Whatever the right word, my focus this summer has certainly been drawn away from the launching of my business, Ideas Unlimited. Before September slips away I have recommitted my energy and attention.

I am blessed to have my sons Tom and Jim in my corner. Seeing them and their families over the summer was a reminder that I am truly blessed.

I saw 3 movies recently that reminded me that it is always possible to redirect your life. One was "Under the Tuscan Sun", one was "Invincible" and the third was the newly released, "Grid Iron." Two football movies and one chick flick but each illustrated that if you don't give up the possible is possible.

Today I sat down to work on a book I am creating. Yes, I am writing a book. It is a sales and marketing book meant to ignite the imagination and inspire action in entrepreneurs to promote their businesses, increase their sales and ultimately their profitability.

As I prepared to begin I checked my e-mails, checked my son and daughter-in-laws blogs and then checked Jim Connelly's blog. I thought he might have a poem that would get my own words flowing. Instead of poetry I found the following story. Hmm, a coincidence or a message(smile)you be the judge.

Observation on Success
This weekend I saw an eagle fly over my home. I saw fish jump out of the water to catch dragon flies and I saw a squirrel rummaging for nuts. I also saw a local business very successful where the couple now in their 70's still tend the store so to speak and another business where an absentee owner is losing money because he or she does not tend the store but hires and trusts others to do their work for them.

The eagle was searching for something, probably a rabbit. The lesson is that he was out looking himself. He was looking for an opportunity and he did not trust his search to someone else. How many people want a business opportunity but do not want the lonely task of looking for it?

The fish found an immediate opportunity and quickly seized it and was rewarded with success for its effort. How many people see an opportunity but leave it to others to claim because of fear, lack of faith or procrastination? The fish had to jump high enough to catch the fly and in doing so leave its natural element. How many people are bound by what they or others see as their natural element?

The squirrel like both the eagle and the fish was diligent in its search and efficient in its actions. Sure the fish may have been seen and caught be an Osprey or the squirrel seen and caught by the eagle but they were about their business and success only comes if we first try to succeed. The eagle must succeed every day just as the fish and the squirrel must also and so they each try day after day for success.

The elderly couple I mentioned own a local restaurant famous for the consistent quality of their food. It has made them and their children rich. Many local people know that they are comfortable but few know that they are in fact millionaires.

I am sure that the owner of the gas station with pumps that do not work is making money and I am sure that the owner wishes to become a millionaire but how much easier would that task be and the fulfillment of their desire if they did not have a reputation for unreliability because of a failure to maintain equipment?

The elderly couple pride themselves on the reputation of their family business and their diligence has made them rich. Funny thing is this is exactly what it says in proverbs about diligence. Now who says that God is not everywhere and His word is not true?

It is as true for the eagle, the fish and the squirrel as it is for you. Are you seeking? Are you persistent? Are you diligent? Apply these three principles and I am sure that you will be rewarded with success. You only get out what you put into life but remember if you do it with a touch of kindness the rewards are far greater.