Casting off the lines is a term used when getting a ship underway, and the announcement is “underway, shift colors”. The flag being flown when at rest is exchanged for the underway flag so everyone can see who you are and that you have an intended direction and purpose. In contrast to staying moored to the pier, or anchored at rest, when you cast lines off you are declaring your intention to begin movement. If on a ship, in addition to changing the flag, there is an accompanying blast of the ship’s whistle to let everyone know that you are free from restraint and in motion, subject to the forces of wind, waves and under your own propulsion. This is a great image to hold of getting started, especially as you enter the new year. Make a declaration, change your flag, blast the whistle and get moving!
A ship that doesn’t leave the harbor will never arrive at its new port of call, and the person that doesn’t start out on their path will not reach their true potential. So where do you want to go? A good place to start is to consider what it is that you do well. Is there some way for you to improve what you currently do well, and capitalize on an incremental idea or improvement?
What is an incremental improvement? Or better yet, how can you apply your best skills in a completely new field where they will be better rewarded? This is how many new ideas develop into new products, new businesses, or new services. A skill that is being used at less than maximum value is reassigned to a new idea and, behold, there is a magnificent outcome. Sometimes the new idea is something that nobody ever knew they needed until it became available. Think about the i-Pod for music, and the i-Pad for portable entertainment. Think about what you already know and how you might be able to apply it to a new frontier. You are worth it! Invest in yourself.
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