There is a cartoon that I share with attendees at our Quarterly Planning Sessions. The cartoon accurately and humorously depicts our plan versus reality – the things that happen on a daily basis that disrupt our plan.
If you are like me, each day starts with a plan and great intentions. It usually isn’t too long, though, before we are confronted by a situation or request to do something that wasn’t part of our plan for the day. Now what? The cartoon depicts this as a person riding a bicycle to get to their destination. The top half of the page shows this happening along a smooth road with no obstacles or challenges along the way. The bottom half of the page shows the same beginning and the same destination, however the road in between is full of obstacles and deterrents to reaching the destination. To me, the most interesting part of this cartoon is that each obstacle (boulders, chasms, flat tire, etc.) is overcome, at least in part, with the help of others (removing the boulders, providing a boat to cross water, helping to change a flat tire). Are you struggling to get to your destination with your business because you don’t want to ask for help? Is help available to you but you don’t even see it because you’re not looking for it?
It is a sign of strength to be able to ask for help when it is needed – especially when you “get stuck” along the way toward your goals and dreams.
