How far do you want to go?

If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. African proverb

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From a professional perspective, many of us don't really jump into the New Year until next week.

This means Monday you'll settle into your routine commute, trade "holiday stories" with your colleagues, then jump into the year fresh and full of energy.

If you're like me, you may be tempted to seize on a good idea and run with it.  Maybe you don't want to be slowed down by the pesky chore of getting a consensus.

COME on! Let's G-O!!!!

But then an equally pesky question comes to mind.

Do you want to go fast or do you want to go far?

Fast is tempting because it meets our need for speedy gratification. Fast is appealing because it's fun.

Intellectually we all understand that life's a marathon and not a sprint, but it's challenging to live like the cliché is real.

But going further is better.

Careers aren't made overnight. Challenges don't go away when you're working on them by yourself.

We are designed to work, live, and thrive in community; to be part of a team.

So as you set your goals and think through what you want to do this year (Remember the six buckets!), think about who you will work WITH.  Think about how your team is going to function best.

Plan for FAR, not fast.

Be the tortoise, not the hare.