This is a picture of my 7 year old two days ago in Utah, displaying a serious victory pose after completing her first black diamond run (without falling I might add). About 15 minutes later, we were on the lift headed back up, and she gave me the kind of strategic thinking, planning, and raw determination only a young mind can deliver… She said, “Dad, I’ve given it some thought, and now I think I will win an Olympic medal before becoming the first female President.” She paused briefly, then added, “Although, I might want to be a famous artist too!”

A proud dad, sure, but the message here is crystal clear… Think like a kid. Don’t let the rules, hurdles, and the “naysayers” keep your dreams in your head. Just go out there and do it.

I personally have made a career out of doing the things people have told me I couldn’t (or shouldn’t) do. But as much as I pride myself in being able to push through the fog, I also reflected in those brief moments of conversation with my daughter that I really need to go back to raw enthusiasm and quit thinking so much about what won’t work. Focus on doing it anyway.

I learned a great lesson on those slopes of Utah… Expect to see my mind freeing.

Now, let’s go change the world

PS. I’ll let you know how things turn out with my daughter… She’s got my vote!