It's an indelible image – 2008 drummers performing as one to open the Beijing Olympics.

Moments like that do not happen by chance.  They are the result of a vision executed with excellence. And that execution is born of direction, training, and disciplined practice.  Whomever was in charge of that opening ceremony knew what they wanted and what they were willing to give up to get it.

Do you?

Do you have a clear picture of success?  Are you prepared to make the sacrifices necessary to make it happen?

Hungry enough?

A young man from China is doing a six month temporary assignment with his firm in the USA.  A couple of months into his time I asked him what surprised him about the USA.  Without missing a beat, he replied "How little people work." 

People in his office in Boston generally work 9-5, five days per week.  People in his office in Shanghai generally work 9am-11pm, six days per week.  That's more than twice as much time! 

Are we still prepared to make the sacrifices required to get what we want in the future or do we think our past efforts are enough to entitle us to future rewards?