I just returned from an elk hunt in Maybell, Colorado (near Craig) where we got -30 below and two ft. of snow yesterday. Brrr! But when you’re out in the field, you’ve got to be prepared to handle the extremes. That means you layer up, wear wool, eat a good breakfast, carry water, hike with a partner and chain up before you get the truck stuck. (Read what happens when you don’t follow that last piece of advice.)
To be successful, you learn to do what Red and Linda, new friends who own a furniture store in Craig, recommend:
You learn how to manage the exceptions.
Red said he got that insight from a friend, which is the way most good wisdom gets passed along.
Successful business owners learn it’s not the norm’s that’ll test your mettle, it’s your response to the unexpected, the out-of-the-ordinary, the requests to bend the rules, and those “extreme temperatures”.
So, how DO we prepare for the unexpected?
- We build “margin” into our lives, policies and practices, whether it’s a little extra money squirreled away, five extra minutes to get to that appointment, one extra person on call in the flu season, or taking vacation to rest and renew before the big push, etc. (I highly recommend the book, Margin: Restoring Emotional, Physical, Financial and Time Reserves to Overloaded Lives, by Richard A. Swenson)
- We pay attention to those who’ve weathered the storms. They’ve learned some things along the way that’ll save us time and heartache, if we care to listen.
- We ignore the flash-in-the-pan, quick-fix absolutes. Nine times out of 10, there’s always an exception (read “innovation”) that can be made.
- We see requests for exceptions as a market research tool, a way to broaden the business or become a more effective parent, teacher, manager or business owner.
- And here’s THE BIGGEE: We recognize that exceptions ARE the norm. They are not an irritation that gets in the way of doing the real work – they are the BEST way we get to stretch and grow and learn and succeed – because we’ve proven to ourselves and others that we’re willing to learn new navigational skills, despite the cost.
I always meet some great folks and learn something new on these hunting trips. Of course, some of the stories I just can’t repeat! You’ll have to wait for the book!
Laura, writing from Colorado Springs at 6711 ft. above sea level
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