The anticipation surrounding the first day of school is something that hasn’t changed since I was 5.  Now 30, while tomorrow isn’t really my first day of school, it will be my first day sitting in on a law school class in anticipation of starting law school this fall.

As with many experiences, it is not the content of the class that creates the anticipation. How will people greet me?  How will they interact with the professor?  How will they take notes?  What will they wear?

I feel lucky that I get this trial run!

You may not enjoy planning.  You may not even know what type of planning you need. The anticipation of getting a plan started or reviewing your plan might be overwhelming.

But wouldn’t you appreciate a trial run!

Working through the details of how things will work for you and your loved ones as your life progresses is an exciting opportunity!  A trial run can put you on the right track, help you to avoid pitfalls, and solidify what changes are necessary.

While it is possible to attend the first day of school without a trial run, wouldn’t you want to make sure you get through it with no regrets?

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Success, says Arthur Ashe, is a journey not a destination. The doing is usually more important than the outcome. But success, in whatever field of human endeavor, does not come cheaply.  Paul H. Dunn has observed that when you see someone standing on top of a mountain, it’s pretty likely they didn’t fall there. When we encounter a person of accomplishment, we need to note how they reached the summit and learn how to conquer the Everests in our own lives.

Success is the accomplishment of an aim or purpose. Our everyday lives are made up of mini-Everests, triumph over them!  As we climb our mountain, mini-Everests are our journey.  Think about the mini-Everests of your day…a project for school, the laundry, a 20 minute run.  Now think about how they relate to the bigger picture…an advanced degree, a tidy home, good health.  Sometimes when we evaluate the Everests they seem too far away – but if you take it one day at a time, you’ll be there before you know it.

What are your Everests? => List five area of critical focus.

Where are you now?

What are your mini-Everests? => What actions must be taken along the way?

Who is responsible?

Take a few moments to evaluate your Everest.  Don’t wish to be dropped on top of your mountain.  The joy is in the journey.