Deep within each of us lies a great wealth of creative potential, and I believe tapping into this potential is the best way to solve the challenges that we encounter in our lives. Let me share a story that illustrates my point.

A lady takes her pet chihuahua with her on a safari holiday. Wandering too far one day, the chihuahua gets lost in the bush and soon encounters a very hungry looking leopard. The chihuahua realizes hes in trouble, but, noticing some fresh bones on the ground, he settles down to chew on them, with his back to the big cat. As the leopard is about to leap, the chihuahua smacks his lips and exclaims loudly, Boy, that was one delicious leopard. I wonder if there are any more around here! The leopard stops mid-stride, and slinks away into the trees.

Phew, says the leopard, that was close - that evil little dog nearly had me.

A monkey nearby sees everything and thinks hell win a favor by putting the stupid leopard straight. The chihuahua sees the monkey go after the leopard, and guesses he might be up to no good. When the leopard hears the monkeys story he feels angry at being made a fool, and offers the monkey a ride back to see him exact his revenge.

The little dog sees them approaching and fears the worst. Thinking quickly, the little dog turns his back, pretends not to notice them, and when the pair are within earshot says aloud, Now wheres that monkey got to? I sent him ages ago to bring me another leopard....

What a wonderful story to illustrate how with just a little extra thought and some creative thinking we can keep the monkey off our back and the leopards at bay! I challenge you to think differently about the issues you are facing in your life this year. Gather all the facts, be constructively discontent with those facts and do some brainstorming and green-light thinking. Then, simply write out an action plan to live a richer, fuller and happier life. Take action on the plan!

2005 Professional Development Systems All Rights Reserved

Robert Prentice

Robert A. (Bob) Prentice is an entrepreneur, a motivational speaker, a corporate trainer, a business and marketing consultant, an author, and publisher, who began his career 25 years ago.On December 26, 1989, Professional Development Systems was established in Rapid City, South Dakota.

In 1998, Bob moved the business to Wessington, South Dakota, so his family could experience the benefits of living in a rural community. Since the birth of PDS, Bob has worked with literally hundreds of companies and organizations within a 15 state region, delivering highly motivational training sessions in Customer Service, Leadership, Sales, Total Quality Management, Team Building and more. Literally, thousands of people participate in Bob's training seminars each year.

A family man, Bob and Vicki, his wife of 28 years, have enjoyed the privilege of raising three children?two sons and a daughter?to adulthood. They also have an 11 year old daughter. Bob says he plays much more than he works, and when he works he goes to fun! Bob's friends call him Mr. Attitude.