Publisher's Memo
Lessons Learned
Spring is almost here and hopefully coronavirus and the economy will continue to get better. It’s time to look ahead, and in the spirit of Spring—think about growing!
As we move forward, we can reflect on hard times that have taught us valuable lessons and use them to help us get to where we want to be.
I am the only person standing in my shoes. You are the only one standing in yours. Everyone has a different perspective. While it is good to talk to clients, friends, and family, only you know your own experience. Gather information and feedback but remember that others may not see what you do.
The only thing we can control is ourselves. Don’t get caught up in what others do. Losing sleep over what you cannot control is not healthy or productive. Focus on the things you can control that will help achieve happiness in your personal life and success in your business life.
Own and guard your trust. Trust is a gift we give to others; it cannot be taken away. Keep your inner circle small. In your personal life, trust is obvious. In business, it can be less clear, but it is important. Work on building trust with co-workers, clients, and vendors. Create mutually beneficial relationships and things will fall into place.
It’s okay to not always have the answer. Take time to understand why and how things happen. Looking for immediate solutions can be stressful. It’s important to remain calm in the face of uncertainty.
Don’t judge. Don’t ever judge! I lost track of this and had to re-gain a clear vision of what it means. It is no excuse, but we get used to judging because society promotes moral grandstanding. Always try to stay off the soapbox and not judge others.
Don’t let fear take over. It’s not a positive emotion and negatively affects our mental and physical health. Sometimes it’s real and sometimes it’s imagined. Don’t let it guide how you do things or make decisions.
Spring is almost here! As the sun melts the snow and the clocks roll ahead, let’s make sure we learn from the lessons of the past and—just like the flowers—we will bloom… no matter how many weeds grow around us.
-Gary
