“Congratulations! Today is your day. You’re off to great
places! You’re off and away!”
So begins the classic tale from Dr. Seuss in his aptly
titled book, OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO.
If you have never read it before, I would definitely encourage you to do
so. It’s a wonderful tome, filled with
classic Seussian wit and wisdom. I’ve
used this book several times as gifts to graduating seniors and to Scouts who
have earned the rank of Eagle. It always serves as a good jumping off place for the congratulatory letter I like to write them. For not only is their future typically bright, and their accomplishment a good foundation, it serves as reminder too, that even though they will be shooting for the moon, they need to be prepared for the down moments that will inevitably come. And when they do, it is great to pause and reflect, as you seek to find the best way out of or around those valleys or bumps in the road. Because once on the other side, it's great to look back and see just how far you've come as you've worked through each individual low point. To see how utilizing the feedback and counsel of others may have helped bring about the necessary change in direction to help get you back on track.
It continues…
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself, any direction you choose.”
This past year has definitely been one where I have been personally
living out the book’s message.
“…You’ll be on your way up! You’ll be seeing great sights! You’ll join the high fliers who soar to high heights… wherever you go, you will top all the rest, except when you don’t, because sometimes, you won’t. I’m sorry to say so but, sadly, it’s true, that Bang-ups and Hang-ups can happen to you.”
I’ve certainly had some high moments and then still many
other moments that were much lower.
Those moments of frustration (such as website improvement / development
this past couple of months); as well as moments of distress (lost sales); or
moments of rejoicing (repeat business from clients as well as referrals
bringing new business); they all work
together to make things better – overall.
Taking the time to pause and reflect, and yes, seek honest feedback
about what you’re doing is so very important. Remembering too that each one of
us is not an island, and we cannot do things completely alone. I may be in this business “alone”, but I’ve
definitely got several key supporting players that I turn to for help, guidance
and mentoring. People that aren't vested in my financial success, but rather are interested in my personal success as an individual, as a businessman, as a father, a husband and a friend.
A mentor - that’s something that I have been to numerous
people over the past decade, but have easily overlooked utilizing myself - until
the past year and a half when I recognized the need to seek counsel of others. Back in the days of working for an employer,
I had built-in peer groups, of course bosses and others who constantly
critiqued how I presented things, or fulfilled my work, or even how I came across
meeting with clients. When you work on
your own, those built-in resources simply don’t exist. I only have my actual clients, who are
willing to share their feedback with me, to truly critique my services. Even on this blog, unless someone actually
posts a comment (which is rare), I don’t even know if anyone is truly
interested in what I post. Sure I see
the numbers of people who check-in and view the various things, but I don’t
know if anyone actually is interested or cares, or finds any of the stuff I
post remotely useful. I could be simply
posting pictures of bacon, but wouldn’t know if anyone liked it or not unless
they said something. Feedback is always
a nice thing.
Getting back to the very beginning of this post though, the
places you’ll go – I’ve got many great places on the agenda for the rest of
this year. Places that will be visited
representing various aspects of my life… family, my business, the largest
aspect of the community service I do (Scouting), and my faith – going on a mission
trip to Africa. Each destination is both
near and far, and requires a great deal of time and preparation – physical,
mental and spiritual. I’m excited about
them all. I can’t wait to share about
each one in this blog, and hope that you will find each destination somewhat
intriguing – and that you’ll tell me what you think after I post them.
I’d love to know what types of information you might find
useful in this space. Please leave a
comment with something that you would like to learn about in the weeks and
months to come, as it relates to travel destinations. I’m trying to work at getting the
long-dormant “Where in the World Wednesdays” re-established, and of course
would like to bring some new life into my posting through other topics as well.
As always thanks for checking in and following along.
Until next time,