Nations do that, too, on a larger scale; Israelis attack Palestinians in retaliation for a Palestinian attack which was revenge for an Israeli attack, which was payback for a Palestinian reprisal, which was...You see where this is going.

We read about similar escalations frequently; perhaps you’ve been a party to an extended personal battle with someone. If so, who won? Not who was last person standing, but who benefited and who lost as a result of payback cycle?

No one won, if definition of to win is to feel joy, peace, calm, or any loving emotion. The best we can feel while participating in a continuing cycle of payback is a brief touch of self-satisfaction-nothing like joy. To feel any of strongly positive emotions requires forgiveness.

What does it mean to forgive? We usually think of forgiveness as a generous act which pardons another person for wrongdoing. In this context, forgiveness is directed toward another, as in "I forgive you for saying hurtful things to me yesterday." The forgiver then feels magnanimous having granted a pardon to sinner. Often we forgive only after sinner has contritely apologized; sometimes we forgive expecting apology.

Boom!

The Internet comes along, knowledge increases 10,000 percent over night, and society chases knowledge in greater numbers. More people are getting PhD’s and double master degrees than ever before. Stress-related diseases increased 100% last year alone.

What's wrong with this picture?

The subjective is now objective. You don't need any stats for this. Use your instincts. You "know" this already just with your own life. It's time for this cultural trance to awaken from a belief that has now proved itself incorrect.

So, then, what really needs to change?

Well, it didn't ever really change. The ladder was leaning against wrong wall, that’s all. We can't point fingers; we are just now seeing mantra. The motivational trainers like Tony Robbins sing this daily. What’s different is that we no longer can deny truth of it. My grandma told me long ago, "The proofs in pudding."

Do you relate to this? Even in a small way? Great! The good news -- it only takes 30 seconds to shift your perspective. That’s several 30-second times throughout day until its totally gone. It will not take long though. The real key that I'm getting into now will override ole mantra much faster.

The real key to success is action. Think about it. We already have tons of information swirling in our heads that we haven't used. So, when were you going to use it? Someday maybe. When you are sitting in rocking chair in retirement community? Now, don't get me wrong, it isn't too late to start it then either. But gosh darn it, who would want to wait until them. Not I. And I don't think you either. There’s more energy available younger you are.

Stop chasing more knowledge. Start taking action with what’s already available. When you use up what’s available, then reach out.

"Action leads to success." Adopt this new mantra. Set books aside. Pick up your brain instead. Start with a short and quick action plan with a clearly defined goal. Not a "long drawn out take a month to do" plan. Keep it simple. Keep it short. Don't overwhelm your mind with anything else. Then you are returning to ole mantra. Don't wait until kid’s soccer game this weekend.

Stop what you're doing. It will only take three minutes. Go ahead; grab post it notes. Aren't they beneath paper stack to your left? I play post-it note roulette on my office wall all time. It’s quick, easy, fast, and I can spend more time taking action. In my case, writing more.