Where do you put the fear when you choose to innovate? The fear is there, but you have to find a place to put it.

Gifts are not favors. If you expect something in return, it's not a gift.

The good news is that more than ever, value accrues to those that show up, those that make a difference, those that do work that matters.

Most people with a big idea, great talent and/or something to say don't get lucky at first. Or second. Or even third. It's so easy to conclude that if you're not lucky, you're not good. So persistence becomes an essential element of good, because without persistence, you never get a chance to get lucky.

Everyone has a comfort zone. Worth considering: How hard (and how often) are you willing to work to get out of it? You can turn that into a habit if you choose.

Good advice is priceless. Not what you want to hear, but what you need to hear. Not imaginary, but practical. Not based on fear, but on possibility. Not designed to make you feel better, designed to make you better. Seek it out and embrace the true friends that care enough to risk sharing it. I'm not sure what takes more guts-giving it or getting it.

That's your opportunity - to approach your work in a way that generates unique learning and interactions that are worth sharing.