Many people struggle as they repeatedly make the same mistakes, whether it's lack of organization, lack of vision, unrealistic expectations, or fear of failure. The reason is usually that they have not identified the barriers to their success in order to overcome them. In simple terms, it's identification, clarification, change and elimination.



This is just as true for major corporations as it is for individuals. A number of years ago, I received a phone call from a very close friend who held a prominent position in a Fortune 200 company. Since the conversation was confusing at best, I suggested that we meet for dinner. During drinks, he explained that company decided to lay off workers due to a $155 million dollar European factory loss related to the economy, poor planning and currency issues. This situation was combined with a major mistake involving one of the department stores, a $250,000. opening order, and the fact that the senior store management had been insulted.

According to my friend, he had provided numerous innovative plans to make the European factory profitable, but his recommendations fell on deaf ears. He also tried to solve the department store issue and open discussions between his senior management and the senior management at the store. He said, "No one listens. They believe that the European factory problems can't be fixed and they refuse to meet with the department store management because they feel that selling to that class of trade is out of the question."

Management's final comment was, "We've done things this way for the last 25 years. We're the fashion leaders in this industry, so there is nothing to discuss."

The company also ignored requests to restructure their sales force training program even with a 40 percent turnover rate. They continued to lose the best and the brightest of their sales force and continued to ignore complaints from store buyers. This behavior pattern is based on a Corporate Comfort Level of Familiarity. If the real business issues are never addressed in detail, things stay the same. As a result, nothing has to change, or so they think.

My friend's company had never laid off workers. Now, he was out of a job, angry, frightened and convinced that he would never find another position. Although my friend had been looking for a new position, the problem was, it was not supposed to happen this way.

During the months after the lay off, I would remind him of his talents. Fortunately, his wife was understanding and supportive. We worked together to develop a concrete plan so that he could address his goals, fears and aspirations. In the end, my friend was hired by a dynamic company. And, nine months later, my friend's former company was eventually taken over by their major competition. The only thing that remains is the brand.

With hard work and determination, I've built many successful business ventures in my life. I've also helped numerous people change their lives and realize their personal goals. My upcoming book and empowerment program "Your Turn to Win," covers my philosophy about life. It also offers insights about goal achievement and redesigning your life.

Whether you're planning to change professions, retire, create a nonprofit foundation, or start your own business, my program can help you explore your passions. It will not only help you examine your passions, it will help you discover what you are capable of physically and mentally.

"Your Turn to Win" will teach you how to break out of that comfort level of familiarity and discover the power of vision, commitment, and determination. My goal is to open your eyes to a new way of thinking; one that will inspire you to fulfill your deepest desires and share with the world your unique gifts.

People can accomplish anything in life they desire. I am living proof ? this is the way I have lived and continue to live my life on a daily basis. And, there is no reason that others cannot do what the son of a steel worker and secretary could do. I don't buy that somehow I'm different than others. They can do it too!

I have been passionate about many things in my life, and I believe that it is never too late to start a new project, profession, or direction. My mission is to share my unique and effective methods for life change and empower others to realize their full potential and create a more fulfilling life.

In a recent, and highly successful, private seminar, Heft addressed corporate family members of the landmark Water Works Restaurant and Lounge in Philadelphia, PA.

Michael A. Karloutsos, proprietor of The Water Works Restaurant and Lounge states, "Lance is an inspirational figure who has excelled in business and has set the gold standard for success. We are thrilled to have Lance share his secrets to fulfillment with us and we are looking forward to seeing the positive impact his philosophy will make on us in and out of the business."

Visit Lance Heft on the web: www.lanceheft.com

Copyright ? 2007 Lance Heft. All rights reserved.