Once every month or two, take half an hour, sit down with a cup of tea or coffee – maybe a piece of chocolate - and go through your Possibilities. Make it a fun, pleasant activity. Add to them, move them around, combine them, toss them. You don't have to act on anything. Just appreciate your fertile mind and enjoy your ideas.

A couple of things result from this approach. First, you no longer need to worry that your idea for world's most useful kitchen gadget or Great American Novel is going to evaporate. Next, by going over your Possibilities regularly, you develop appreciation and respect for your creativity. It takes away fear of creative block; if you can't think of something, go to your Possibilities file. Even if none of those ideas work, they will likely stimulate something else. Your great ideas will benefit, too, from a period of incubation and occasional re-working. (You will probably discover that some of those great ideas would benefit from a visit to recycle bin. But better to discover that before you start, rather than later.)

So don’t let those great ideas distract you from ones you’re working on, but don’t let them go to waste, either. Use your Possibilities File to keep them available until time is right.

NOTE: You are welcome to use this article online in electronic newsletters and e-zines as long as it remains complete and unaltered (including "about author" info). If use of this article is desired in print, you must first contact Lynn Cutts at Lynn@ManageYourMuse.com.

Copyright 2005 Lynn Cutts

Chocolate-loving Life Coach Lynn Cutts’ mission is to change the world for the better, one person at a time. At www.ManageYourMuse.com, she shares free tips, articles, games and newsletters to help you realize your dreams. Lynn offers one-on-one coaching, group coaching and self-guided programs to help you create your own boundless life. Lynn is certified by the Coaches Training Institute, and is a member of the International Coaches Federation.

But making money wasn’t A.P.’s sole measurement of success. He believed in making other people's dreams come true, too. He helped California Wine Industry get started. He bankrolled Hollywood when they were trying to make movies popular. When Walt Disney ran $2 million dollars over budget on Snow White, he stepped in with a loan.

A.P.'s story exemplifies secret to success -- a strong vision and will to overcome obstacles thrown your way.

OK, I Gave Away The Secret -- Now Here's The Formula

Integrity combined with "giving back" is formula for success. This was A.P.’s success formula. What began in 1904 as Bank of Italy is now Bank of America – world's largest bank. And what about A.P.? Did he die a billionaire?

When he passed away at age 79, A.P.’s estate was worth less than $500,000. This was purely by choice. A.P. looked down on great wealth. He believed it would make him lose touch with people he wanted to serve. He worked without pay for years. One year he was given a surprise $1.5 million bonus and promptly gave it to University of California.

It's a winning formula -- integrity plus "giving back."

There’s One More Thing…

By every standard, Amadeo Peter Giannini was a success. But his true measure of success was making a difference every day of his life.

I hope that will be your measuring stick as well. To achieve success, you’ve got to have a strong vision, and will to overcome obstacles that will come your way permeated with integrity. Add to that giving back to your community and you’ll be successful indeed!