This morning I was reading an article in the Harvard Business Review (July/August 2008), entitled, "Reaching Your Potential." In it, the author states that asking yourself the question, 'Am I reaching my potential?’ is not the same as asking, 'How do I rise to the top?'

How often, though, do we confuse these two things? Our potential is unique to us given our talents, strengths, passions, and values. The real question is how do we get to put those things in play as often as possible?

Of course, this depends on a few things, most notably, knowing yourself and what these things are for you. There are a number of great approaches. One thing that really worked for me was to pay attention to when I felt energized. Really energized. Remember as a kid when you’d roll out of bed on a summer morning ready to burst into your day? Why can't we have some of that as adults?

As a kid, those things would have been riding bikes, going swimming, climbing trees, playing baseball, ice skating, playing on the swing set and digging in the sandbox. Why couldn't I find a way to find the equivalent of my adult version of the sandbox? Those things I love to do that feed me and give me life. Those things which feel like play, not work.

Over the last year, I have systematically been finding ways to fill out that sandbox. I work hard, but it doesn’t feel like it. All I see is the difference that I make.

I remember when George Brett became the first baseball player to make a million dollar salary. He said something to the effect of "I can't believe that they are willing to pay me so much money to do something that I would do for free." I have remembered that over the years. Of course, he was very, very good at baseball and he worked hard at it. But, in the end, it was something that he loved.

What is that thing which would make you bound out of bed with the enthusiasm of an eight-year old? How can you begin to incorporate that into your life?

To Your Success,

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