The world has been buzzing for the past few days about the death of Osama bin Laden. Here in the good old USA it has been cause for patriotic celebrating. At NBA play-off games, for example, the singing of the National Anthem has been a more celebrated event than usual. It is too bad someone has to be killed to cause a celebration.

Dont get me wrong. I totally appreciate how Osama bin Ladens death could be seen as something that deserved to happen. Especially by those close to anyone connected to the events of 9/11 or those who died in the various war zones since then.

My concern is that we arent addressing the issues that still remain. Issues that created an environment for bin Laden to thrive in the first place. Have we created a martyr? How does violence end violence?

We continue to live in a problem-solution cycle. Kill off the leader”Hes no longer a problem”New leader”He becomes the next problem. And, maybe, he just might be worse.

I dont pretend to have a pat answer to this dilemma. I think the question we need to ask is, œWhat is the possibility for causing the disappearance of the issues that led to Osama bin Ladens rise to power?

If the issues arent addressed, someone else will take his place. Someone else will be seen as the solution to the frustrations of the new leaders followers.

I have been on the planet long enough to know that war has never really resolved anything and there are no winners. If you have lost a father, mother, son or daughter you know this. The fact is that their death caused little to no change, only great sadness.

All of this is a global conversation, of course. What about in your own backyard? What is it you are fighting about in your life? What is it that is in the way of having a life you love?

What is the relationship that isnt up to par? What is it you say you want yet have not taken any action to get it? Is there something you want that you dont have? Is there something that you wanted that you have given up on?

If you have said yes to any of these questions be clear that the only thing in the way is you. It isnt the œOsama at work. It isnt the economy. It isnt President Obama.

The simple response is that if there is something you want that you dont have you need only do one thing”BEGIN. Take the first step, even if it is a baby step.
Before you take that step, make sure you are absolutely clear about what you want or where you are going. Then begin. When you take an action it moves things around so that it could reveal your next step. The first step was in the way until you took it.

Speaking of first steps, Todd Team Coaching is offering a Coaching Excellence Camp August 11th & 12th in Santa Cruz, CA for athletic coaches and Team Leaders of all kinds. Do not miss this breakthrough opportunity to be coached by the Coachs Coach, that would be me.

For more info, email me at rolland.todd@gmail.com Also, check out my latest book, œThe Art of Losing on lulu.com