Detours provide some of life’s greatest memories
As a toddler, you faced the challenges of learning how to talk and how to walk. Those weren’t easy skills to master, and you didn’t do them right the first time you tried. But taking those first steps gave you a sense of accomplishment, of mastery. As you’ve matured, you’ve had to face the challenges of love and confront the demands of earning a living. Again, none of this comes easy but mistakes are the way you learn what not to do next time.
Now you’re looking to create a life you can truly love and this too presents its share of challenges. You’ll certainly run into roadblocks along the way, but here’s the thing: If you let a roadblock stop you from moving forward, you’ll end up stuck in place. That’s guaranteed.
When faced with an obstacle that stops you dead in your tracks, look for the unexpected – but just right – detour. There’s more than one way to tackle any problem. The solutions may not always be obvious and you might need to modify your plans, but there’s always a way to move forward. The rewards that come when you succeed are so great that if you have a passion or a dream waiting to come to life, there’s no question that it’s worth a try.
Remember: most obstacles aren’t nearly as insurmountable as they initially appear to be.
3 Comments
Mel& Bob, I’ve just finished your “Trip to the Beach” book & there aren’t words enough to express how unbelievable the effect was on myself and my husband. A year ago we discovered that our partners of 9 years were stealing,etc. from our company & we had to bring on a lawsuit which they are dragging out forever.Aside from the considerable money they took they shattered our hearts. They were “college friends” who we believed we could trust.Of course we were faced with the what to do next as Peter could no longer work with them.After weighing our options we dedcided to open our own landscape company & in one month got all the legal paperwork,accounts,employees,equipement,etc. up and running. People said we were crazy to start a new landscape company in the middle of a drought & the economy on a shaky path. Well it hasn’t been easy & this past friday we had a huge dissapointment when a large account that Peter had put in alot of time bidding was promised to us & then given to someone else. As i said it hasn’t been easy & that depressed to the point i wanted to give up. I opted to not go into the office and instead finish your book. I was at the point where you had closed for the season. After reading of the hurricane & cried for you & i suppose us. How can such things happen to “good people?” They do i guess & the fact that you just went ahead and rebuilt & went on helped me that day more then you will ever know. It gave me my fighting spirit back. Thank you for sharing your story. My husband & I have visited a few islands & like you dreamt of moving & starting a life there. We haven’t given up that dream but have to focus on this new company to make it happen. When i get overwhelmed i’ll think of you both & take inspiration. Sincerely, Michelle Braun
Michelle, please forgive us for not responding sooner. We’re working hard on our latest venture (our Live What You Love online store)and haven’t been able to visit our blog as often as usual. Thanks so much for sharing your story and remember not to give up when the road gets a little bumpy – and it WILL get bumpy. If you get discouraged again, stop what you’re doing for a day to think about what part of your life – or business – is not working. Do a little brainstorming and consider what you might be able to change to improve the situation. There’s always another way to approach any challenge. Once you’ve identified your options, you’ll be able to evaluate which one is right for you. Are there other creative ways to get new clients? Are you asking your friends and other people you know for help or ideas? What else? Keep climbing that mountain. If it all came too easily, you wouldn’t appreciate it as much in the end. It’s the problem solving and challenges that make it fulfilling. Good luck and keep in touch!
Good Day Mel and Bob;
My husband John and I were fortunate to have met you last year at Blanchard’s and I have read your book LWYL many times. John and I are living our dream, we moved to St. Thomas 3 years ago from Massachusetts. Some of our family members thought we were crazy but in most cases people react that way because they may want to do the same but don’t have the courage to make the changes in their lives. You are both such an inspiration and we love Anguilla. We saw the Jimmy Buffett concert at the Dunes last year. I loved your blog about lunch in Ogunquit, a favorite place for us when we lived up north!! I can’t wait to read your new book. Keep dreaming, we will. Mindy and John D’Orazio