It Doesn’t Have To Be Ideal

Instead of moving forward with the version I have, I’ve waited. I chose to not move forward, wanting perfection instead of being first. It’s taken slightly more than a year, but my competition has caught up. I’m no longer first, in fact, I’m stuck in the middle of the pack with others. It’s frustrating, especially since my ideal version isn’t finished.

There’s a cost for hesitation. In the movie Margin Call, there’s a scene with the firm’s founder. He says, in essence, “You can make money three ways. Cheat, I don’t do that. Be the smartest. Even with a quite capable staff, I’m sure we’re not the smartest. Be first.” He then informs his team to sell off their positions before any other traders in the stock market are aware of what will happen to the bond market.

I would have been first, had I not hesitated. That was costly. I’m tasked with being the smartest by being first with an iteration I hadn’t planned on for another year. My hesitation cost more than I care to admit and more than I’m able to calculate.

I’m not one for crying over spilled milk. I’m not one for talking about mistakes of the past, unless my mistakes can benefit others. I’m one for learning how to make better decisions based on my choices and results and those of others willing to share their experience.

Today, Monday, January 30, 2022, I am grateful that:

I’m beginning to understand it doesn’t have to be perfect. I have to be first. I can always make changes in future iterations, but first is key. I don’t have to be perfect. I must be first.

My imagination is firing once again. It’s been too long since the last time. It’s a great feeling, but it’s also tiring. The inability to rest well. The constant inflow of information. It can be a little taxing, but when you pray for rain, you gotta deal with the mud.

I’m emerging out of this funk I’ve been in for a couple of weeks. It’s a byproduct of my current state and I’ll do my best focus, but it’s challenging. I’ve got to set aside some time and generate an action plan for the coming few months, including a budget. I’ll get these things done and begin executing and implementing.

I’ve got to be first.

How has hestating impacted your career and business?

What can you do to avoid this in the future?

How will you remember?

Be Great. Be Grateful!!!