I write these weekly messages to motivate, inspire and challenge you to focus your energy and actions that will make you the professional you aspire to be. The goal is always to stimulate you to assume responsibility for your progress and your career.

After all, it’s too easy for you to perform the same way as last week, last month and last year. And if you don’t have a specific target or goal this week, you will do so again. I’m not talking about completing your task list. I’m referring to how you do your work. What do you need to do differently that will move you toward career success and fulfillment? Without constant and dedicated effort, you don’t think about it and remain where you are.

Remember the frog in the pot? The story goes that if you place a frog in boiling water, it will immediately jump out. If you place the frog in temperate water and gradually increase the temperature, it will remain and boil to death. While a fanciful tale, it does point to a truth that cannot be denied. The more you remain in a situation, the more likely you are to adjust to it, normalize it, and eventually prefer it. You may be comfortable, but it appears that you’ve topped out, leaving others to wonder.

While making a recent semi-annual visit to one of my clients, this was my overall message to every partner and professional staff. Some were performing awesomely; others not so much. I’m so encouraged when those who are struggling feel frustrated. That means they want to do better. After a conversation with them, they get back on track to be the professionals they aspire to be. Some just need a kick start to re-energize their efforts.

As you read this, you already know one thing you need to do—that one thing that you and others know you must improve. If you commit yourself to focus on that one thing this week and continue it for the weeks to come, you demonstrate to yourself and others that you can hit it out of the park with the best of them. Let me know what you intend to do.

So get crackin’!