To judge from what we see all around us, one of a person’s most basic desires is to achieve a sense of security. We want to be assured that tomorrow will be at least "as good," but preferably "better" than today.

When you Google "security," the emphasis is protection. Personal protection, data protection, identity protection, we are constantly bombarded with information about the threats around us and how to protect ourselves from these threats. We are so caught up in our fears, we have little time to enjoy our life, so we seek "security."

But is there such a thing as "security" or is it just another illusion laid out for us by society and government to get our eye off the real prize? We are controlled and prodded into being good little sheep, going daily to our little cube, returning home to our little house, thanking our lucky stars when we get a break from the routine of life with a weekend, holiday or vacation.

And what is our reward for being the good little sheep? Enough to keep us fed and watered and clothed, with a little left over for entertainment. Is that really worth the "security" we receive from the system?

What will happen to us if we push against the sides of this coffin that has been laid out for us? What will occur when we seek another path, seek to be the billy goat in society, asking questions of the governors and rulers, seeking a better path to the future?

Of course, the "security" promised does not preclude obstacles from coming into our life. In fact, "security" would seem to really have little impact on what is going to come about in our lives. "Life Happens." One thing I can guarantee is there will be obstacles.

Let’s look at a better pattern.

1. Have a vision. If you don’t know where you are going, you surely won’t get there.

2. Have plans. There are many sayings that go with this so put in your favorite. Also note that plans can be multiple: one primary plan to get to the vision with some thought out alternatives or contingency plans already in place to assist in step 4 below.

3. Take action. My mentors and coaches are always tasking me to get through the action steps. Adjusting a stationary object is very difficult, it is much easier to get moving and keep moving and then make the corrections necessary to get to the vision.

4. Adjust to the obstacles. Avoid, confront, ignore, whatever. Obstacles WILL occur. It really doesn’t matter what your view of the cause of obstacles may be, the one thing for sure is that they will happen and they can provide the most important life lessons. What did you ever learn from an easy success?

The above pattern is cyclical. The vision can morph from time to time as we approach a vision, or can change totally as one vision is reached. And as the vision morphs or changes, the subsequent steps may be impacted and adjusted as well.

Studies have shown that the top 5 percent have written goals and plans to achieve the goals. Hmmmm!

Of course that also means that there is a strong correlation between not having goals and plans and failure to achieve success and prosperity!! Ouch!!

There is no better way to achieve the security we seek than to take charge of our own vision, establish our own plan, execute the action necessary and adjust to the obstacles encountered. Expecting security from external sources is an interesting phenomenon of the enlightened progressive movement we are constantly exposed to and controlled by.

"The Safety Net provided for us to fall into in times of trial will protect you" is the promise we are given. And that is the illusion that is bankrupting us all!