Inspired by a former manager, an over 15 year mentor, and a prominent technology leader here in the San Francisco Bay Area, this statement is perhaps one that lingers most with me as it has with hundreds of others I have had the privilege to coach.  Often one cannot find the words to structure thought when thoughts are currently battling for our attention.  What do we do? Do we take the path of greatest risk and resistance in pursuit of our passions in a profession that may or may not yield profitability? Or do we stay put, head down, sacrificing so much of what we desire for stability and certainty.

Do stability and certainty promote sanity for you or do they not?

Marcus Aurelius once said, "You may leave this life at any moment. Let that then determine your thoughts and actions..."

Alas, we discuss a topic that will constantly be in the background before it surfaces to the foreground from the recesses of our mind.

Understand: Often what we want most may not be what is best for us and yet, what should prevent us from pursuing what we love even if the destination is unknown?

Realize: Allure of the unknown and the desire to pursue our professional passions can elevate our happiness just as much as it can torment our souls. Therefore you must act decisively.  What will it be? How will it be? Where should you be? Who is it you want to be!?