Food For Thought

If you are of a certain age or a movie buff, you might remember the movie “The Sting”, released in 1973.  It is based on the novel “The Big Con: The Story of the Confidence Man” by David Maurer.  It’s a great movie about a grifter or con man that takes revenge on a crime boss for murdering his friend, another con man. If you have not seen it, I highly recommend it; it was nominated for 10 different Academy Awards and won 7 of them. Like I said, it’s a great movie.  So, where am I going with this? 

Have you ever noticed that entrepreneurs are a weird bunch?  Most that I know personally or know of are type A personalities.  They see a problem, find a way to fix it, and then figure out the details later. They accomplish a lot; their mindset is different, more determined.  Now that I think of it, certain mindsets from folks in all walks of life are what makes the difference.  Here are a few examples that have left an impression on me…

Procrastination – it’s an ugly word, and something we are all guilty of at some point. The word has a dual meaning; it is derived from the Latin “procrastinare” which is “to put off until tomorrow,” but it is also derived from the Greek word “akrasia” which is “doing something against our better judgment”. This is interesting; perhaps we procrastinate because whatever we are dragging our feet on doing, is in some way against our better judgement. That, at least, makes procrastinating sound a little bit better!  It also makes it easier to admit that last week’s blog was a challenge.  I had the topic and the time but kept avoiding doing it. 

“Here, try this!!” We have all heard that numerous times in our lives. Sad thing is many of us are quick to decline the offer without consideration.  But why?  Why not try something different even if it’s outside of our comfort zone?  Is it that we are complacent or that we want to “play it safe”?  I’ve heard that the older we are, the less likely we are to try new things, mostly because of fear of getting hurt, physically, and emotionally. But trying new things is what keeps us young; it allows us to grow and to find new activities that may become our new favorite thing.  So, why not try?!

There is a certain “F” word I dislike intensely and even borderline hate.  It’s not the one you may be thinking of; I use that one a lot 😊.  The one I hate is one I have been told on occasion that I am devoid of.  I’ll give you a hint: remember, I am simple, and I like “facts” (love that “F” word!). Give me facts all day long… I can work with and solve problems with them.  Facts, like the other F word, can be fun!

BHAG: BIG HAIRY AUDACIOUS GOAL!!! Sounds crazy, unachievable and scary!  What were Jim Collins and Jerry Porras thinking when they first coined the phrase in their book, “Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies”? A BHAG needs to be big, seemingly impossible and forward thinking. Most importantly, it should provoke action and a sense of urgency. In short, a BHAG is inspirational and aspirational.