help me . . . don't hinder me

dictionary.com says achievement is defined as a noun and is something accomplished, especially by superior ability, special effort, great courage, etc.; a great or heroic deed.

 

so when exactly does achievement begin?  we have gotten quite good at celebrating the success of a job well done, a goal met, a challenge overcome.  passed your spelling test? way to go!  got a raise? nice job!  lost weight? super!  hit your sales goals? great!

but what about when the achievement actually begins?  isn't that the time we should kick in to high 'you can do it' mode?  isn't the process that leads to success just as important as the end result?  isn't the very first part of success having the courage to actually begin? 

too many times we sit back and watch.  maybe we observe as the road blocks begin to appear and possibly even use the toe of our shoe to help nudge them out in to the path.  or we talk about all of the reasons the attempt won't work, the person is all wrong for the journey, it's too dangerous, you are too young, too old, too tall, too short, too busy, not busy enough.

perhaps i have gotten cynical but it seems to me that we spend more time reflecting on what went wrong, who failed, who did it incorrectly, who was mistaken or wide of the mark rather than focusing on someone who has the courage to actually begin the process.

as we begin to take inventory of 2010 and focus on 2011 i challenge you to change the way you think. dedicate the time you would typically spend worrying and begin to encourage those around you who are just beginning their journey to achievement.