I believe there are lessons and teachable moments all around us waiting for our discovery. One such lesson was delivered to me two states away in Ohio where my grandmother Margaret lived. The distance between us was inconvenient, but when our family did visit we made the most of our time together.

Family gatherings for celebrations took place in Grandma's living room. The room was pleasant, formal and untouched . . . untouched for 45 years. I know this is true because I found a picture of me as a small child and the entire room looked exactly as it did the day I was looking at the picture as an adult.

The same Asian artwork, the same gold threaded couch and the same lamps sitting on the end tables with matching lampshades. Ah, the lampshades.

Grandma and I had a running joke about her lampshades for many years. It wasn't that her lampshades were any different from your lampshades or mine, however what was different was that for 45 years she never removed the plastic covering that protected the lampshades. During each visit, with laughter, I would take scissors from her drawer and threaten to cut the plastic off of the lampshades.

The plastic covering that for 45 years had been protecting the lampshades, had also hindered the full capacity of light, and in my opinion had affected the aesthetics of the living room.

Unfortunately, visits to Grandma's house have ceased. The passing of my dear grandmother was marked with sadness. During the celebration of her life, I couldn't help but to look at those lampshades and wonder, what was she waiting for? She had passed on, but the lamps, mere objects purchased to provide light for family enjoyment were still there . . . protected.

At the end of that day, I finally did cut off the plastic on one of the lampshades. And out of respect for grandma . . . I left the other one alone.

As we begin 2007, the pressure mounts to set new year's resolutions. As you think about goal setting and planning, ask yourself this question.. What am I waiting for?

Is this the year you begin to invest in your future? Will you set aside time to make an investment in your self development, or your team's development? Most of us go through our lives imprisoned by routine, possibly raising a family, or assisting others with their lives. If we want to make the most out of serving others, we need to make sure we are prepared for the challenge. It's similar to the airline's safety instructions to place your oxygen mask on first, before assisting others.

So, what are YOU waiting for?

Julie Stillman is a Training Consultant at Tero International, Inc. She helps clients build their skills and knowledge in communication, personal effectiveness and leadership through facilitation of Tero workshops and Executive Coaching.