George loved to walk in the woods with his dog. He enjoyed the solitude. George was a naturally curious person and outside he could think about the things which puzzled him. After returning from a day of hiking in the Jura Mountains of France, the Swiss mountaineer discovered he and his dog were covered with burrs. As he tried to pluck them from his trousers, he recognized the tremendous gripping power of just one burr. George wondered how something so small could adhere itself so tightly to the fabric of his trousers. Using a magnifying glass, George looked carefully at a burr in the fabric. He found each burr had hundreds of tiny hooks which had connected to the fabric. Suddenly, he had a moment of great insight. What if I could make some sort of clothing fastener using this idea? No need for zippers!
George was very excited. He knew he discovered something big but when he described his discovery to others, they all laughed. George persisted and finally found someone who agreed with him. The year was 1948. The discovery led to "Velcro" and George de Mestral later went on to patent his idea and create a multi-million dollar industry.
A new year often brings new opportunities and new resolutions. What are your dreams? What do you love to do? Why aren't you doing it? What is in your way? Can you doggedly pursue your dream as George did? As you ponder your new year, try setting one new goal. Just one. Then each day, do one small thing to bring yourself closer to that goal. The proof of desire is pursuit.
This same process applies to your clients. They want to achieve great things. "I want to play with my kids"..."I just want to snow ski again"..."I really want to run". Plan the end first then pick one thing each week and work toward achieving it. Focus, pursue, praise, and edge week after week. When you finish, you will be stunned at what you accomplish.
Let's make this a year of magical surprises. Celebrate your successes and learn from your failures. I hope you have a fantastic year.
Make today count.
Doug Kelsey
Author. Teacher. Therapist.
