Practice makes perfect.  Growing up, we’ve all heard that phrase at least once.

Let’s define practice as small, focused, deliberate daily actions that are rooted in a well-reasoned plan based on a long-term perspective and influenced by your closely-held values.

I’ve found that partaking of incremental, consistent, concentrated “short burst” practice sessions can have an exponentially-positive impact.  Often, in less time than we think.

The time has come to make a big decision.  It may have been prompted by a variety of circumstances.

Maybe you’ve been searching for an opportunity for what seems like forever, and you’ve nothing to show for it.  You’re considering whether to make a bold move in a dramatic new direction.

Or maybe,  you have too many opportunities…

I had just stepped inside after a morning walk in early July.  It was still cool while dawn was breaking over the Hill Country.

Also, it was quiet and had been a perfect time to walk and think without the noisy cars which would soon be buzzing past.

In chapter sixty-four of Lao Tzu’s Tao Te Ching, there’s a well known verse which discusses how a long journey begins with just one step.

I think the journey referenced in that passage is considered worthwhile and significant. It’s a much anticipated expedition, and it is in line with the traveler’s values and long-term goals.

The person taking this journey has done his or her best to foresee any possible detours and bumps in the road before embarking.