Every now and then we hear these questions nagging at us, either in reality or in our imaginations. What is this all about? Why are we doing it this way? Where are we going? When will we get there? How will we know when we get there? Who is staying with us? These are all good questions just begging for an answer, would you not agree?

Here is what happens. (Keep in mind, this can happen on the job or in our personal life). We are busy; our schedules jam-packed. There are pressing deadlines and demands literally shouting for us to hurry up and get things done. So much of the day is given over to whatever seems most urgent, and yet you have this nagging feeling that what you value mostthe really important things in your lifeare being left in the dust. Every day starts out the sameso much to do, so little time to do it in. We promise ourselves that the important things will get done, but at the end of the day, we realize all we have done is rushed around stomping out brush fires, and what is most important to us has been leftagainby the wayside.

Time passes all too quickly, at a blinding speed that many times stuns our better judgment and thinking. Its at this time when the haunting questions come, and we realize we have lost our focus, and we cant seem to find our motivation anywhere. Our momentum, too, seems to have got up and left. Discouragement abounds and we need answers now!

So whats the solution? What we need, quite frankly, is to step back, regroup, and rethink our reasons for doing things in a certain way, method or manner. After all, if we keep doing a certain thing a certain way with out thinking of change or improvement, we can very easily be left in the dust. (Cant say I am aware of any buggy whip manufacturing companies that are profiting today, can you?)

In other words, a much needed clarification, or possibly a re-clarification, of the mission must occur if we are to regain our focus, be rightly motivated, and build momentum for future success. Each of us needs to rethink the purpose behind what we are doing, by asking ourselves these two basic questions: What do I want? and Why do I want that? and then writing down the answers to be able to see things from a new and improved perspective.

Is it time for you to do a little tweaking on your mission? I can guarantee you will never regret taking the time to examine your focus and motivations, as you clarify your mission, and your momentum will most assuredly begin to pick up speed. Call or write me if you need help with clarifying your mission. I will be more than happy to help get you started.

2005 Professional Development Systems All Rights Reserved

Robert Prentice

Robert A. (Bob) Prentice is an entrepreneur, a motivational speaker, a corporate trainer, a business and marketing consultant, an author, and publisher, who began his career 25 years ago.On December 26, 1989, Professional Development Systems was established in Rapid City, South Dakota.

In 1998, Bob moved the business to Wessington, South Dakota, so his family could experience the benefits of living in a rural community. Since the birth of PDS, Bob has worked with literally hundreds of companies and organizations within a 15 state region, delivering highly motivational training sessions in Customer Service, Leadership, Sales, Total Quality Management, Team Building and more. Literally, thousands of people participate in Bob's training seminars each year.

A family man, Bob and Vicki, his wife of 28 years, have enjoyed the privilege of raising three children?two sons and a daughter?to adulthood. They also have an 11 year old daughter. Bob says he plays much more than he works, and when he works he goes to fun! Bob's friends call him Mr. Attitude.