This week at our Family Business Practice meeting in Kidderminster I shared my personal story about the legend that was Red Rum. Between 1973 and 1977 he won the Grand National three times and came second twice. The nation watched in awe at the genius of this horse and his two jockeys. Each year the race was watched by most of the nation, particularly in 1977, when against huge odds Red Rum won for the third time. It put a smile on the nation's face for the rest of the day.

And that's my point; the feeling every one got was electrifying, the adrenaline rush was present for so many people watching something truly wonderful, whether you were into horse racing or not. As human beings, we have the ability to become emotional at different things. We can literally feel the rush of adrenaline coursing through our veins to such a degree that we are on a true high; without the need for additional stimulants of any kind.

So my question to you is simple... How often do you get this high in your family business? Can you imagine what you could achieve when you are positively charged with emotion for your business? Ok, perhaps not every day, however it begs a serious point. Are we doing what makes us happy or are we just going through the motions? If it's the latter then the equivalent is falling at an early fence in the Grand National.

However, if we are happy doing the thing we love to do and emotionally connected to it then maybe, just maybe, we can achieve our own piece of greatness just like Red Rum!

If you need a hand with this you know where I am.