I’ve heard this one many times. I’ve often believed it. But then again, the more I think about it, I actually get more false information and bad advice from other people and much of the most valuable things I’ve learned actually comes from my own experiences.
Most recently I noted multiple conversations during which I was told I couldn’t do something the way I was proposing but then when I asked why I couldn’t get an answer. I took this to mean, I do it this way because it’s the way it’s always been done, it’s the normal way. What they couldn’t tell me was a reason my way wouldn’t work. With no reason it wouldn’t work and the only risk being wasting some time or worrying about what someone else might say or think, I did it my way and it worked out fantastic. Of course, I could tell you many stories about the times it didn’t work out.
In a recent business conversation with a small business owner concerned about the cost of marketing and advertising I presented a plan that would cost them nothing in dollars and would increase their sales, yet they wouldn’t even try it. When I asked them why, they couldn’t give me an answer. When I asked if it made sense, they agreed that it did, but just weren’t willing to try it. When I asked them if they had a better plan, they agreed that they did not. They were not willing to try it but instead were willing to simply continue to “wish” they could afford the “traditional” route which they also agreed came with no guarantees. Why do you think they wouldn’t try it?
I used to tell people that I was going to retire at 49 years old and play on the Senior PGA tour. Oh the sideways looks I used to get. Well, I sold my business and quit working full time at age 49 but my golf game still needs a lot of work. lol Funny thing is, when I tell people I sold my business and retired, I still get those sideways looks. Again, it’s not how things are supposed to be, it’s not normal. You’re supposed to be older or wealthier to call yourself retired. What is your definition of retirement?
Why does the government spend so much time and energy on convincing the people of how dangerous cigarette smoking is? I’m not arguing that it isn’t dangerous but if you look at the number of people dying each year of lung cancer compared to the number of people dying from other ways which are preventable it made me question why? Why doesn’t the government work harder to teach people all of the things they could be doing to prevent heart disease?
Over three years ago a member of WAM shared during their meeting that it was their dream to pilot a submarine. They felt safe enough to share that in this meeting because of how open minded the people in these types of groups are and unlike in the general public, no one judged them and told them how crazy or even impossible that idea was. Instead, they helped this member and supported this member and guess what. They are now a fully licensed submarine pilot with actual hours already recorded piloting a sub and now about to embark on a new career piloting submarines for a cruise ship company. Glad they weren’t stuck trying to be normal. How cool is that?
My tip in all of this is to slow down and think a little bit more about why you think or do this or that. Challenge yourself and honestly ask yourself if it makes sense, are you doing this just because it’s the way it’s always been done, could you do it better another way and last of all, are you more scared of doing it differently because of what people might say or think?
Hope this helps you. Have a fantastic week.