For those of you who have been following my blog you will have noticed a trend which entails walking. Something I love for many reasons, something I have been doing for many more years than I care to remember.
A key part of serious hill walking is having great footwear, and over the years I have worn out many boots. They become a trusted old friend and when it comes time to get a new pair, there are mixed feelings. The thought of pensioning off a reliable companion is always a concern. Also, as technology has usually moved forward, there will be new products on the market which is always interesting. In my time I have seen many ideas that have been simply daft, or styles better suited to the cat walk than a serious hill so I choose with care – my safety may be at risk if I don’t, as I am not just a fair weather walker. Whilst I love the old leather boots that a good treatment of wax will make waterproof I do admit that many of the new boots are just amazing. My latest version has ‘memory foam’ (whatever that is), a waterproof and breathable membrane, eyelets that hold the laces tight, a brilliant sole that is high grip and avoids the clogging of mud, and many more features that I won’t bore you with.
My feet seem to be getting more choosy as the years unfold, so it takes me a while to get comfortable in a new pair. The last few days I have been out ‘breaking in’ this new pair of mountain boots and, whilst they are mostly comfortable, the left one is making my foot ache – nothing odd and no blister, so I am feeling confident that they will be good.
Now what has his got to do with business? Well, I was walking at a fair old speed today, although my concentration was mostly on my left foot. I was well into my stride when a friendly voice hailed – ‘hello Peter’ – I had walked right past two people I know well. I stopped, apologised for my lack of recognition, and had a good conversation for about 15 minutes. We then set off on our way again.
It made me wonder how often am I so absorbed with the things I am doing in my business, that I miss something else that could be an opportunity just sliding by? Now don’t get me wrong, I think focus is vital if you are going to get the results you want. It just struck me though, that sometimes we are so self consumed that we miss what may be a great opportunity.
After I left my friends I lifted my head up and concentrated on what was going on around me. Within a few minutes I had forgotten about my foot ache and really enjoyed seeing the day in a new light. The swans flying in formation overhead (now that is a powerful message for another day!), the changing sky that threatened snow again, the first signs of spring arriving and so much more. Now there was an interesting lesson that I had to relearn!
So what are you busy suffering, with your head down and attention elsewhere, which is possibly delivering you no results? What could you be capitalising on that is more valuable, if only you were paying attention?
Isn’t a new month a good time to lift your eyes to your business horizon again?
I thought so!
My good wishes,
Peter
