Sometimes we get so consumed with the everyday muddle of casual life, that we no longer even expect things to change. We also have become so pessimistic that we believe, if things do change, they could only possibly change for the worst. In those rare occurrences in our pessimistic thoughts when things do change for the better, we assume that it was only by luck, and will last for the shortest spell possible. We have stopped dreaming, hoping, expecting the best things, of the best times, and in the best ways. We take this from the workplace to our homes, and we transfer those emotions, feelings, and thoughts over to our family members. And while our spouses may have become the same way, and are immune to this aura of complacency and mundane living, I don’t quite think we understand what this energy can be doing to our children.
We have the highest hopes for who and what they become. We have the best intentions for how we can assist in that development. We make decisions, the actions of which are in their primary interest. We unselfishly work longer, harder, and productively for an outcome that we hope will assist their inevitable path of success. We claim that our goal is to build up their character, instill integrity, show them how to walk with pride, and how to keep picking themselves up off the ground amidst the many mistakes and struggles they’re bound to encounter. We know that their future is bright, even though we don’t know the future. But, we hope for the best, and we invest in their future realizing that we have no guarantee of its outcome. When they’re sick, we do everything possible to see them healthy. When they’re sad, there’s no limit to the extent we’ll go to see them smile again. This is your child, your baby, your offspring. What is there under the sun you will not do for them?
Well, it’s been said of our businesses, they are our babies too. Our kids. Our offspring. What is it that you’re not doing for your business, that you wouldn’t think twice about doing for your own child at home? In what way are you not being the nurturer that you should be? In what way are you not being the encourager that you should be? When it is ailing, are you doing everything for its well being? When morale is down, what are you doing to make the business smile again? How eager, and at what pace are you investing into its development? It’s future? What character are you instilling? How optimistic are you about the company’s future in spite of its continued failings and shortcomings? Do you continue to pick up the business and reinstate the importance of pride, integrity, resilience, tenacity?
You have to answer these questions honestly and reclaim your commitment to do all you can to give your business the qualities that it needs to survive in today’s world. Whether you’re an owner, CEO, VP, manager, or ground floor employee, find a way to make these words relatable, and you will find a way to keep your life from being the mundane experience that many of us never correct.
Until next time, plan, build and continue to prosper.
Andre Barefield