If you've ever been in love, you know what an incredible experience it is. You lie awake at night thinking about the object of your affection. You count down the days, hours or even minutes until you can see your beloved. And when you're finally together, everything in life is so much better. The air smells fresher. Food tastes better. Your senses are on fire. Just a simple brush of their hand or a kiss from their lips sends you over the edge. There's simply nothing in the world better than being in love.

However, over time, things change. You no longer get the instant rush from being around the other person. The air ceases to be fresher. Food tastes pretty much like it always did. And the same touch or kiss that would drive you wild in the beginning seems almost normal. Your feelings for the other person have transitioned from youthful infatuation to mature love.

This is where many relationships die. One or both partners simply can't accept the fact that the spark has gone out. They've become so accustomed to the frenetic high of new love that they can't appreciate the stability of familiar love. Therefore, they jump ship and in the process, sink any chance for lasting happiness.

As those of us in committed relationships know, the real joy and beauty in a relationship comes during the mature love phase. This is where you get the opportunity to exercise unconditional love. You're no longer in love with a fantasy - the vision of the perfect man or woman. Instead, you love a flesh and blood human being; someone with faults, problems and issues. Real love is not for quitters or wimps.

And neither is making the most of your dash. When most people decide that they're going to do something extraordinary with their lives, they're just like the young man or woman in love. They lie awake at night thinking about their new business, their novel, their service organization, or whatever. They can't wait to get up in the morning and start working on their dream.

Stick It Out (Part II)

If you've been around such a person, you know that they even talk about their goal as if it were a real life lover. They refer to their business or non-profit organization as their "baby." And sure enough, their eyes light up when they talk about it. They might even get goose bumps or the tingles. I can tell you from my own experience in starting several businesses, this is perfectly natural.

Also, what is perfectly natural is that the puppy love will wear off. You won't be excited to show up to work everyday. Also, in time, the blemishes and wrinkles will start to show. You will notice that your "perfect" business plan has a few flaws. Or you will learn that it's not as easy as you first thought to attract customers, find suppliers and deal with employees.

When this happens, people have two options: (1) Call it quits; or (2) Stick it out. Sadly, most people opt for the former option - they call it quits and begin looking for a new love. They quit Amway and decide to try their luck with Mary Kay. Or they quit writing the great American novel and instead, try their hand at short stories. In either case, they hoping that the grass will be greener on the other side; that this time, the love will last.

Well, you and I know better. Puppy love never lasts. It eventually grows into a full grown pooch - one that must be fed, walked, taken the vet and cared for; even when it's not particularly fun to do so. Therefore, if you're going to succeed in either life or love, you're going to have to work to keep the love alive. Once again, is it easy? No! But I think you will agree that it's worth it.