Pushing Through The Finish Line!

Well, 2011 is almost over.

In many respects it has been a good year for my company and my family. Just like other years, we have experienced some disappointments and frustrations. Some folks have a tendency to focus on the latter in a negative way, but as is my habit I choose to learn and then push through the finish line.

Today I begin a 4 city business assignment which will conclude on the last day of the year when my plane sets down in my home state of Arkansas. As a business owner and a former amateur distance runner, I was sitting in seat 3B today on American Airlines and reflecting on what's required to finish the race in the right way. Here are my thoughts in bullet point format.

> You must condition yourself properly before you begin the race. Both mentally and physically. There is a sizeable amount of uncomfortableness necessary for the right kind of conditioning.

> Work hard EVERY day. Asking for handouts or seeking the easy way seldom works. Some one once said "the harder I worked, the luckier I got."

> Be thankful for every event. Even the ones that were painful. There's a learning moment in every experience.

> Be grateful for those who have helped and supported you along the way. I could never do what I do with out the support of my wife. She is my partner in a varity ways. In addition, I have some great business associates who have been very helpful, in different ways, along my race route.

> When there is a loss, mourn it but don't live in it forever. At some point let it go and prepare for the next race.

> Show humility in your success and confidence for a better tomorrow in the defeats.

> Remember and cherish the thoughts of those who have touched your life in a significant way and remember those you have touched.

> Set the next goal.

> Do something fresh or different. I know a lot of people who are "one trick ponies" and they are unable to sustain themselves for the long haul. Oh they may limp along to the finish line, but they have settled for the comfortable.

> Get rid of those things that do not contribute to reaching your goals or mission.

> RISK! Getting something with out risking is not worth much. High risk might result in failure, but it could reap higher rewards.

I'm grateful to God for 2011 and all it has taught me.

I'm excited about the new race beginning in 2012.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!