Consider this

            Over the years, Sears has spent countless time and money creating its “Christmas Wish Book”.   Think about all the planning, picture taking, organizing, printing and delivery effort it takes to put that catalogue out each year (especially back in the pre-computer days).   Why did they do it?               Obviously, Sears knew one thing:   Pictures matter.   A picture may be “worth a thousand words”, but in retail a picture is also “worth a few thousand sales”.   That is why you receive flyers at your door each week.   Retailers know that if they can get you to see their item, then you will likely be more interested in it.             Of course, that strategy worked.   As a kid, I would spend hours looking at the toys in the “Wish Book” and then even more hours bugging my mom to buy them for me.   In particular, I remember a blue and yellow remote control airplane.   I stared at that picture for so long that even 33 years later I think I could recreate that airplan

            I just spent my lunch hour watching a men’s moguls race from the winter Olympics.   Each run lasted approximately 30 seconds and each skier got four attempts at the course.   At best, each of competitors had two minutes fulfill their dreams.             Everyone likes the celebration and the fame that come with success.   In fact, I have heard that one of the best times to own a sports related business, like a gym or a ski hill, is around the time of the Olympics.   Watching others succeed causes us to want to accomplish similar things.   We are inspired by the result.             However, we only get to see the two minutes and (possibly) the celebration that goes with them.   What we do not see are the years of training, sacrifice, injuries and the behind the scenes work that went into those two minutes.   Not surprisingly, I have also heard that most of those who are inspired by the Olympics quit their newfound exercise program within three months.   The training