“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and those that seeketh findeth; and to those that knocketh it shall be opened.”

Matthew, 7:7-8

“If I am not for myself, who will be for me? And if I am only for myself, who am I? And if not now, then when?” 

Hillel, Pirkei Avot 1:14

“God helps those who help themselves.”

Algernon Sydney, Discourses Concerning Government, 1698 (NOT the Bible as many assume)

“Your journey’s first step is to set a destination. All subsequent steps are in pursuit of that goal.”

“One of the most effective means of leadership is by example.”

Adam Glasgow, New Year’s Notes, 2024

In the spirit of the above, I state the following: An important goal for me in 2025 is to grow my private coaching practice and c3coaching.org business.  

Yes, I am happily and constructively working at HBS and yes, my Executive Education clients are engaging and my work with them fulfilling.  And of course my time with new grandson Harry represents a joy that I didn’t previously know possible.  But I want more.  Much more.  And the “more” that I want is client engagement.

A point of emphasis at HBS, as well as with my private clients, is to support them to stretch, to put themselves in positions that challenge their personal status quo and that help them gain strength through tempered adversity and growth through experience.  

As I look back on 2024, I realize that I’ve been pretty comfortable.  I do what I do easily, which is not to say I do so without passion or purpose. But I am not as challenged as I could be and I am certainly not working at capacity.  I could be doing more, much more.  

Achieving that starts with me.  Matthew, Hillel, and Algernon promote a very similar philosophy; albeit each in their own unique words. Ultimately their message is one of agency and self-sufficiency, of selfishness with purpose.  The historic equivalent of “putting your own oxygen mask on first.”

As we look to the New Year, I of course wish you health, happiness, and success. And all in abundance.  I also wish you the courage of your convictions and the sense of passion and purpose necessary to chart an ambitious course.  That’s where the quotes come in.  “If you don’t know where you are going, any road will take you there” Lewis Carroll, Alice in the Looking Glass, but that’s rarely our goal. Set your sights clearly and work diligently towards them.  I hope I have offered an example of how to do that.

Expanding upon the above, I share David Harris Wallace’s seminal graduation speech from Kenyon College in 2005.  In certain circles, particularly those I travel, it is often referenced, especially at this time of year.

Yes, it is nearly two decades old and yes, David led a complicated, and at times, messy life.  But I don’t think that diminishes the value of his wisdom.  If you listen, it’s about 20 minutes.  If you read, it’s probably a little quicker.  Regardless of how you engage, I hope you get “absolutely soaking wet” as The Weather Girls once sang.  Dive in, dive in deeply, and let the water wash over you.  Remember, it isn't always warm and it isn’t always clear, and that’s life.

https://fs.blog/david-foster-wallace-this-is-water/

If you know of anyone - family, friends, colleagues, or peers who might benefit from coaching - please send them my way. 

With affection and appreciation and sincerest wishes for all things wonderful in 2025 and beyond,

Adam