Dear Mr. President:

A hardy congratulations on this eve of our presidential election and your hard fought victory. Like American's across this great country, I wish you success, but more so, I offer a few thoughtful words which may aid the Herculean effort which is required of you.

 

In the essence of full disclosure, I must admit that I did not cast my vote for you. Nonetheless, you are my President, I am your constituent, we share an underlying love for country, we're in this together and I am delighted to offer you my support in any way.

 

First, despite the crowd that circles you and grants you rock star or religious like status, you are not superhuman. The sooner a President and his administration ease their self preoccupation and balance their opportunities with their limitations, the sooner they can craft realistic plans which actually may succeed.

 

Second, you will be tempted by the celebrity and excitement of foreign policy. While many President's become enamored by the given opportunity to seemingly raise their stature from national to global, I suggest you remember exactly who your constituents are and highly recommend you cement your efforts in America first and foremost. While foreign policy is critical, it is best implemented as a compliment to domestic policy. Done right, there is a clear synergy.

 

Third, I suggest you consider the lessons learned of the prior seven first term administrations. It's been my observation that newly elected President's underestimate the gauntlet of challenges, unexpected obstacles, constantly changing threats and patience of the people. It's further been my observation that approximately half of a new President's elected term is expensed in retreating from a portfolio of good ideas to a limited few that may actually succeed.

 

As a Chief Executive and a father, I have learned the concept of picking your battles; and I have witnessed this learning by several prior President's whom incurred struggles that stalled or suspended their political aspirations. History clearly shows that you cannot advance the number of noble causes, seemingly necessary undertakings or even campaign promises and expect to be successful. Pick your battles. Pick America's most pressing battles and focus on those few which can achieve predictable success. Accomplishing fewer objectives advances the country far more than initiating a multitude of important projects which stall or become watered down to the point of negligible gain.

 

 

You will now be tasked with rationalizing boundless speculation, countless hypothetical scenarios, probability models and predictive techniques which will guide your scarce time and prioritization.