Every new company dreams of achieving “hockey stick” growth in the early stages of its corporate lifecycle. This is growth that, after a short period of time, increases exponentially and infinitely into the future. Once the concept takes hold, sales skyrocket and never flatten out. There are no setbacks in product development, there are no internal obstacles to growth, there is no market saturation and there is no competition in the marketplace. The accomplishment of “hockey stick” growth is nirvana to any company seeking to take over an entire industry. But is this a realistic expectation of a new venture? Every business plan looks great on paper. But it is only a plan until it is battle tested in the marketplace. Once it comes to life, there will always be unforeseen challenges. There will always be competition. There will always be obstacles to growth. The path to success for your business will not be a linear journey. You will take major strides forward that will release a flood of excitement and adrenaline. But you will suffer heartbreaking setbacks that test your resolve and cause you to question your planning and judgment. This “two steps forward, one step back” progress can be frustrating. But as long as you take time to reflect on your misstep, correct it, and move forward with confidence, your business cannot be stopped. It will come back stronger than ever as you take on your next great challenge.
The same journey also applies to every aspect of our lives. Our careers have moments of great success and accomplishment that catapult us to unexpected personal gratification or financial gains. But the landscape is constantly changing and new management or new policies can knock us back down to a lower earning potential or less fulfilling duties. Do we make excuses or do we fight to get back on top? Our relationships, both business and personal, grow closer over time as we learn to trust in one another. But a simple misunderstanding or disagreement can throw everything into question. Do we break off ties immediately or hunker down and communicate through the issues? Our children can make us so proud as they grow into fine young men and women. But a poor decision can set even the well-adjusted child on a dangerous path. Do we give up on them or double down with love and attention? If you have ever played golf, you know the thrill of breaking 100 (or 90, or 80…I’ll stop there). But the very next time you go out, you could shank four drives into the woods and have the worst round of your life. Are you going to throw your clubs into the pond and give up the game? (Don’t answer that one!) The reality is that nothing in your life will skyrocket towards success forever. It can be frustrating to suffer a heartbreaking failure when everything in our lives points toward infinite success. No one expects it and we rarely see it coming. But we have to realize that every time we take a step back, it is not permanent. Adversity provides us with an opportunity to reflect, re-focus and come back stronger than ever!
The sooner we realize that setbacks are a natural part of life, the sooner we can focus on getting back on track. In fact, these setbacks make us appreciate all we once had and provide us with the grit and fortitude to storm back to the top. If everything in your life has been easy, where will you draw your motivation? Tasting success and happiness, and losing it, only makes us hungrier for more. Do not wallow in self-pity! It’s time to double down on your work and commitment and get back where you belong. Never stop building your business! Never stop communicating in your relationships! Never stop loving your children! Never stop trying! Your next move is a move forward toward greatness.
“Winners never suffer defeat, but rather just many setbacks on their way to victory.” –Orrin Woodward
As we go along our journey, we see that life is more like that old family board game, Chutes and Ladders. There will be times when you are so close to the top you can taste it. But one wrong move can swiftly send you back down the chute to the bottom of the board. At the same time, you could feel hopelessly behind the pack, only to hit that huge ladder and propel yourself to heights you never thought possible. When you are on top in your life, appreciate every moment, because you never know where that next chute is lurking. When you suffer a setback, do not despair. As long as you are still moving forward, there is a ladder that will take you right back to the top. Life is not a linear journey. But you will come out ahead if you stay resilient, work hard, and keep that positive mental attitude. Is there any other way to play the game?
Until next week, keep smiling.
liked that you used the word SOONER twice this week
Good point. I should have capitalized it. Next time! 🙂
Well said. Shooting for a ladder !
Excellent. Ladders are always right around the corner!
Money! Enjoyed the read.
Thx, Danny! I know you will have more ladders than chutes!