Maybe it’s all the close calls, existential threats, newly-invented liabilities, newly-minted regulations, new competitors, old competitors, angry customers, happy customers, former customers, new customers, potential opportunities, new ideas, new methods, better mouse traps, and everything else that comes our way in business (no matter the size).
Maybe it’s the fight-or-flight instinct that gets honed to a fine edge through years of experience. Knowing when to hold ‘em, and when to fold ‘em…but always allowing room for doubt. Knowing when the silent customer is more important than the loudest one. Knowing that the employee you don’t see is just as important as the one you do see. Knowing we always have a competitor, whether we realize it or not.
Maybe it’s that standard defensive posture that every business assumes at times, even when it knows that only a strong offense will win the day. Understanding that this isn’t a game we get to win every day.
Maybe it’s just fear of failure, or more likely, fear of success.
Whatever it is that stops me from getting the most enjoyment from this business…now is the time to let it go.
Life is way too short to let the small stuff get in the way.
Here’s my promise to myself:
- I will go on offense, every day
- I will acknowledge my fears, but only if it helps create a stronger offense
- I will focus on the next step forward, and let the past remain there
- I will create opportunities for those around me
- I will love and serve
- I will let go
- I will enjoy each day as the gift that it is.
I will do these things as a promise to myself, knowing that I’m not the One who is in control.
Encouragement is Personal 