Update: Things have settled down in SoCal. The fires are contained. Air quality has returned to normal. Most people are picking up where they left off.

If you ever have to evacuate—make sure you grab your legal documents, cash and food ready to go. Pack batteries, chargers and extra clothing. You probably have to leave your computer so back up your data regularly.

Feature Article: Common Sense Success

Resource: Good common sense

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(Picture this scenario...)

Out on the atrium Charles and I browsed the various offerings after the church service. There were sign-ups to help firestorm victims, quilting, Christmas ornament making, and events for singles. We stopped at one table to find out more about the upcoming marriage retreat.

Charles' sister Constance just got engaged and he thought this retreat would be a great gift for her and her fiancé. Each time he posed a question, the lady behind the table answered, but I could sense her uneasiness. She looked oddly at the two of us.

She had never seen us before. We were just visiting. Here are two guys asking about a marriage retreat. What could she be thinking of?

After Charles mentioned Constance, the lady was relieved. She perked up. I could only imagine what was going on in her head.

Let's move forward...

Do you believe everything you're told? Have you ever rolled your eyes at professional advice? Can you snatch victory from the jaws of defeat? Let's explore three success principles that will carve a swath to your solutions in today's feature article...

Common Sense Success

Dear Associate,

A good friend, neighbor and progressive speaker Doug K (last name withheld for privacy) praised last week's article about the Southern California wildfires. I thanked him for the Dr. Jekyll response, but I was interested to hear his Mr. Hyde version. He wasn't bashful.

He compared the government's supposedly rapid response to the SoCal fires with their slower response to Hurricane Katrina's flood victims. He believes it was a wealthy white/poor black issue. He blames the government for playing favorites.

He wants the Powers That Be to treat everyone fairly. No favorites. While that in itself is a worthy goal—forced change is fake change. The security guard may smile at you at work, but would he be as cordial when he's out of uniform?

Let's hope so.

Real change comes from within, where people allow their higher-self to be, and excel. When people decide it's better to give than waiting to receive: society benefits. President Kennedy inspired the world with his famous quote in the 60's and it still reigns true today.

What am I leading to?

During Katrina, the victims depended on Uncle Sam before, during and after the levies broke. Looting, violence and fraud became the order of the day. Safety of the rescue crews remained a huge concern.

During the recent SoCal firestorms, the residents took control of their destiny. They didn't rely on the government to save them. They knew the Calvary wasn't arriving any time soon. They planned their own escape.

A difference in philosophies...

Freedom versus dependence. Savviness versus ignorance. Action versus idleness. And leading versus following.

Your personal philosophy determines how high you will reach and how far you will go. Your success is a result of your philosophy. If success is your goal, it's just common sense to practice success principles.

Let's explore three success principles that will carve a swath to your solutions...

1) Do your homework. Research the facts. Search for other options. Just because everyone else does it doesn't mean it's best for you. Develop the ability to think critically and ask questions.

There was an article on MSN about an anti-fat shot that does not need FDA approval. Plastic surgeons are going ape over this latest quick fix injection that is supposed to dissolve fat cells. Problem is: they don't know exactly where the dissolved fat ends up. It's still a mystery.

While you're gathering the facts with Joe Friday it's also good to...

2) Seek outside counsel. The experts don't always have it right. Get a second or fourth opinion. Then seek advice from those who have gone through what you're facing. They may have an angle on this no one would have seen.

An orthopedic surgeon recently prescribed an epidural injection for me. He explained this is exactly what he would do if he were in my shoes. Friends and common sense have told me if it worked, it would only mask the pain. It wouldn't repair the damage. I decided this wasn't the right course.

After getting good advice and exploring alternatives it's best to then...

3) Take action. Nothing worse than discovering an alternative plan, and then sitting on it. Zero action equals zero results. The plan you planned to do becomes the plan you planned to do. And this insidious cycle repeats itself.

I met Bud at the basketball courts. He's a retiree and looks like a junior version of Hulk Hogan. He decided to lower his blood pressure and cholesterol through exercise rather than prescription drugs. Good for him for taking action.

Life offers you many choices. You can wait for things to happen or you can make things happen. You can choose the high road or take the low road. And you can accomplish the most amazing things if you believe you can do it.

Warm regards,

There is absolutely no substitute for good common sense when it comes to making good decisions. When someone tells you they "feel" this is the right decision without thinking through with logic, reasoning and research—watch out! They may get what they want, but may not want what they got.