When I turn on my GPS, but haven't yet keyed in the destination address...I get the map on screen that just shows exactly where I am.
From one perspective, this is cool. I mean, how cool that a satellite can pinpoint exactly where I am?
Well, actually... it is not that cool. I mean, so what? That is old school technology. I already know where I am.
What really matters is where I am going...
Right?
Yeah, I think so. (Assuming you know where you are going...)
And the problem is, that's where I think most small business people are....they feel good knowing the GPS can tell them exactly where they are. Meaning, they feel good knowing they are alive and open for business. And that they will probably be able to open their doors tomorrow.
And that makes them feel special. But who gives a damn about knowing exactly where you are.
What moves us, what we find sexy, is connecting with people who are going somewhere we want to go. They inspire us. They motivate us.
Note: I don't really follow and admire people staying in one place.
"Turn around when possible."
This is what she (my GPS) says when I've made a horrible mistake. A decision so poor that she can't even recalculate a new course to my destination.
But most of the time, she can recalculate a new way forward. And that's what most people seem to not know is possible, when running a business or living their life.
You might very well make a poor business or life decision. We all do. Every day. And it does get you off course. But there is always a new path...a new way forward. In fact, knowing this should make you feel quite confident.
Now that I think on it....life has never told me to turn around when possible. Life goes on. The sun will still come up tomorrow. There will be a new path.
"You have reached your destination."
Glorious when she says that. Accomplished the goal. Arrived at my destination. It is a good day.
But actually, it is sort of anticlimactic.
Where can I go next?