I just love this time of year. The Holidays afforded me many opportunities to connect with family, friends and colleagues. I had the time to share stories and reflect on the blessings that surround us all. Winter also brings one of my favorite playgrounds and I took full advantage of the new snow; doing a lot of skiing in December. 

As I rode the lifts to the top of the mountain I had the time to think about the various conversations and the thoughts being shared with me

 It was wonderful to hear how everyone was doing and what activities are being considered for the New Year.  Certainly 2009 brought some challenges and lessons learned to many of us. Many I spoke to reflected on the market conditions presented this past year and voiced their hopes that 2010 would be better. A common theme seemed to be that last year was the year of "hurry up and wait", so many, especially business leaders, seemed to be "sitting out", waiting for conditions to be just right or for someone else to make the first move.

Have you found yourself falling in that trap?

Are you waiting until everything is just right before you start something?

Have "conditions" made you pause?

Let me share a story, an analogy that came to mind.

I have a girlfriend that I love to ski with.  Our time on the slopes is a day of play that gives us time outside and time inside our friendship. Some of the best conversations happen on our ride to the top of the mountain. But when we unload from the lift we are ready to release the thought, stop talking and start doing.  

As we move to the top of the slope, there is that moment of pause. Together with other skiers we are anticipating the fun and yet we are checking out the conditions. How does the snow look? Is it icy? Any Powder left? Is that the perfect bump line I see? Where is my first turn?

Here's the thing; you never really know the conditions until you start your run.  And, if you wait too long you may lose the opportunity to ski freely in the line you see right now. So, don't wait, Jump In!

I love jumping in to the first turn.

My friend tells me that when I jump in all the other skiers see the action and jump in right behind me. She calls this my "Human Avalanche".

What "Avalanche" of action could you start today? 

Is today the Day

You pick up the phone and arrange that lunch to connect with old friends?

You organize an effort to help a good cause?

You sign up for that class you have wanted to take?

You start a networking group to share opportunities?

You make the case in the meeting that Now is the time?

You say it out loud, put it on paper, take the first step, and make it real?

I sometimes think this quote from Howard Thurman is one that should be in the bright lights of Times Square as a perfect New Year's theme to get things going in 2010.

"Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive."

OK, I know the first few turns can be tough, sometimes not pretty. It's OK, we are not meant to be perfect, just active. Maybe you slip or even fall. It happens. Pick yourself up, check your equipment and jump back in.

You have everything you need to get started and the rest of your run is just waiting for you to make that first turn. .  

Not quite ready to go it alone? Find a partner. Call a Friend. Hire a Coach.

Make 2010 a year of action. Be the one out in front, ski your perfect line.

And Remember enjoy your run! And know others may just follow.