Business Turnaround

The world is their oyster. They believe they're destined for great things, just like many of you, their eyes are full of hope, just like you. …if you listen real close, you can hear them whisper their legacy to you. Go on, lean in. Listen, you hear it? - - "Carpe" - - hear it? - - "Carpe -- carpe diem, seize the day boys, make your lives extraordinary." John Keating (played by Robin Williams) From the movie, Dead Poet’s Society

Why did you start your company? What were you trying to accomplish? Are you any closer to your original vision? Perhaps your response is, "vision schmision – I just wanted to make some cash!” And that’s okay, too. How much cash? Did you write an amount down? Simply by writing something down, you improve the chances of bringing it about by fifty percent. No, I don’t have a survey to back that up. If you think about it, it’s common sense. Aren’t your trips to the grocery store more successful when you write down what you need before you go?

Looking at the kids in the photo – uh, excuse me – the young adults in the photo, you might imagine them giving each other “high-fives” and singing, “Looks like we made it,” between snapshots. Perhaps they did, but it’s not because they’ve “made it.” Actually, they're probably singing,  we've only just begun. (My apologies for the hackneyed music phrases – it’s an illness of mine). All five of them have years of study, long hours, and hard work ahead. All with the hope that some day one of them might potentially save your life. You see, at the time of this photograph, these two men and three women just graduated from a four year pre-med program. They are facing another eight to twelve years of education, depending on the specialty they choose. None of them would have made it this far without a vision. And none of them will ever hold a scalpel without a firm hold on that vision. Vision gives them focus, gives them resolve, gives them endurance. The same things that you need to keep your business going. Or your job relevant. Or your relationships healthy.

Do you have a vision for your Business? for your Success? for your Life? Of course you do. But this season, it might be worthwhile to hold it up to the light and take a look at it again. Is it the same for you now as when you first formed the vision inside the theater of your mind? Does it still inflame your passion, engage your talents, entertain your thoughts?

Yes, I suppose I am a little contemplative this time of year.

But, I do so much want for your life to be extraordinary. And I believe that takes a compelling vision. After all - ‘Tis the season for visions.

Happy Holidays!

Mike