October is National Information Literacy Awareness Month. As manager of research and development, MotivAct’s Barbara Combes Ingrassia calls information literacy a must-have workforce development skill. “To cite a very current example,” she says, “before a person can actually access health insurance, they must be able to understand and interpret various plans offered in order to make a wise decision. That process requires information literacy skills. Our workforce must rely on those skills as well, as it embodies accountability, ethical behavior, and transparency.”

As a Certified Copyright Manager, Ingrassia coaches academic and business organizations through the “grey, murky ooze” that is copyright in the Digital Age. She views copyright literacy and management as an essential risk management skill for any professional organization.

What do you want to do RIGHT NOW…so that you will not regret NOT doing it 20 years from now? This is a crucial question to ask yourself on a regular basis. So often, we put off doing those things we really want to do because we are “too busy.” Or we pass up on that opportunity that is right there in front of us–because we are afraid of venturing into the unknown. Then, we look back in regret at “what might have been.”

So, identify what you are most passionate about. What excites you so much that you can’t wait to jump out of bed in the morning to start your day? Take time every day–even if it is only 15 minutes–to reflect on what it is you REALLY want to accomplish in this life.

And then, learn from the turtle. The turtle only makes progress when it sticks its neck out. Don’t let anyone ever say that you didn’t try. If something speaks to your heart, don’t hold back…JUMP!

Do it NOW…so that you do not regret it later.

Are you prepared to turn life’s obstacles into opportunities–and make them your own? Will this be the year when everything falls into place…just the way you envision it?

If you are like many of us, you spend countless hours encouraging others to develop their skills in order to clarify, set and achieve their goals. But what about YOU? How often do you take the time to focus on YOUR dreams, goals, hopes and aspirations? The best way to make certain that you are satisfied and productive in your life is to check in with yourself once in a while to identify what you are most passionate about.

Take time every day to do something that is soul satisfying to you. Take time to meditate on a regular basis. Take time to be silent. The more you ask your subconscious mind to focus on what you want in life, the clearer your goals will be come–and the easier it will be to develop your own, personal blueprint for success. We have been taught as a society that it is selfish to think about ourselves first. But, think about being on a plane, getting ready for takeoff. What does the flight attendant say during the safety drill? Put the oxygen mask on yourself FIRST--then help the person next to you. If you don’t have that flow of life-sustaining oxygen going into you, you cannot help anyone else. Take care of yourself first–and you will be in a better position to be of help to those around you.