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Life is like a rollercoaster. There, I got the biggest cliché out of the way. But that is not what I’m discussing here. Nor am I commenting on the financial ups and downs that occur with any business, although perhaps more so with home or small businesses.
At the weekend I put myself through The Stations that would lead to the imminent ride. I have to admit, that I really do enjoy rollercoasters, but there is still something about them that terrifying the whatever-it-is right out of me. And that rollercoaster has many things to teach us. Oh yes it does.
Let us learn.
1. If that kid infront of me can do it, so can I.
There is nothing like a short, sharp dose of pride to spur one to do something brave, foolish, admirable or necessary. The other day, I was lined up behind a boy who must have been about seven or eight. I asked him if he was scared. “Noooo!” came the confident reply. “Well, I am” I assured him. It was true. A few second ago I was considering scampering back down that metal ladder to safety; which is ironic in itself, because most days would require a good winding up for me to ascend even a step ladder. But being many times the age of my fellow passenger, I knew I had to somehow drum up the courage to do it.
Sometimes in business, there is someone who you may look down upon (shame on you!), whose work is inferior to yours, or for some other reason you just think is not up to your standard. Whatever evil makes you think that way, remember that they are also in the race, and may just be in front of you.
If they can do it, so can you!
2. If You Don’t Get In, You Aren’t Going Anywhere
It takes a certain amount of convincing to step out and get in that car. Choosing one may be the most difficult decision you’ve had to make all day, but some decisions really don’t matter. Just pick a seat. Anyone. Get in and hold on.
If you can’t get over having to make simple decisions, the tough decisions are going to cripple you. Many simple decisions are not cast in stone (with the rollercoaster, there is always next time) and even if they are set in stone, they may not matter. Leave the molehills as molehills, and just get to work. Just do it!
3. There’s no turning back.
Once you’re on, and the car is rolling, that’s it. There comes a point where you can’t back down, turn around or change courses. Perhaps you can – but is that the best choice? Constantly second-guessing yourself will cripple your business.
4. It’s Going to Get Bad Before it Gets Good
The worst part of the rollercoaster ride is the beginning. Diggedy-diggedy goes the chain, as it drags the string of cars up the first incline to give it the momentum it needs to complete the course. You sit. You wait. The ground disappears. The clouds get nearer. And then, just when you think you are on your way – kalumpf!
Your stomach hops.
That first short descent or lull is a promise of things to come. But you’ll never get there if you don’t stomach the initial climb. Professionally, nobody will know you for some time. Your portfolio or resume will not impress many people. You think you know what you need to know, but you don’t.
Get over the worst of it, and it only gets better!
5. Fear is not an option.
You want to ride the rollercoaster, but you don’t want to face the fear it takes to walk up, line up, get in and hold on. Fear is not a part of running a business, it’s the bit that you need to shed, lose, cast off, excommunicate and forget about. Dealing with that fear is a personal thing – everyone has different ways of doing it. But if you really are going to get ahead, doing things that give you chills is just what you have to do. Sorry to sound like your mother, but if you had listened to her, I may not have to tell you either, now, would I?
I plan on going on many more rollercoaster rides. Perhaps when I travel, I will seek out the local scare mongers and ride some more thrilling tracks. Hopefully I’ll learn something from it all. Hopefully it won’t be anything to do with what I shouldn’t have had for breakfast.
