. In fact, the entire process goes from “what works?” to . . . .“That Works!”

If the above describes where you are at this point, then what are you waiting for? I encourage “U” to go out & find “what works!”

Have an encouraging day finding folks who will walk the road with you - if only for a mile or two. Much love,

Linda, a fellow journeyer