Spring rituals and self-renewal.(COMMENTARY)(management of professional development)

Spring. For each of us this word brings many thoughts to mind. Spring forward, means changing your clocks. Each spring and fall I remind myself I have too many toys as I change the clock on multiple TVs, VCRs, DVD players, cars, appliances, various watches, not to mention the numerous clocks at home and the office. Next is the spring cleaning ritual when we open windows to Let the closed-in winter air out and new, fresh air in. Spring also means the renewal of the gardening cycle. We rush outdoors to remove the last remnants of winter, trimming away dead growth from last year's plants and shrubs, raking the debris accumulated during winter storms. We bring in new mulch for the flower beds, turning the soil in anticipation of the day we can plant this year's selection of annuals to brighten our landscape.

I want to suggest a new rite of spring: SELF-RENEWAL. Many of us, inspired by the warmer days and fresh air, find our way outdoors to the walk/bike trails. We reenergize our bodies through exercise, and hopefully renew our physical selves and our spirit to meet the challenges of everyday life. Larry Winget, a self-described "philosopher of success", who will speak at the General Session at this year's Credit Congress, adheres to the philosophy that we should "Live By Design, Not by Default". Mr. Winget advocates having a plan for life--not just a plan to get through today. He's right. Just as you plan your flower garden to get the best results, you need to know what you want out of life before you can start realizing your goals.

While I do not have the skill-set to help you improve or enrich your personal life, I can set you on the right path for professional enrichment very simply--NACM. There is a wealth of opportunity available through your Affiliate and your National Association to help you, whether you have already developed your plan or have just started the process.

In the March issue of Business Credit, I encouraged you to attend the 109th Credit Congress to be held this year, June 12-15, in New Orleans. This venue is an excellent starting point for your professional growth and development strategy. Larry Winget gets things started at the General Session on Monday morning, June 13th. He promises to shake us up and share universal principles that will work for anyone, in any business, and he does it through humor. Tuesday morning the keynote speaker will be Randy Pennington, a recognized expert in leadership, change management and values-based performance. Randy has been a frequent guest on radio talk shows and has contributed to numerous ...