Blog
Friends
This past weekend, I watched the HBO Friends Reunion Special.
I’m a huge fan of the show that aired from 1994 to 2004. That was a period of my life where I could very much relate to the foibles and fun of people who were my contemporaries in age and life experience. Although married and with children, the stories surrounding Ross, Phoebe, Monica, Joey, Chandler, and Rachel resonated with me.
One of the unique things about the show was that it didn’t center around one person who had friends (see Seinfeld as an example). It centered around a group of friends equally. I hadn’t considered this until the reunion special when the creators talked about this. As I look back on all the many television sitcoms I’ve watched, I’m having trouble finding another show like it as respects situation.
This really is a true example of the lives we lead. Life – personally and professionally – is a team game.
Because That’s The Game
I’ve found my golf ball lying in many a predicament on the golf course.
Those of you who play the game know the empty feeling in the pit of your stomach as you identify your ball in some crappy place.
It might be in a bush, behind a tree, or buried in a sand trap. Whatever the calamity is, one thing holds true. There is an inner acceptance of the fate and then playing the ball where it lies.
Make no mistake. We will complain about the bad luck. We will bemoan the fate. We may even spew a few profanities. But then we regroup quickly and play the shot where it lies.
Because that’s the game.
Our lives are no different.
Legend & Legacy
The world lost two icons in the span of three days last week.
John Madden and Betty White defined legend and legacy. And as we hear the tributes pouring out, it’s clear that they lived their lives in ways that exemplified the status.
Guarding Against VUCA
How are you dealing with VUCA?
This is an acronym you should become familiar with if you are tasked with protecting the assets and financial statement of your company.
Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity and Ambiguity can be destructive to company goals and bottom lines for all businesses. While insurance is a great risk financing tool, it is purely reactive.
We’ve seen businesses pummeled by cyber-attacks, supply chain disruptions, staffing concerns, reduction in revenue, and the ongoing effects of a persistent global pandemic, to name a few.
20/22 Vision
I go for my annual eye check-up from my optometrist every January. For the past many years, there has basically been no change.
That’s about to change.
I am fortunate that I’ve made it to my mid-50s before there has been a significant shift in my eyesight. However, it dawns on me that it hasn’t been sudden; more like subtle.
While there definitely have been subtle changes over the years, they didn’t lead to a new prescription. I am certain that changes suddenly in January. It’s all good…I just want to stop asking Barb to read labels for me and maybe I have a future fashion statement coming.
New Years Resolutions are expected to be sudden changes of things we want to improve upon. Whether it’s weight loss, improved health, reading more, managing time better, or taking up meditation, we always want the sudden impact. Like now.
It rarely works.
Holiday Message
Remember, no man is a failure who has friends!
Flossing for Your Business
I hate flossing.
I don’t know why. It takes about 30 seconds. It doesn’t hurt. It’s good for my oral health and will increase the chance that I keep my teeth forever.
I guess it’s the part that I get lazy. Even though brushing takes longer, it’s easy to eschew the flossing and get moving on my day.
Does this sound at all familiar to you?
I’m not talking about your own flossing discipline. I’m more talking about keeping up with risk management and safety in your business.
Old School
“What do you think of our Christmas tree?”
This was the question I posed my granddaughters when they entered the house last Thursday. Ellie and Maddie were staying the weekend and plans were to help us decorate for Christmas.
Ellie stood in what I can only describe as sheer disbelief as she stared at the 4-foot tall fake tree with white lights. Her response was stoic…
“You have a very short tree…”
On Tattoos and You
If you’re like me, you remember the days in business were tattoos were taboo.
It was judged to be unprofessional to have tattoos visible to others. If you wanted to get a tattoo, that was okay, but it better not be seen or you might not be able to get or keep a “professional” job.
Where there was a time that tattoos were only for bikers and hippies (I exaggerate but you get my point), today they are almost ubiquitous. If you would have told me even 10 years ago that I’d have four of my own, and that they aren’t exactly hidden, I’d have said you were nuts!
Tattoos are a discernible expression of identity.
