I see this sign every weekday morning when I reach the midpoint of my run. My daily run gives me time to meditate on what I need to accomplish for the day while giving me an opportunity to get some fresh air and enjoy the outdoors. I snapped a photo of this sign over the summer because every time I passed it, it made me think about how it relates to life.How many times do we see signs that we ignore or take for granted? This happens to me more than I like to admit. Often we are too busy to really appreciate the signs that are right in front of our face, the ones that lead us in the direction we need to go. Sometimes we are simply stubborn. Over the years, I've trained myself to pay attention to signs that tell me when I'm eating poorly or pushing myself too hard. I've learned how to make minor adjustments in these cases so that I don't make myself physically ill or mentally exhausted.
Recognizing signs and taking time to understand and interpret them is even more important in business. At times we become so attached to what we do, or a specific product line, or an idea, that we have difficulty stepping back and viewing these things with a fresh eye and open mind.
Over the years, I have been lucky to build relationships with trusted individuals in the same (as well as dramatically different) industries who are able to look at my ideas and give me honest, straightforward, constructive criticism. Without these extra pairs of eyes to give me insight, I would probably still make decent decisions, but it is nice to have someone you trust who can be a sounding board for your ideas. A good mentor will guide your decision-making process by helping you weigh the pros and cons rather than make the decisions for you.
We may see signs and act on them right away, or it may take seeing a sign several times in succession or having someone point it out for us and wave it in our face before we really get it. By allowing trustworthy mentors to lend a hand (or an extra pair of eyes) you can pick up on these signals much more efficiently and wisely.
This sign (above, from the trail) is literally stating that the only way out...is back the way you came in. Not being one to go by conventional rules, I looked for an alternate route. There was one. It wasn't maintained, it was rocky and narrow and treacherous. In this case, I didn't ask for direction...I took the path less traveled.
Allison B. Kontur
www.BathBodySupply.com
2 comments:
I came upon this older post as I perusing your blog.
I'm usually the one that needs signs boldly waved in my face over and over before I get the message. But I do think going out the way you came in isn't always the best path. It's safe, but not always the most exciting. Sometimes "better safe than sorry" is good advice but sometimes it's just plain boring. :)
Thanks for your encouragement!
Thanks Dana! Sometimes I need the signs that smack me in the head and say, "Hey dummy, open your eyes"! I'm with you, playing it safe all of the time is boring.
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