A few weeks ago, I just barely missed getting hit by a car while I was crossing the street in a crosswalk. This was more than just a close call; it happened so fast and was so close I could actually see the driver’s face clearly as she whooshed by me, oblivious to what nearly happened.
It was early evening and dark on a Friday and I was leaving the funeral reception of a friend. It was cold and crisp and I was bundled up in my black dress overcoat and black hat. As I hit the crosswalk – deep in thought about my friend and her family – I glanced up and looked to my left and saw the car and driver waiting patiently for me to walk by. After about three strides, a car coming from my right and behind came barreling through the intersection almost hitting me. I was so lost in thought I’d really not even slowed down; timing was on my side. I looked at the driver to my left and his expression said it all. That was a calamity averted.
My initial reaction was anger at the driver. I had the right of way and she wasn’t paying attention. In reality, I had culpability. I knew that dressed as I was, I’d be harder to see in the evening. I know that even thought I had the right to be there, but that it didn’t assure my safety. And above all, my parents certainly taught me at a very young age to look both ways before crossing a street. That I failed to do and I was lucky.
Here’s the deal – business (and life) daily are filled with close calls and near misses. While they may not seem as dramatic as my story, you never know what the consequences are. The ramifications might include lost business or opportunity; damaged relationships; loss of revenue or income; loss of reputation; and/or personal stress and anxiety. But most is in our control, just as my situation was.
Take control. If you’re not aware of your surroundings and in the moment; if you don’t dutifully follow your processes that make you successful; if you become complacent or even arrogant; then you’re setting yourself up to get smacked by a car in the intersection of your world. In order to unleash the power your talent and potential, and that of your business, then I’d implore you as my parents did to me decades ago…
Look both ways before you cross…
If you’d like to discuss how I can help you plan to dodge those nasty obstacles that get in your way and unleash your potential, then please call me at (360) 271-1592 or email me. very often, we all need help crossing the road!
Quote of the Week:
“Public opinion is no more than this: what people think that other people think.”
~ Alfred Austin – 19th century English poet
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