If someone you know is in this unresourceful state of panic, then, just as in the movies, you need to give them a slap to break their state so they can be more resourceful. This is usually, by the way, a metaphorical slap not a physical one. This could be through words, actions or showing them something. Number two; try to take note of all of the constraints and assumptions you have the words of problem. Sometimes it is these assumptions that obstruct our view of possible solutions. You have to identify which assumptions are valid, in which assumptions need to be addressed. Number three; try to solve the problem by parts. If your goals require you to have a certain kind of degree or require a certain specialization or demand a certain skill to be developed, make plans in getting the appropriate education. Your family should never be left out of your plans. If you are just starting out then you have to decide if you want to be a parent or when you want to be a parent. Q Quitters never win. And winners never quit. So, choose your fate are you going to be a quitter? Or a winner? R Ready yourself. Motivation is also about preparation. We must hear the little voice within us telling us to get started before others will get on their feet and try to push us around. Remember, it wasn t raining when Noah build the ark. I do not mean to imply that giving and receiving a smile is the solution to the world s problems, but it is a very good place to start. We all need to feel that sense of belonging. We are after all members of the same human family. We should feel moved to embrace each other in our hearts and minds. So go ahead and smile. We all knew he was going to die, yet strangely, there was no sadness in his eyes and none of us felt uncomfortable about being around him or even talking about the inevitable. There was this strange peace, calm about him. No rush, no bitterness, do dramas. When I asked him how he felt about life and dying, this was what he said: "When I was a child we had two dogs in the yard, in those days you didn't think twice about tying them up, not like today.