"Each destination you reach only opens out into wider horizons, new and undiscovered countries for you to explore."

- Barbara Sher

Now that I'm the parent of two beautiful daughters, it's never been more apparent to me that each step one takes, or each destination in which one arrives, is only the beginning of what's to come. When my wife was pregnant with our first daughter, I knew of the typical milestones that we had to look forward to - sitting up on her own, crawling, walking, talking, etc. I would anxiously await each occurrence, then when it happened I would immediately anticipate when the next big thing would happen. I never really considered how much each milestone set the stage for the next great thing that was now possible. Now with my second daughter (and feeling like I've got this baby thing all figured out), I'm able to see more through my baby's eyes and recognize that each accomplishment she achieves leads to new and more exciting accomplishments to come!

Being a small business owner in a very dynamic industry that is technology, it's easy to get lost in your journey to the top. The ultimate destination being "the top," was determined early on, if you can even consider having a destination when you know the possibilities are limitless. Although we continue on our path to the top (wherever that may lead us), it's important to identify shorter term destinations along the way. It's when we reach each individual destination that we can continue on our travels to the top. Take note that I use term "destination," which is not to be always interpreted as an achievement. Sure, much of what we strive for is continued success along the way, but sometimes the destination is a slight move backward in order to regroup and get back on the path of success.

Many peoples' journeys to their ultimate destination have been derailed by extreme circumstances, such as an unstable economy or a sudden illness. It's important to remember, however, that there are many destinations along the way, each of which opens out into wider horizons. Understand that your journey has changed course and that new destinations will need to be established in order to get back on the path that leads you where you want to go. Help keep perspective by considering the phases of a newborn to a toddler. Very few can say that they could run before they could walk, or that they could walk before they could crawl.

Remember that each destination you reach is simply the beginning of your next journey. Determine your next destination and get going!

Jeff R. Helvin is Blogging for Balance - a balance of both personal and professional aspects, to ultimately achieve more in life overall.