“We do not see things as they are, we see them as we are.”

                                                                                       - Anaïs Nin

Our problems and challenges can seem very real.

However, as leaders, we’ve all heard the term “perception is reality”.  The preconceptions and the beliefs we bring to situations can dramatically alter the way we perceive the world. This is particularly true in dealing with problems and challenges.  It is not a new concept in leadership that brining positivity, inquisitiveness and proactiveness to a challenge, will most likely net positive results.  In contrast, we are also aware that bringing negativity, pessimism and fear to the same situation, will most likely create less than optimum outcomes.

When we come right down to it, it is not what is happening to us that is the problem, but how we look at it and the perspective we bring to it.  I know this may seem “pollyana-ish”, particularly when we are in the thick of things.  B...

“True happiness……is not attained through self-gratification, but through fidelity to a worthy purpose.”

                                                                                                                   - Helen Keller

I love movies.  This is particularly love films that provide a glimpse of the magnificence within us as human beings to follow our dreams, despite the challenges face.  I would guess it is that way for most of us, as the motion pictures we find most enjoyable are those that depict the story’s heroes committed to a clear purpose and vision and how they overcome challenges, despite what appear to be insurmountable odds, to realize their dreams.

I believe we are all inspired by these types of films because we truly understand that true happiness does not come from ease and grace in situations to experience our “dream lives” (although that is what most of us are striving for), but rather that fulfillment that comes from us being on purpose and moving thr...