We all have dreams and aspirations…some are fleeting thoughts and some are burning unfulfilled goals. If your decision making process is based on a comfort level of familiarity, you could be creating barriers…those individual characteristics that keep us from achieving our goals.
Many people struggle as they repeatedly make the same mistakes whether it’s lack of organization, lack of vision, unrealistic expectations, or fear of failure. The reason is usually that they have not identified the barriers to their success in order to overcome them. In simple terms, it’s identification, clarification, change and elimination.
This is just as true for major corporations as it is for individuals. A number of years ago, I received a phone call from a very close friend who held a prominent position in a Fortune 200 company. Since the conversation was confusing at best, I suggested that we meet for dinner.
During drinks, he finally explained that his company decided to lay off workers due to a $155 million dollar European factory loss. The problem was related to the economy, poor planning and currency issues. This situation was combined with a major mistake involving one of the department stores, a $250,000. opening order and the fact that the senior store management had been insulted.
According to my friend, he had provided numerous innovative plans to make the European factory profitable, but the recommendations fell on deaf ears. He also tried to solve the department store issue and open discussions between his senior management and the senior management at the store. He said, “No one listens. They believe that the European factory problems can’t be fixed and they refuse to meet with the department store management because they feel that selling to that class of trade is out of the question.” Their final comment was, “We’ve done things this way for the last 25 years because we’re the fashion leaders in this industry, so there is nothing to discuss.”
The company also ignored requests to restructure their sales force training program even with a 40 percent turn over rate. They continued to lose the best and the brightest of their sales force and ignore complaints from store buyers.
This type of thinking is classified as a Corporate Comfort Level of Familiarity thinking. If the real business issues are never addressed in detail, nothing has to change, or so they think.
My friend’s company had never laid off workers. Now, he was out of a job, angry, frightened and convinced that he would never find another position. Although my friend had been looking for a new position, the problem was, it was not supposed to happen this way.
During the months after the lay off, I would remind him of his talents. Fortunately, his wife was understanding and supportive. We worked together to develop a concrete plan so that he could address his goals, fears and aspirations.
In the end, my friend was hired by a dynamic company. And, nine months later, my friend’s former company was eventually taken over by their major competition. The only thing that remains is the brand.
I’ve built many successful business ventures in my life with a lot of hard work and determination. I’ve also helped numerous people change their lives and realize their goals. My upcoming book and empowerment program “Your Turn to Win,” covers my philosophy on life. It also offers insights about goal achievement and redesigning your life.
Whether you’re planning to change professions, retire, obtain an advanced degree, create a nonprofit foundation, or start your own business, my program can help you explore your passions. It will not only help you examine your passions, it will help you discover what you are capable of physically and mentally. It will teach you how to break out of that comfort level of familiarity and discover the power of vision, commitment and determination. My goal is to open your eyes to a new way of thinking; one that will inspire you to fulfill your deepest desires and share with the world your unique gifts.
People can accomplish anything in life they desire. I am living proof this is the way I have lived and continue to live my life on a daily basis. And there is no reason that others cannot do what the son of a steel worker and secretary could do. I don’t buy that somehow I’m different than others. They can do it too!
I have been passionate about many things in my life, and I can tell you that it is never too late to start. My mission is to share my unique and effective methods for life change and empower others to realize their full potential and create a more fulfilling life.
Visit Lance Heft on the web: www.lanceheft.com
that's an inspiring post! thanks lance!
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