Joanne and I just returned from several days in Chicago – our annual pre-Christmas jaunt to relax, enjoy the lights, and celebrate Joanne’s birthday. We ate at our favorite restaurants, strolled through the decorated stores, browsed in art galleries, enjoyed a dinner cruise on Lake Michigan, were guests at a wonderful storytelling event, and talked with friendly people everywhere. Having done this for many years now, we are quite familiar with the Magnificent Mile, the Water Tower and other notable landmarks.
We’ve always been impressed with the parks, walkways, and beautiful architecture along the waterfront in Chicago. The primary designer behind the
layout that preserved the lakefront was Daniel H. Burnham. 
Burnham is noted for one famous quotation which is still seen at multiple places around Chicago, including at the base of the Willis (Sears) Tower:
“Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men’s blood and probably themselves will not be realized. Make big plans; aim high in hope and work, remembering that a noble, logical diagram once recorded will not die.” Daniel H. Burnham
Now there’s a challenge – make no little plans! As we start a New Year make sure that the plans you are making are big enough to excite and motivate you. Risk more, stretch more, and make more mistakes. Remember, the cautious never reach new shores or climb big mountains. If there were not the possibility of failure, the thrill of victory would be missing. If you want to travel more, double or triple your income, invent the next Frisbee or launch the next Starbucks, you must set big goals. Greatness and a unique calling are not reserved for pastors, celebrities and artists. All of us have in our heart the image of the person we can be and the life we can live.
I’m planning to complete two major book projects in 2015 and eight additional 48Days products. In 2014 I had as goals to complete the 10th Year Anniversary Edition of 48 Days to the Work You Love, start a high-level Mastermind and get an original Scott Stearman eagle sculpture created and installed here at the Sanctuary. And I’m thrilled that those did in fact happen. I might also add that I always set my goals so I have about a 50-50 chance of hitting them. I did not hit my income goals for 2014. I still need to lose a few pounds to get down to my college weight. But I like to “dream big” and then enjoy the process of incremental success. So if I “only” produce 1 new book and 4 additional products this next year, that will still be light years ahead of the average guy on the street who’s dreaming of writing a book someday.
What are your “big plans” for 2015?
