If you listen to the stories being told about the Kennedy family you'll frequently hear, John's picture was proudly hung in my living room. Almost certainly, Ted who was the youngest of nine was very proud of this. Imagine yourself though following that example.

I believe life is often about desire and commitment. By this I mean passion for success in all its aspects and a willingness to "do whatever it takes" to live that passion. Whether its work, marriage, raising children or health these elements are crucial.

Maybe a month after Ted Kennedy began treatment for brain cancer he made the trip to Washington to cast a decisive vote. He continued to work the phones and run committee meetings from his bed in Hyannis Port until the very end.

Business this year has a common theme, survival. Whether you revered Ted Kennedy or disagreed with him; his life was an example of moving forward and getting up to live and fight another day. Somehow he found the courage to walk through overwhelming tragedy and adversity, keep smiling and grow personally from the experience.

What challenges do you need to walk through?

• Dealing with a messy employee situation
• Telling a customer, prospect or employee no
• Raising prices
• Cutting costs
• Changing yourself
• Moving a non-performer out of the company
• Being tougher and more demanding
• Doing what you don't want to do

Whatever the history books say about Senator Kennedy; he was always committed to his cause, unabashed in his beliefs, tenacious, incredible hard working, willing to speak his mind, passionate and very resilient. So if you find yourself thinking about him ask yourself, what lesson can I learn from his life?