Thank YOU for teaching us what you’ve learned this year. You’ve been quite an inspiration. I’m very much looking forward to what next year has in store for us all.

Edison is a great example of failure and success. True, the fear of failure can be so paralyzing at times, but they are indeed stepping stones to doing something the right way.

Hmmm, anyone know where I can get me a monkey or two to help out with my stuff in the coming year?

@ Chris – You got it buddy. We’re all pathetic. The truth is I have monkeys running my coaching forum, writing content to my blog and getting my sites ranked. The trick is in finding the right monkeys, while still holding down a day job lol It sounds like you have everything figured out and you’re on to great success… Happy Holidays

Actually, I studied a little rocket science in college. As long as your rocket does not travel near the speed of light, rocket science is not that big of a deal. Rocket engineering, on the other hand, it a really tough problem – mainly because you need crazy levels of reliability.

That’s basically what killed Challenger. The probability that any given thing would fail was very small. But, when you multiply all of those tiny probabilities together, your chance of failing is (was) pretty good.

(Oops — sorry. Engineering geek mode kicked in there for a second).

Chris is right about one thing — I do have lots of dreams. You can call them ideas or goals if you want (I actually prefer “goals”).

Have a great day,
Mark

I see that you are full of holiday cheer. Hope you are having a great holiday season.

Since I am the only person on this comment thread with a day job that I know of, I guess your comments are directed at me. (I am not actually sure about Janet Jones — maybe she has a day job).

Anyway, I am curious about your criteria for an “IM Loser”. I am not “hiding behind” my day job (although some times I am consumed by the coolness of it). Basically, I get to manage some interesting aspects of semiconductor manufacturing technology around the world for a great company. I am very open about the fact that IM is a hobby for me — a fact that I make no apologies for.

So, what kinds of “definitive proven verifiable results” are you looking for?

You say right on your blog:

“I don’t want you to dream about anything. Start with an idea. Finish with work.”
Chris Desouza

In my article, I say:

Take action and don’t be afraid to fail. The only path to success is through action. With action comes risk. So, take some risk in 2009 — you’ll like the results.

Sounds pretty similar to me.

Thanks for stopping by,
Mark

Put it this way, he is not a rocket scientist but his job is quite possibly on par!! Come back when you have something constructive to say!!

Keep scratching each others backs and keep dreaming. None of you guys will make it big. No animosity. I just know.

As for you, my favorite misplaced Brit (Forest) — thanks as well. I am really looking forward to you cranking up the RandomForest.

It’s been a pleasure seiing you grow this year and I love your blog. I always tell anyone who asks about IM to come here and believe you are fast becoming someone to turn to for solid hinest advice…. I can’t wait for Mason in 09.

I’m going through a transformation and also hope that 09 will be a great year for the neglected Random Forest.

I know that you would never intentionally steer your potential customers in the wrong direction.

Best wishes and happy holidays!

PS: Keep up the good work!

Regards,
Mark