The Key to Success May Be to Find the Right Resources

I have long been a believer in the importance of having the right resources. That's why I named my business the Inner Resource Center. I have long believed that you can accomplish anything if you have the right tools. In fact, with the right resources, you can transform your life. And you can do it easily and nearly effortlessly.

Each of us needs to find the resources that are right for us and right for the task at hand. Sometimes we need information; sometimes we need guidance from a specialist. Sometimes we need only to tap into the resources inside of us.

The first step is examining your challenge to figure out what you need. As you look at your problem or challenge, you usually have some idea about the outcome you would like to achieve. The clearer you are about what you want, the easier it will be to find the right resources to achieve it.

In making your decision about what resources you need, you may have parameters about how much time, energy and money you are willing to invest in that outcome. I find the investment you are willing to make usually depends upon how valuable the outcome is for you. The more valuable the outcome, the more time, energy and money you need to be willing to invest.

Once you have figured out what resources you need, begin to look for them. As you look, be clear about what resources you are seeking. There are plenty of helpful people and useful tools out there, but you have to find what will work best for you. That will be in large part determined by the outcome you are seeking and how important that outcome is to you.

Check out the credentials and reputations of the people you intend to hire. The time you spend doing that will prove well worth it. Whether you are having a new roof put on, finding a psychotherapist for your daughter, or hiring a business coach to help you in your career, talk to the person you are considering hiring to make sure they are a good fit for you. Do they have the expertise you want? Do they understand you? What process will they use to help you accomplish your goals? Also, are you willing to invest the time, energy and money necessary?

Sometimes you will find those needed resources nearby; other times you may have to travel further, or undergo some inconvenience to find the right resource. For example, when my husband was recently burned in an accident, getting mobility back in his hand and arm was so important that we were willing to do anything and go anywhere. Traveling to a Burn Center 3 1/2 hours away was only an inconvenience; we were willing to do whatever it was going to take.

I think that if you are looking for resources for yourself, your family or your business, you need to do whatever is necessary to find the ones that are just right for you. The outcome is too important just to settle for what is easily available, even if it is more convenient. Make sure that the resources are right for you. Do your homework. Examine your commitment. Find the resources YOU need to make things work for you.

(c) 2009 Linda S. Pucci, Ph.D.