Foreword, ix, 
Introduction, xi, 
1 Let Go of the Peanuts, 1, 
2 Wildebeest and Endurance, 4, 
3 The Salesman and the Shoes, 6, 
4 Don't Be Perfect-Be Yourself Perfectly, 8, 
5 Be Responsible, 11, 
6 What's in Your Suitcase?, 14, 
7 Fill Up Your Tank, 16, 
8 Embrace the Wobble, 19, 
9 Jump, 21, 
10 Let It Happen, 23, 
11 The Law of the Garbage Truck, 25, 
12 Struggle a Little, 28, 
13 Break the Leash, 30, 
14 Puzzle Pieces, 32, 
15 Cracks of Gold, 34, 
16 Limitless, 36, 
17 168 Hours, 38, 
18 Ask the Horse, 41, 
19 Light the Logs, 43, 
20 Where Are You Flying To?, 45, 
21 Look in the Dark, 47, 
22 Sweet and Sour, 49, 
23 Crack the Shell, 51, 
24 Commitment Is a Choice, 53, 
25 Fall, 56, 
26 Spider, Spider, 58, 
27 Set Sail, 61, 
28 Off to See the Wizard, 64, 
29 Emergency Brake, 66, 
30 Bamboo Tree, 68, 
31 L Is for Lion, 70, 
32 It Is Possible, 72, 
33 Feed the Right Wolf., 74, 
34 A Lesson from Our Smartphones, 76, 
35 Five Foot Seven, 78, 
36 Open Window, 81, 
37 You Have Enough, 83, 
38 Be Proud, 85, 
39 Welcome to the Dark Side, 87, 
40 The Black Dot, 89, 
41 Welcome Home, 92, 
42 The Bumble Bee, 95, 
43 A Storm Is Coming, 97, 
44 What If?, 99, 
45 Change the Lens, 101, 
46 Move the Boulder, 103, 
47 All of Me, 105, 
48 Let Me Tell You Your Future, 107, 
49 Plant the Tree, 109, 
50 The Orange, 111, 
51 Standing Still, 114, 
52 Grow, 116, 
Closing Thoughts of Clara-ty, 119,

CHAPTER 1

LET GO OF THE PEANUTS

Years ago, a group of scientists observed monkeys in their natural environment. In the study, large glass jars were left out. Each jar had a small opening and was filled with peanuts. The opening was large enough for the monkey to put its hand in but too narrow for it to pull its hand out if it was holding a handful of peanuts. Monkeys love peanuts.

Time after time, the monkeys would come to the jars and reach in for peanuts, and each time, their fists would be too big for them to remove them from the jars. They had a choice to make: drop the peanuts and move on, or stay with their hands stuck in the jars. Time after time, the monkeys would not relinquish the peanuts. Hours would pass, and they would be stuck with their hands in the jars, holding on to the peanuts.

This story reminds me of how we often operate our businesses. We take on clients who have unrealistic goals, are not ready to move forward, are disrespectful, or just plain don't fit into our business model. Instead of dropping them and moving on, we hold on to them like the monkeys to the peanuts. We hold on so tight that we are paralyzed and can't move forward. Why? I think we're afraid that if we let the peanuts (our clients) go, there may not be any more peanuts.

But guess what? There are. The world is full of peanuts. They may be in another jar, in the next village over, or even right under our noses. We just have to know that we have the choice — and the courage — to let go and move on.

So the next time you have a client who is keeping you from moving forward with your business, think about the monkeys. Don't be like the monkeys. Let go of the peanuts.

Journal exercise date: ____/_____/____

Quote: Be strong enough to let go and patient enough to wait for what you deserve

Takeaway from entry: __________________________________________________

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How does this entry relate to my life (personal or business)? _________

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What action steps can I take this week based on this entry? ___________

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What would make this week great? ______________________________________

Notes: ________________________________________________________________

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CHAPTER 2

WILDEBEEST AND ENDURANCE

The plains of Africa are densely populated by wildebeest. More than any other animal, they roam the wild grass for days, searching for water and food. They are not the fastest or the largest animal, yet they are highly successful as a species. Their longevity and success are the result of one key factor: endurance. This animal can last in the heat for long hours and outrun almost any of its predators over long distances.

Endurance keeps our minds going when our bodies want to quit, and it gives us the mental capability and capacity to continue moving forward despite the obstacles, hardships, pain, fatigue, or stress in our paths.

In his book Surviving the Serengeti, Stefan Swanepoel illustrates how endurance in business is a key factor to success. Results don't happen overnight. They appear days, weeks, and sometimes months after the initial work begins. We must endure each day with an unwavering dedication to what we do. During times of challenge, we must still show up each day and offer the same value and dedication to all we meet.

Remember that anything worth having, any challenge worth achieving, and any goal worth reaching requires endurance.

They say the strong shall survive. I believe the ones with the endurance to push through and never give up will survive — and more importantly, thrive.

Journal exercise date: ____/_____/____

Quote: The moment you want to quit is the moment you need to keep pushing.