I met someone recently who has changed the way I look at things; without question, a much needed change for the better. It’s not important (to anyone other than me) who she is or what things I now see in a different light, what’s interesting is how this relates to my (and your) business decisions and relationships.

I had known of her for a year or so, but never took the initiative to get to know her. Wanted to…but just didn’t find the time or have the courage to act. Fear of rejection, maybe. Not wanting to take a risk, perhaps.
How often is this the case in our business lives? We have an idea or opportunity that goes unexplored for fear it will be shot down or ridiculed? Better safe than sorry, right? Easier to play inside our box or comfort zone than venture out into uncharted territory.

Of course it is. But, the real fun and adventure in our personal and business lives is not close at hand. Not within reach. Not found in our daily routine. It’s out there for us all…but finding it takes some effort. Not a lot, always…but more than we are used to exerting, and the rewards for taking this above-the-call action are exponential. That’s the risk-reward thing, right? The greater the risk…the greater the reward. We all know this, but we still opt for business-as-usual more often than not.

Do yourself a favor…tomorrow make an extra effort to do something you’ve been wanting to do, but have been avoiding for whatever reason. Sure…you may get laughed at, criticized, or rejected. That’s a real possibility, but on the other hand, many of you may find this initiative well received and, for a few lucky ones…taking this risk will prove to be a positive, enlightening, life-altering experience for you.
It was for me.

Richard C. Thomas
President & Publisher