What is Your Winter?
For me, it was watching my hero lose nearly everything he had worked for.
His winter was the American economy in 2009. I had a front row seat for the whole fight. It was the kind of fight that makes you question everything you thought you’ve known your entire life. As his son, and as a contributor to the family business, I felt the sting of every blow.
My dad paid for a trip to hell and back and he would tell you that it wasn’t worth the trip. But what he also paid for was an education for me that far exceeded what any classroom will ever be able to teach. Every landmine that exploded on his journey to small business success was a lesson I don’t have to learn the hard way. For that, I’ll be forever grateful to him.
Battles are ugly, but their scars are maps that can guide us to safety and success.
If you’ve never been scared, I’m thankful for you. But I’m worried for you too. What map are you using to steer clear from the landmines?
The best advice I can give you is to find someone who has fought the fight and has the scars to show for it. Serve them. Pay attention to how they make decisions. And as often as they’ll let you, ask for their advice.
Yes, You will find yourself feeling slowed down by their wisdom. You’ll be chomping at the bit to do it faster and with less sacrifice than they did. That is your battle. But I guarantee your new friend would have chosen battle one over the one they had to endure.
Will you endure learned patience or experienced winter?
Winter is a bitch. Patience is a virtue. The choice is yours.
