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Just Follow the Bread Crumbs
by Linda Larsen, CSP
© Copyright 2000

I've finally figured it out. If there is anything, and I do mean anything, that I want to accomplish in my life, all I need to do is learn from someone who has already accomplished it.

Now I know that sounds obvious, but I am stunned at how many times I find myself sitting around whining to myself, "but I don't know howwwwww." Fortunately I don't stay in that emotional state for very long, but I don't think I'm the only one who experiences this. Look around. Don't you hear people complaining, "Well, if I knew how - I could do it. I just don't know how."

I remember in 1994 when, after 15 years, my man-friend ended our relationship. At first I felt like a deer caught in the headlights. There I was, 46 years old, no income, no savings, no established career, overweight, out of shape, yadda, yadda, yadda. You get the picture. I was scared and I was stunned.

When the reality of the situation sunk in, I looked around and realized that it had been a long time since I had done any formal training, taken any classes, even read a book that wasn't for sheer entertainment. I knew what I had to do. I had to make up for lost time and get back into a learning mode. I had to figure out exactly what I wanted to accomplish in my life, and then study the people who had successfully done the same thing.

There was just one little problem. I had NO money. I saw courses I wanted to take, but they were very expensive. I would go to my local bookstore, gather up lots of great books, and then go put them all back when I added up the total cost. I wanted to subscribe to certain periodicals and magazines, but I thought I couldn't afford it. I wanted to join professional associations, but I told myself they were too expensive. My reasoning was, if I couldn't pay my regular bills, then how was I to afford education?

I remember once lamenting my miserable state of affairs to a friend of mine who lovingly said, "Linda, if you can't afford to educate yourself - then you can't afford NOT to." There was a part of me that wanted to say, "Well, that's easy for you to say. You have plenty of money to take all the courses you want, to get all the books and travel to those great seminars."

Then I got it. I remembered Brian Tracy once saying, "In order to earn more, you must learn more." And I also realized that if I really wanted that education, I could get it. Let's put it this way. If a madman were holding my son hostage, demanding $100,000 I would get the money!

So I did it. First, I sold my car. It was a great car and it was totally paid for. I took the proceeds from the sale and bought a used car that was perfectly fine and invested the rest in myself. I also whipped out a credit card that had no charges on it and went to work. I studied how to become a professional speaker, writer, businesswoman, and trainer. I read about how to get physically healthy and fit. I listened to tapes on how to build strong, mutually supportive relationships. I took courses on personal improvement, spirituality, and financial planning. I invested, quite frankly, a huge sum on education.

Here's the bottom line. It was unequivocally the absolute best investment of my life. Every single thing I have accomplished in the last 5 years is because someone else forged the path, made all the mistakes and figured it out. I just followed the trail of bread crumbs they left for me. My health is the greatest it's ever been. I am enjoying a love relationship that I think most people just dream about. My career is amazing. I have an income 5 times greater than anything I ever made in my life before. I am continually growing both spiritually and consciously. Truly, I am blessed beyond mere words. I have my challenges, of course. I make mistakes and ineffective choices sometimes. But my overall movement is forward and healthy. And it is, and must continue to be - ongoing.

Listen to the words of Oprah Winfrey. "You always have the potential to get better. That, as I see it, is one of the purposes of your life: not to be good but to continuously get better, to constantly move forward, creating the highest and grandest vision and to be led by that vision every day."

I am now inviting you to take this to the next level. I am suggesting that you invest in yourself by reading one book, or listening to one tape series per week. I know that sounds like a lot - but it really is doable. Just turn off the television, utilize your automobile drive time, put on the headphones. Do whatever it takes.

Final thought by Bob Pritchard: "When you're not learning - someone, somewhere else is. When you meet - guess who has the advantage?"

Just follow the bread crumbs. It's a no-brainer!

Word count: 873

Tag line: Linda Larsen, CSP, helps individuals think strategically, communicate effectively, and celebrate success. She is an international keynote speaker, trial consultant and author of the book, True Power, and the best selling audio program, 12 Secrets to High Self-Esteem. She can be reached at www.lindalarsen.com or 941-927-4700.

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