We all have them, those voices in the back of our minds. We usually call it “thinking,” but the truth of the matter is we carry around a panel of judges with their “yes,” “no,” “that’s smart,” “I remember when,” and “just who do you think you are anyway,” litany of commentary.

We all have these thoughts, but what we commonly overlook is just whose voice goes along with it. We all carry around a panel of judges. And it is not a bad thing, as we all can benefit from the well-intended guidance of those who have care and concern for our well-being.

The problem is when we stack the deck against ourselves.
When we allow a seat on that august panel to the boss who never appreciated the out-of-the-box ideas we had, or the teacher who was more concerned with grammar than expression, or the ex-[fill in the blank] whose disappointment overshadowed their compassion. Sometimes, without even being aware we have done it, we stack the deck against ourselves. Give voice and authority to those who did not have our best concerns at heart. Indeed, strange as it sounds, we sometimes invite the harpy screech of criticism over the compassionate voice of critique.

What if you re-shuffled the judges on that panel in the back of your mind?
Re-shuffled to include teacher who saw your potential and asked the questions that tumbled you to a radically wider perspective. Fire the never satisfied ex-boss and replace him with your wicked smart uncle; the one with a keen eye toward how to transform chaos into opportunity, the one who funs his own business– and terribly successfully at it too. What if you included Pablo Picasso, or Walt Disney? Give the boot to that college adviser whose job it was to keep you in line, and invited Dr. Seuss or the fellow at the noodle shop who always manages to have you leaving just a bit more optimistic about the world than when you arrived?

We all carry around a panel of judges, a Parthenon of personalities that help us to chart a course and steer by it. Like any well rounded board of directors, we want those that bring the yin/yang of support coupled with a nudge in the direction that makes us tremble. Best to give a seat to those who care about you, and offer up their challenges based on the desire to see you bloom your utmost potential. The others— fire them!

Making a difference rarely is the result of stunningly bright talent alone. Genius and the odd bent of ability, while useful, will only serve for a portion of any extended journey. Persistence and the knack for continually being able to put yourself in front of what you want is required to achieve anything of remarkability.

Putting yourself in front of what you want. Coming back time and again, like a punch down clown that knows only how to find vertical, or a floating magnetic needle that unceasing seeks north. Putting yourself in front of what you want, regardless of consequence, regardless of opinion, and regardless of what obstacles arise to test your meddle and spirit. This is the essential habit for any who wish to live a larger version of life.

Put yourself in front of it.

Hone your internal pathfinder, sharpen your discernment; follow what furthers, however far a field it may seem.

This is not a journey for those not willing to fail, or unable to grasp the reins of success. Failure is part of the landscape. It is the teacher to whom we have a visceral aversion, but who helps us to solidify fundamentals. Success, like any intoxicate can lead to a spiral of missteps should we lack firm grounding and essential clarity of purpose. This is not a journey for those not willing to ride the polarities of change.

The process is relentless; you must become equally solid in your resolve.

Most of us, if we lift our heads up and out of the rule bound whispers of imagined safety and social consensus realize that it is our hand on the rudder of life. We can steer toward any dream we wish to dare. Vision, passion and intention are powerful tools that unfold a path that treads unmapped territory. While there are setbacks, the effort at times is rewarded by divine providence, synchronistic moments of affirmation and assistance, like stepping stones placed just so across a river. Some call it luck; some call it coincidence. I suspect, however, that as much as we are seeking a dream, that there too is a dream seeking us. Goals, intention, scribbles in a book and practiced consideration are all tools of value on this journey. But, none are as powerful as simply, and continually, putting yourself in front of what you want.

Keep putting yourself in front of your dream; at some point it will mow you down.

Want to learn a language? Go live where they speak it. Want to learn a skill? Find a way to connect your desire for learning with a Master who has been awaiting the arrival of an attentive and dedicated student. Want to see a change in the world? Create product or process that enhances life? Want the world to more strongly reflect your values? Put yourself in front of it.

Dreams are not measured by their achievability. They have their own measure and rule. They are not like prey to be pursued. In fact, they are out there hunting you down. Like miracles seek prayers, like passion seeks the burn of desire, dreams honed in on those with unyielding intent; and follow through.

It is not for the faint of Heart.

It is the ultimate expression of faith; the ultimate affirmation of life. It is trust with a capital T. Putting yourself in front of what you want is playing for keeps. It is as easy as a leaf releasing itself to the breath of the fall wind; difficult as the swim upstream to spawn, and as quietly powerful as the spin of stars through the heavens.

Put yourself in front of what you want.

Like daring a raging bull with red.

Put yourself in front of what you want. Be it with giant steps of courage, or the inching crawl through pain and dislocation; put yourself in front of it.

Nothing is more powerful than the untrumpable desire of those who possess direction and momentum. None possess the clarity of those who will not be deterred from the appointment they have scribed with destiny.

It is not a quick fix; it never is. It is not found on the path of the conventional, it does not thrive there. It is not found in our current skill set or bag of tricks; those must be left behind, or transmuted into something with wings, or claws, or polished brilliance. All points of departure are about loss and release. There are indeed dragons at the edges of our maps. Ride them!

Put yourself in front of what you want.

We all have them, those voices in the back of our minds. We usually call it “thinking,” but the truth of the matter is we carry around a panel of judges with their “yes,” “no,” “that’s smart,” “I remember when,” and “just who do you think you are anyway,” litany of commentary.

We all have these thoughts, but what we commonly overlook is just whose voice goes along with it. We all carry around a panel of judges. And it is not a bad thing, as we all can benefit from the well-intended guidance of those who have care and concern for our well-being.

The problem is when we stack the deck against ourselves.
When we allow a seat on that august panel to the boss who never appreciated the out-of-the-box ideas we had, or the teacher who was more concerned with grammar than expression, or the ex-[fill in the blank] whose disappointment overshadowed their compassion. Sometimes, without even being aware we have done it, we stack the deck against ourselves. Give voice and authority to those who did not have our best concerns at heart. Indeed, strange as it sounds, we sometimes invite the harpy screech of criticism over the compassionate voice of critique.

What if you re-shuffled the judges on that panel in the back of your mind?
Re-shuffled to include teacher who saw your potential and asked the questions that tumbled you to a radically wider perspective. Fire the never satisfied ex-boss and replace him with your wicked smart uncle; the one with a keen eye toward how to transform chaos into opportunity, the one who funs his own business– and terribly successfully at it too. What if you included Pablo Picasso, or Walt Disney? Give the boot to that college adviser whose job it was to keep you in line, and invited Dr. Seuss or the fellow at the noodle shop who always manages to have you leaving just a bit more optimistic about the world than when you arrived?

We all carry around a panel of judges, a Parthenon of personalities that help us to chart a course and steer by it. Like any well rounded board of directors, we want those that bring the yin/yang of support coupled with a nudge in the direction that makes us tremble. Best to give a seat to those who care about you, and offer up their challenges based on the desire to see you bloom your utmost potential. The others— fire them!

Making a difference rarely is the result of stunningly bright talent alone. Genius and the odd bent of ability, while useful, will only serve for a portion of any extended journey. Persistence and the knack for continually being able to put yourself in front of what you want is required to achieve anything of remarkability.

Putting yourself in front of what you want. Coming back time and again, like a punch down clown that knows only how to find vertical, or a floating magnetic needle that unceasing seeks north. Putting yourself in front of what you want, regardless of consequence, regardless of opinion, and regardless of what obstacles arise to test your meddle and spirit. This is the essential habit for any who wish to live a larger version of life.

Put yourself in front of it.

Hone your internal pathfinder, sharpen your discernment; follow what furthers, however far a field it may seem.

This is not a journey for those not willing to fail, or unable to grasp the reins of success. Failure is part of the landscape. It is the teacher to whom we have a visceral aversion, but who helps us to solidify fundamentals. Success, like any intoxicate can lead to a spiral of missteps should we lack firm grounding and essential clarity of purpose. This is not a journey for those not willing to ride the polarities of change.

The process is relentless; you must become equally solid in your resolve.

Most of us, if we lift our heads up and out of the rule bound whispers of imagined safety and social consensus realize that it is our hand on the rudder of life. We can steer toward any dream we wish to dare. Vision, passion and intention are powerful tools that unfold a path that treads unmapped territory. While there are setbacks, the effort at times is rewarded by divine providence, synchronistic moments of affirmation and assistance, like stepping stones placed just so across a river. Some call it luck; some call it coincidence. I suspect, however, that as much as we are seeking a dream, that there too is a dream seeking us. Goals, intention, scribbles in a book and practiced consideration are all tools of value on this journey. But, none are as powerful as simply, and continually, putting yourself in front of what you want.

Keep putting yourself in front of your dream; at some point it will mow you down.

Want to learn a language? Go live where they speak it. Want to learn a skill? Find a way to connect your desire for learning with a Master who has been awaiting the arrival of an attentive and dedicated student. Want to see a change in the world? Create product or process that enhances life? Want the world to more strongly reflect your values? Put yourself in front of it.

Dreams are not measured by their achievability. They have their own measure and rule. They are not like prey to be pursued. In fact, they are out there hunting you down. Like miracles seek prayers, like passion seeks the burn of desire, dreams honed in on those with unyielding intent; and follow through.

It is not for the faint of Heart.

It is the ultimate expression of faith; the ultimate affirmation of life. It is trust with a capital T. Putting yourself in front of what you want is playing for keeps. It is as easy as a leaf releasing itself to the breath of the fall wind; difficult as the swim upstream to spawn, and as quietly powerful as the spin of stars through the heavens.

Put yourself in front of what you want.

Like daring a raging bull with red.

Put yourself in front of what you want. Be it with giant steps of courage, or the inching crawl through pain and dislocation; put yourself in front of it.

Nothing is more powerful than the untrumpable desire of those who possess direction and momentum. None possess the clarity of those who will not be deterred from the appointment they have scribed with destiny.

It is not a quick fix; it never is. It is not found on the path of the conventional, it does not thrive there. It is not found in our current skill set or bag of tricks; those must be left behind, or transmuted into something with wings, or claws, or polished brilliance. All points of departure are about loss and release. There are indeed dragons at the edges of our maps. Ride them!

Put yourself in front of what you want.

We all have them, those voices in the back of our minds. We usually call it “thinking,” but the truth of the matter is we carry around a panel of judges with their “yes,” “no,” “that’s smart,” “I remember when,” and “just who do you think you are anyway,” litany of commentary.

We all have these thoughts, but what we commonly overlook is just whose voice goes along with it. We all carry around a panel of judges. And it is not a bad thing, as we all can benefit from the well-intended guidance of those who have care and concern for our well-being.

The problem is when we stack the deck against ourselves.
When we allow a seat on that august panel to the boss who never appreciated the out-of-the-box ideas we had, or the teacher who was more concerned with grammar than expression, or the ex-[fill in the blank] whose disappointment overshadowed their compassion. Sometimes, without even being aware we have done it, we stack the deck against ourselves. Give voice and authority to those who did not have our best concerns at heart. Indeed, strange as it sounds, we sometimes invite the harpy screech of criticism over the compassionate voice of critique.

What if you re-shuffled the judges on that panel in the back of your mind?
Re-shuffled to include teacher who saw your potential and asked the questions that tumbled you to a radically wider perspective. Fire the never satisfied ex-boss and replace him with your wicked smart uncle; the one with a keen eye toward how to transform chaos into opportunity, the one who funs his own business– and terribly successfully at it too. What if you included Pablo Picasso, or Walt Disney? Give the boot to that college adviser whose job it was to keep you in line, and invited Dr. Seuss or the fellow at the noodle shop who always manages to have you leaving just a bit more optimistic about the world than when you arrived?

We all carry around a panel of judges, a Parthenon of personalities that help us to chart a course and steer by it. Like any well rounded board of directors, we want those that bring the yin/yang of support coupled with a nudge in the direction that makes us tremble. Best to give a seat to those who care about you, and offer up their challenges based on the desire to see you bloom your utmost potential. The others— fire them!

Making a difference rarely is the result of stunningly bright talent alone. Genius and the odd bent of ability, while useful, will only serve for a portion of any extended journey. Persistence and the knack for continually being able to put yourself in front of what you want is required to achieve anything of remarkability.

Putting yourself in front of what you want. Coming back time and again, like a punch down clown that knows only how to find vertical, or a floating magnetic needle that unceasing seeks north. Putting yourself in front of what you want, regardless of consequence, regardless of opinion, and regardless of what obstacles arise to test your meddle and spirit. This is the essential habit for any who wish to live a larger version of life.

Put yourself in front of it.

Hone your internal pathfinder, sharpen your discernment; follow what furthers, however far a field it may seem.

This is not a journey for those not willing to fail, or unable to grasp the reins of success. Failure is part of the landscape. It is the teacher to whom we have a visceral aversion, but who helps us to solidify fundamentals. Success, like any intoxicate can lead to a spiral of missteps should we lack firm grounding and essential clarity of purpose. This is not a journey for those not willing to ride the polarities of change.

The process is relentless; you must become equally solid in your resolve.

Most of us, if we lift our heads up and out of the rule bound whispers of imagined safety and social consensus realize that it is our hand on the rudder of life. We can steer toward any dream we wish to dare. Vision, passion and intention are powerful tools that unfold a path that treads unmapped territory. While there are setbacks, the effort at times is rewarded by divine providence, synchronistic moments of affirmation and assistance, like stepping stones placed just so across a river. Some call it luck; some call it coincidence. I suspect, however, that as much as we are seeking a dream, that there too is a dream seeking us. Goals, intention, scribbles in a book and practiced consideration are all tools of value on this journey. But, none are as powerful as simply, and continually, putting yourself in front of what you want.

Keep putting yourself in front of your dream; at some point it will mow you down.

Want to learn a language? Go live where they speak it. Want to learn a skill? Find a way to connect your desire for learning with a Master who has been awaiting the arrival of an attentive and dedicated student. Want to see a change in the world? Create product or process that enhances life? Want the world to more strongly reflect your values? Put yourself in front of it.

Dreams are not measured by their achievability. They have their own measure and rule. They are not like prey to be pursued. In fact, they are out there hunting you down. Like miracles seek prayers, like passion seeks the burn of desire, dreams honed in on those with unyielding intent; and follow through.

It is not for the faint of Heart.

It is the ultimate expression of faith; the ultimate affirmation of life. It is trust with a capital T. Putting yourself in front of what you want is playing for keeps. It is as easy as a leaf releasing itself to the breath of the fall wind; difficult as the swim upstream to spawn, and as quietly powerful as the spin of stars through the heavens.

Put yourself in front of what you want.

Like daring a raging bull with red.

Put yourself in front of what you want. Be it with giant steps of courage, or the inching crawl through pain and dislocation; put yourself in front of it.

Nothing is more powerful than the untrumpable desire of those who possess direction and momentum. None possess the clarity of those who will not be deterred from the appointment they have scribed with destiny.

It is not a quick fix; it never is. It is not found on the path of the conventional, it does not thrive there. It is not found in our current skill set or bag of tricks; those must be left behind, or transmuted into something with wings, or claws, or polished brilliance. All points of departure are about loss and release. There are indeed dragons at the edges of our maps. Ride them!

Put yourself in front of what you want.