Tonight on my way home from the office I had a few thoughts running through my head about some decisions I am being faced with right now. They were sparked by a local radio show hosted by Jim Goodman of the CEO Center here in Des Moines. I was only able to catch a few minutes of his show, but his comments gave me the "hey, that's me!" feeling. His topic was about how there are a plethora of ideas out there that people are just sitting on, and then went on to say that this time of year is a popular time for people to bring these ideas to light, and start to run with them. Hey! That's me! He also commented on how encouraging local business is not only good for the individual, but for the industry, the community and the state as a whole.  The discussion then went on to talk about Iowa's blossoming renewable energy industry, Google's decision to build a $660M center in Iowa, and how it would benefit Iowa as a whole to not only encourage the renewable energy industry, but to also encourage growth in the support industries around renewable energy. 

Then as I was pulling up in my driveway I received an e-mail from Nick with a "read this" subject. In the email was a link to an article by Jean-Paul titled "Dream Big, Take Some Risks, Reap the Rewards". I think what really hit home for me was his quote of Thomas Edison: “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work” – Thomas Edison

After reading the article it left me with the realization I've been slow to act on a handful of my goals for the past few years. Mostly because without having them in my face day in and day out, they tend to be put on the back burner. And for a number of reasons; New short term goals get brought into the picture. Past successful goals allow you to rest on their accomplishments. etc... In addition to that, I have partially fallen into the "microwave culture" that Jean-Paul described. At my core I do believe that you should have to work for the things you want in life. However, I'm not sure that I have been acting on that belief.

I'm not one for New Years resolutions, however, I will be taking time to clearly define my goals for the future. By having a list of goals it will help me make those tough decisions in life, and should allow those decisions to end with a positive result.

And like Jean-Paul mentioned, "I am not afraid of the opportunity to fall flat on my face taking a risk, because I know that it is in the times of struggle/pain that growth happens."