In August, I contacted a friend to let him know I wasn't attending a key marketing conference the next month. It would have been super interesting and chock full of expert lessons.
I cancelled because more importantly, the next weeks would probably be the last my father-in-law would be with us. He has stomach cancer and is slowly fading at home under the loving care of his awesome wife, my mother-in-law.
This is something so many have been through I realize. We are supported and encouraged often if it is mentioned in conversation. So many have gone before us and had similar hard-to-watch death experiences. We are blessed.
Around the time of the event cancelation, I came across a quote in a wonderful book I am re-reading by John Maxwell, called "21 Laws of Leadership".
"If I need to be inspired to take steps forward, then I'll attend an event. If I want to improve, then I'll engage in a process and stick with it."
Although I was hesitant all the while I looked at attending the marketing conference, I had this feeling deep down it wasn't only because of my father-in-law's sickness. Not to belittle the weight of the family situation... I think though it brought clarity and highlighted the need to think through priorities.
Maxwell just gave me the words on how the new found focus related to my work life.
What I knew then and know now - I don't need to be more inspired! What I really want is to improve the paths I am on already. I appreciate Maxwell's insight and am looking for processes to work with to get further ahead.
I was thinking about this quote in light of everyday business. Often we are hoping an event (a sales event, a new marketing piece, a new hire, a new location, etc.) will immediately get us to the next level. What is really true though is that most often success comes little by little, good-small-choice after good-small-choice... It's a constant process.
Business can be very challenging these days. I speak to many owners and very few (none?) would say things are as busy as they would like them to be. These days expectations and expenses are being considered and reconsidered.
Here's my business encouragement today...
Be consistent. Be where you can be found. Be providing excellent value. Be growing your people.
Don't let challenging times define you - take them as part of the process to refine you.
My father-in-law did pass in the next weeks. He was a big inspiration of integrity and having focus on the right priorities (namely family). I continue to feel very blessed even in hard times.
Rodney