The potential of creating better habits
Daylle Deanna Schwartz doesn’t take any crap – not anymore. She decided to create better habits for herself and has parlayed that decision into a successful writing career. Her blog, lessons from a recovering doormat, is inspiring, motivating and empowering. If you need to kick-start your life, then take a look at some of her articles. You’ll probably want to buy one of her books as well.
Daylle tagged me to participate in her “Creating Better Habits” challenge. I am honored that she asked and the following is my contribution.
The Rut
A little over a year ago (Oct. 14. 2006, to be exact), I decided to create a better life for myself. It’s amazing how a pivotal date can stick in your mind, isn’t it? Don’t get me wrong, I had and still have a good life, but I was wallowing in the rut of a high-paying union job. Great pay, fantastic benefits, okay work, NO CHALLENGE – NO FULFILLMENT. Plants can’t live in a rut and neither will you – you die on the inside.
The “Aha” moment
My good friend, Scott Kay and I were discussing the then-recent purchase of Myspace for an amount in excess of half a billion dollars, when I asked Scott, “Why don’t we do something like that?” He responded, “Okay”. That moment will be burned in my mind forever, because it changed my life.
We had an idea
Scott and I came up with an idea for an internet business. The strange thing was that neither of us knew anything about the internet. In fact, I had only recently bought a computer and had not even been on the internet in over six years. I guess that we are “intelligently ignorant” as Zig Ziglar would call it. We are like the bumble bee who doesn’t know that he’s not supposed to be able to fly.
The changes
Having a life-altering thought is easy. Changing your life is not. It requires changing yourself, which is something that people naturally avoid. I began by creating better habits, like:
- changing my mind – I spend every spare minute reading. Internet technology, blogs, internet commerce, motivation, business, legal information, SEO, social networking, marketing, promotion, packaging, networking and much more – believe me, YOU CAN TEACH AN OLD DOG NEW TRICKS
- attempting new things – I had no idea how to create a web site or what a blog was, but I kept reading about how I needed one, so I started a blog on one of the free hosted platforms in order to get the feel of it. It felt good – Yes, I am addicted.
- avoiding negative people – when we started, it was all a big joke to the people that we worked with. We would hear comments like, “How’s that little internet thing coming along?” or “How’s that shoulder thing working out for you?” Now, it’s a different story, we are getting a lot of press and lot more orders. Now, people stop us and ask, “Are you selling stock in your company yet?” or “When you start hiring, remember me”.
- testing myself – it is amazing when you realize how much you can accomplish when you are passionate about something. Sleep is for sissies – at least that is what I keep telling myself. We’ve had so many orders for the Rotater lately that we don’t have the luxury to sleep. That is, if we expect to maintain excellent customer service. And we do!
- not taking “No” personally – some people don’t understand the concept of the Rotater or how it can help them. That’s not a problem for me, because those who reject it are in the minority and I know that it is not an indictment of me or my abilities. I just keep plugging along because I know that we are helping people regain their quality of life.
The result
I am tired, overworked, excited, stressed, stretched, learning, growing – and I absolutely love it. I am having the time of my life. How long will it last? As long as I am willing to maintain good habits.
Thanks
Thanks again, Daylle. I didn’t realize until I began, how much I needed to write this article. What a release.
Tag, your it
I would like to tag:
- Brad Baggett – my good friend and a phenomenal connector. He “knows” people and can put you in touch with people that can help you – a networker “par excellence”.
- Eric Sanders – another good friend with a sense of humor that is so similar to mine, that it is scary. Strong opinions and willing to share as well as defend them. A real “idea” man.
- Tristan Loo – I’ve read some of Tristan’s writings and have been impressed with his style and substance. Recently, I had the pleasure to read “Lucky You!”, an article that he had published in a sweet self-help magazine entitled GOING BONKERS. As usual, it was great.
- Stephen Hopson - a good friend and constant inspiration. He is one of the best networkers that I’ve had the pleasure of knowing
Tell us all how you’ve created better habits. Anyone who feel compelled to share, go to Daylle’s site and check out the rules and join the fun. The more the merrier.
The Rotater is in the news with pictures
I am exhausted. We (Joint Mechanix) did our second interview/photo shoot in three days – after working all night. But, you’ve got to ride the media while you are hot.
The Montgomery Advertiser article
Kym Klass, a reporter from the Montgomery Advertiser in Montgomery Alabama, contacted us on Monday about doing a feature article on the Rotater.
On Tuesday, we traveled to Montgomery after working all night to take pictures and answer questions. The whole process took about 4 hours, including drive time, but was worth it.
The article is titled “Pair hope patients in rehab turn to Rotater” and appeared in the paper yesterday. I am not sure how long this link will be good, but it is good right now.
A number of people have contacted me about posting a picture of myself on this site. I am trying to get it done, but right now, it’s not a huge priority. However, there are a number of pictures of me and Scott with this article ( I am the bald guy ).
The Auburn Opelika News
We were contacted by Bob Prater, a features reporter for the Auburn Opelika News yesterday. We met with him today ( again, after working all night) and spent about an hour taking pictures and answering questions.
An article about the us (Joint Mechanix) and the Rotater is supposed to be published in this coming Sunday edition.
UPDATE! 12-7-07 The Auburn Opelika News featured an article about us on the front page today!
“Local inventor revolutionizes rehab”
Hard work is paying dividends
As a personal development writer, I am living what I write. My life is a whirlwind at times, because of the time and effort involved in living the ideas that you espouse. However, it is never dull, boring or uneventful. I’m having a blast.
Juicy tidbit
On top of all this excitement, we were contacted yesterday by someone from the “Big Idea” with Donny Deutsch. She spoke with Scott for about a half hour and said that they would be back in touch with us. Maybe we’ll be on TV.
The joys and frustrations of being an entrepreneur
JOY #1 – Its an adrenaline rush
Being an entrepreneur is like careening down a mountain road at ninety miles per hour with one headlight out. Its both thrilling and terrifying at the same time. You react to circumstances as quickly as you can but still you wonder if your last decision:
- will throw you off the mountain
- will cause you to run headlong into some obstacle
- will allow you to gain even more speed and momentum
It can be a true adrenaline-laced thrill ride. But like an amusement park roller coaster, every peak is followed by a valley. These peaks and valleys represent the joys and frustrations of entrepreneurship.
FRUSTRATION #1 – Not everyone shares your enthusiasm
When you are “moving and shaking”, you tend to assume that everyone around you is interested in your success. They are not. In fact, some are secretly hoping that you fail. Why?
- If you are successful, then others are forced to examine why you achieved your success while they have not.
- If you are successful, then you may move beyond your current environment leaving some friends behind.
JOY #2 – Press Coverage
The Montgomery Advertiser ran an article yesterday about the Rotater and noted that it had been recognized as the “GOLF PRODUCT OF THE MONTH” by 1StopForGolf.com.
JOY #3 – A large spike in traffic to therotater.com
One of the benefits of press coverage is that it creates a natural curiosity in people. They want to see what all the fuss is about, so they travel to our web site to watch the Rotater video and read the testimonials.
This press coverage has increased the awareness of the Rotater and has created a viral “buzz”. More and more people are learning of the benefits that the Rotater provides for post-operative shoulder patients, athletes and breast cancer survivors.
JOY #4 – Increased sales
Increased sales are the quest of every entrepreneur! When you get more eyeballs looking at your product or service plus an unsolicited and unpaid endorsement from a fair and unbiased third party, the result is an increase in the volume of sales.
So, we had a nice increase in sales yesterday.
FRUSTRATION #2 – Learning how to maintain momentum
While I am thrilled by the attention the the Rotater received yesterday, I realize that today means going back to the drawing board.
- Today, we will have to call or email contacts to increase an awareness of the benefits of the Rotater.
- Today, we will have to follow through on our commitment to excellent customer service.
JOY #5 – A powerful telephone call
In the midst of all the excitement yesterday, I received a phone call from a renowned golfer who has been using the Rotater for a couple of months. He told me that he loves his Rotater, keeps it in the trunk of his car and uses it nearly everyday.
That’s a powerful endorsement!
FRUSTRATION #3 – No testimonial
I asked this championship golfer if he would give me a testimonial. He said that he couldn’t give me a testimonial for fear that it would endanger his amateur status with the U.S.G.A.
Even though his testimonial would go a long way toward establishing some verifiable credibility for the Rotater, I completely understand this golfers predicament and I don’t want him to do anything that might lead to eligibility issues.
He believes in the Rotater and has offered to help us in other ways. I believe him.
SUMMARY: JOYS = 5 AND FRUSTRATIONS = 3
All in all, it’s all good! Valleys follow peaks. That’s just the way it is. Just don’t allow yourself to stay in the valley. Start climbing to the top of the mountain and get ready for the next thrill ride down.
Hints and help for the would-be entrepreneur
O.K. You’ve finally have a big idea but you don’t know what to do or where to start. Don’t panic yet. Attempt to corral all your energy, get a pen and paper or find a computer terminal with internet access. Soupornuts is here to offer his help.
- The first thing you have to realize is that everything you need or want to know is available.
- The second thing is that you have to actively search for it.
The following is a list of web sites that offer a tremendous amount of information. Some better than others. Visit them and glean from them the information that you find helpful. If I feel very strongly about a site, I will offer a note or two. You will also find intermingled with these web resources a number of hints that I feel will help you.
- SCORE – one of the best business information sites available – free, no agenda and lots of info. There is a reason that I have it listed first - it’s the best!
- Helpful Hint – when you visit a site, look for a links page or a resources page – this info can take you to sites (and info) you may have never considered
- Inc – great site and lots of info – take notes
- Helpful Hint – search the web for any and everything you can think of related to your “big” idea – potential customers, potential competitors, suppliers, etc.
- Helpful Hint – get the Firefox browser if you don’t have it. With this browser, you can add-on a bunch of search engines and cut down on your search time. The Firefox down load is quick, simple and easy. You’ll thank me a million times.
- Allbusiness – advice, business blogs, online videos and forms and agreements ( I purchased a package of forms and was well pleased)
- Inc – online version of Inc. magazine – wealth of info - somehow it made the list twice – must be really good!
- Get Motivation – inspiration and motivation – articles and quotes
- Entrepreneur – business tools, resources, online videos and more
- Helpful Hint – Down load the Web2.0 tool bar today – with this tool bar installed you can search the social book marking sites (del.icio.us, Digg, Technorati and more) as well as a host of blog directories. Easy down load and install plus it is a mega feed aggregator – you’ll appreciate this
- Small Business Administration – your government at work providing you with (free?) business startup info and more
- Hot Points – blog authored by Bob Parson’s, owner of Godaddy.com – unique perspective, motivational and helpful – search the archives
- Helpful Hint – if you go to a site, look for the articles section, these are usually free, but sometimes you have to search for them
- Helpful Hint – when you finish reading an article, look at the author’s info ( usually in a box at the bottom ), there will be a link to their site or more info, if you are so inclined
- My Own Business – free online course
- Better Business Bureau – educating online business
- SuccessMethods – inspiration and motivation, but you’ve got to do a little searching – hint scroll down the pages
- Startup Journal – a Wall Street Journal source produced for entrepreneurs
- Goals Guy – this link will take you to his articles, but explore the rest of the site
- Harvey Mackay – this is a direct link to his best of columns – great writer and motivator
- My New Company – startup info and help
- Visit soupornuts.com often or get the rss feed.
All right, this will help you get started. Just remember, it’s all about being passionate – but passion without knowledge creates a zealot.
- have a goal
- get some knowledge
- develop your idea
- formulate a plan
- make adjustments
- stay focused
- become an entrepreneur
Learn from your child - fear of failure results in lack of success
Ask any person who is still in the consideration phase of becoming an entrepreneur, why they have yet to launch their business enterprise and you will hear a litany of excuses. When boiled down to the basics, the majority will admit that it is due to a fear of some sort:
- fear of ridicule
- fear of what others may think or say
- fear of success
- fear of the unknown
- fear of failure
The flaw in the fear of failure – it is learned, not inherent
The list of fears can be endless, but the overwhelming majority will say that the number one reason for their inhibition is the fear of failure.
Have you ever stopped to consider where your fears originated? Were you born with them? The answer is no, with the exceptions being; the fear of falling, the fear of loud noises and in some people, the fear of snakes. All of our other fears are learned, ingrained and habitual.
Children are fearless
My daughter fell twelve feet out of our loft and onto a hardwood floor when she was only five. Fortunatley, she was only bruised badly. When things had settled, I asked her what had happened. She replied that she had been watching the “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” and had climbed on top of the railing that surrounds our loft/tv area, to sit like the hunchback was doing on tv.
As a child, we had no fears of failure. We tried to walk, we fell, made adjustments and then tried again and again and again. We kept trying and making adjustments until we found we could take one step and then two steps, all the while adapting and honing our technique.
This trial and error process allowed us to become proficient and we used the same techniques when we learned to ride a bike, swim, play sports or accomplish other feats both as a child and as an adult.
Those important to us supported our efforts
Our parents never shook their heads and said, “Poor Johnny, he’ll never walk”. They picked us up, dusted us off, gave us some encouragement and told us to give it another try. Failure is nothing to be ashamed of. We’ve all failed (no one ever learned to walk, swim and so forth, on the first try ).
As children, we never worried about failure until we reached an age when we became concerned that others would think we were inferior if we failed in our current quest. The truth is that everyone must first fail in order to learn how to succeed.
The point is to let you inner child run free. Think like a child. Experiment. Attempt new things. Spend less time occupied with what others think and more time on freeing your spirit and expanding your mind. Try. Fail. Learn. Try again. Succeed.
It’s not like I’m asking you to hold a snake.
Where do ideas come from?
I was recently discussing one of my web site ventures with a close friend when he commented that “he wouldn’t know where to start”. I don’t think that anyone knows where to start, but I did know that if I didn’t do something about my idea, it would “die on the vine”.
I consider this friend to be well above average in both aptitude and attitude, so I knew that intellect and motivation were not the reasons for his lack of ideas. The problem, I think is that most people don’t invest enough time in the planting, growing and harvesting of their ideas.
Where do ideas come from?
1. There is the “find a need and fill it” idea.
This is the concept that we most often envision when we think of “coming up” with an idea. How many times have you seen a new product or service and asked yourself, “that’s obvious, why didn’t I see it before?” Probably because you never took the time to seriously examine your needs. We just tend to blow them off and assume there’s nothing we can do about it or assume that somebody else could do it better or quicker than we can. All of these are false, defeatist attitudes that discount our value.
In reality, ideas are not pursued to fruition due to:
-
fear of failure
-
fear of success
-
fear of what friends and family will think
-
lack of dedication to the time or effort needed or both
-
poor self image
-
lack of education (where do I start?)
2. New ideas are provided by new technologies.
As new technologies emerge and reach the marketplace, they often arrive before a market has been created for their use. Think of the personal computer circa 1982. Everybody thought they were great, but didn’t have the faintest idea how to put them to productive use.
Thankfully, some visionaries did see the potential and they got busy creating products and services that could and would exploit the advantages of the computer.
Have an open mind and try to think in ways that are beyond or outside the norm. Read Seth Godin’s book, “Free Prize Inside” and create a “purple cow”.
3. Use an old technology in new way.
Items that have become obsolete and disposable to us, may have or may be able to be put to an alternative use for someone else. We don’t use phonographic turntables anymore, but DJ’s mix albums with them. This is putting an old technology to a new use.
The idea is to use our imaginations and give ourselves time, so we can create and develop new business ideas. What’s your big idea?
soupornuts.com answers questions about the Rotater
I am an entrepreneur involved in several business ventures. One of these projects involves the marketing and development of the Rotater, which I have mentioned several times.
Answering e-mail
After receiving a number of e-mails with questions about the Rotater, I thought it might be beneficial to post the questions and my answers here rather than continuing to answer each query individually.
1. Did I invent the Rotater?
No. The Rotater was invented by my business partner and friend, Scott Kay.
2. Why did Scott invent the Rotater?
Scott is a flat-track motorcycle racer. He’s a no-holds-barred, balls-to-the-wall, wide-open kind of guy. His competitive nature causes him to push himself and his motorcycle to the edge and has resulted in several physically damaging crashes.
His latest crash resulted in his third shoulder surgery. Physicians say that it is extremely difficult to break your shoulder blade (scapula). Scott has managed to break each of his on separate occasions.
Facing another long rehabilitation process, Scott started questioning his physical therapists about obtaining some shoulder equipment that he could use at home to supplement his prescribed physical therapy. They repeatedly told him that he already had everything that was available. This answer did not satisfy Scott, so he designed the Rotater.
3. When did he decide to patent and market the Rotater?
Initially, Scott had no intention of pursuing the opportunity. He had simply done what he needed to do in order to speed up his rehab process.
It was only after continued urging by his physical therapists that Scott decided to share his Rotater with the world.
4. What is the Rotater?
The Rotater can best be described as a personal stretching device for the shoulder.
5. How does the Rotater work?
This simple-looking device positions the arm while at the same time it allows you to control the degree of stretch. It is almost like having a trainer or therapist with you. In fact, it was Scott who said, “I knew it was a good shoulder device when I could feel the same sensations that I felt during my shoulder therapy sessions.” You can see a video demonstration here.
6. Who uses the Rotater?
The Rotater is being used by:
- physical therapists
- occupational therapists
- physicians
- orthopedic surgeons
- athletic trainers
- nurses
- strength and conditioning specialists
- golfers – see what 1StopForGolf.com says about the Rotater
- long drive champion
- pga teaching professionals
- professional baseball player
- volleyball players
- softball players
- swimmers
- competition rodeo roper (header)
- post-operative patients
- former NCAA cyclist
- breast cancer survivors
7. What is “Stretching Shoulders to Stretch Lives”? 
“Stretching Shoulders to Stretch Lives” is the tag line that marks our commitment to help breast cancer survivors by donating ten percent of the revenue of all “Pink Rotater” sales to help fund breast cancer research.
Essentially, when you buy a “Pink Rotater” to “Stretch your Shoulder”, we donate ten percent of the selling price for research “to Stretch Lives”.
Decisive action is characteristic of the entrepreneur
Employment = comfort
When you work for someone else, you develop a sense of comfort. This is primarily due to the fact that you enjoy a “buffer” zone that insulates you from the direct effects of any actions you may take.
Few, if any decisions that you make have a direct impact on the performance of the company you work for. Of course, I realize that this is a broad statement and excludes:
- rain makers
- those that work for very small businesses
- high ranking members of management
For example, when you work for someone else and you decide to “lay out of work” for a day:
- How did your absence affect business operations?
- Did production stop?
- Did deliveries stop?
- Did the price of the company’s stock rise or fall?
Performance may have been less than optimal, but production and deliveries did not stop. This is because every business has a certain amount of inefficiency built into it. As the company becomes larger, employing more and more people, the affects of your performance decreases in proportion to the number of people employed. Again, the exceptions being for those key persons stated above.
Entrepreneurs cannot afford to get comfortable
As an entrepreneur, almost every decision you make has a direct and immediate impact on your business.
1. There is no option for “laying out of work” or “taking a personal day”.
In most instances, you are the business. You are:
- the owner
- the manager
- the head of production
- the delivery guy
- the receptionist
- the sales force
- the marketing team
- the janitor
Not only is your performance vital to the state of the business, but without you at the helm, normal business operations cannot occur. Typically, entrepreneurs work long hours because:
- their business is their passion
- their success is directly related to their performance
2. You must be able to make decisions “on the fly”.
This means that you have to base your decisions on the information available “right now”, often using only your “gut” instinct. Most of the time you do not have the luxury of taking a “wait and see” approach. Therefore, each decision you make has the potential to have a huge impact on your business.
3. You cannot tolerate inefficiency, bad attitudes or poor performance.
If someone is not working out, be it an employee, supplier or contracted professional, they must be eliminated from the organization. This must be done quickly before their performance can cause a detrimental effect on the business or its reputation.
4. You must be able to cut your losses and move on.
You will make mistakes. It is the nature of the beast. You cannot have all the answers because everyone you deal with is an individual and must be dealt with on an individual and personal basis. If something or someone is not working out, quickly make the decision to confront the issue, modify it or take action to minimize its effects on your business. But if it is a problem then deal with it as quickly as possible. Problems seldom go away on their own.
5. Your business will involve interaction with other people.
You must always be on your toes to present a professional and courteous disposition. No matter what else is going on in your life, whether business or personal, you are the “image” of your business. Personality counts and lack of it will not be tolerated for long.
Entrepreneurs are on the front line of business
Entrepreneurs make the hard decisions because they don’t have any choice. Everyone within the organization affects the performance of the whole. The fewer the people involved, the greater the potential impact of the individual. If there is a problem with personnel, deal with them. And do it swiftly.
soupornuts’ reasons to click - #6
The proliferation of information on the web results in a multitude of fast, free and fun places to interact. My “reasons to click” series is devoted to spreading the word about web sites, blogs and articles/posts that I find interesting, helpful and/or fun. So far, I have not received much feedback as to whether my readers find this information to be of any use. Give me a comment or two. Do I continue with this series or not? You make the call.
1. We’re having a baby!
I’m not sure that everyone knows, but my wife and I are expecting our third child. You’d think that by now, I’d have all this baby stuff worked out and be completely knowledgeable about everything. And you’d be right. My wife on the other hand is full of questions because this will be our first baby boy. Where do you find out about:
- Pregnancy weight gain? I haven’t gained much but my wife seems concerned.
- Baby health
- When to call a doctor?
- Baby naming? It seems that there are some rules.
- Much more
…gurgle. That’s right. Gurgle is the name of an extensive site all about babies, having babies, naming babies, caring for babies and a whole lot more.
2. Hard to find 800 numbers
Do you need to contact a company and:
- can’t find their 800 number on their web site
- they don’t have a web site
- it’s just too much trouble to sift through the mountain of information
Click on over to HARD TO FIND 800 NUMBERS. Not only do they provide numbers, they also provide a way for you to submit helpful numbers that you’ve discovered.
3. My office is full of sticky notes
I use sticky notes. They’re surrounding me right now. In fact, the only thing that I use more than sticky notes is a yellow highlighter. Why don’t I use sticky notes for remembering that thing that I wanted to remember on that site I was checking out the other day? I can now that I’ve found MyStickies, a Web 2.0 application that is FREE.
I’ve started using it and it looks like it is going to be a great application.
4. A much needed history lesson
The passage of time clouds the memory. A little over two hundred years ago, our forefathers laid the foundation for a great nation. Eric Sanders at Brainwavers is on a mission to remind us of the true cost of our freedom to sit here and read or write about any issue that crosses our minds without the fear of being arrested, tortured and/or killed. Tune in for more.
5. Bold and shameless self-promotion
1StopForGolf has featured the Rotater as the “GOLF PRODUCT OF THE MONTH” in their most recent e-newsletter. The Rotater is a brand new, revolutionary shoulder rehabilitation and stretching device that has caused quite a buzz among those who have tried it.
Scott Kay and I formed our company (Joint Mechanix) a few months ago to promote, market and distribute the Rotater, which Scott invented to help him during rehabilitation from shoulder surgery. We have been to a number physical therapy conferences where the Rotater has received high marks and great praises. Though we have been receiving a number of testimonials attesting to the effectiveness of the Rotater, this is our first mention in the press.
We are also very proud to announce that we have been able to produce a “Pink Rotater” that is accompanied by our new “Strong Arm” attachment. This has been an “high-priority” project that will allow Joint Mechanix to help breast cancer survivors while at the same time allow us to help fund breast cancer research.
Problems vs. opportunities - it’s all a matter of perspective
As managers, entrepreneurs and parents, we spend a great deal of our time dealing with and trying to solve problems. Problems, problems, problems:
- Who called in sick today?
- Do we have someone qualified to cover that job?
- How is this going to affect our production schedule and thus, my appearance to my boss?
- Will he/she understand?
- The bank called today and you’re three months late on the loan you used to finance that big expansions you felt that you had the customers and orders to justify. What do you do? Will they understand? Will this affect future collaborations
- Your child’s school called and your son/daughter is being disruptive in class.
- How do we deal with him/her?
- How do we reach them?
- What are the circumstances?
I could go on and on but you get the picture and this is just the stuff right off the top of my head. I’d bet that if we tried, we could come up with a list of problems so long and complicated that it would boggle the mind.
I was currently analyzing a problem that has been nagging and hindering the startup of a business that I am involved in when I had an epiphany. I am always going to have problems. The issue is not that I have problems or that you have problems, but the issue is about how we view those problems. It’s all a matter of your perspective. Problems are simply – OPPORTUNITIES in disguise. Let’s notice some simple facts:
1. You will always have problems – that is a fact. And as a businessman, that’s great!
I know, you think that I’ve lost my mind, but it is true. Problems provide the opportunity to showcase your talents. Even if you are on the very bottom rung of the business/corporate ladder, you are able to demonstrate your expertise by how you handle problems.
Those people who become adept at problem solving will quickly move to the head of the class. As they say, “the cream rises to the top”. Your boss and his or her boss will begin to notice that your skills are noteworthy. In the business world, a problem solver is highly valued because they are able to:
- make the project come together
- facilitate the collaboration of strong opposing personalities
- meet the deadline
- bring the project in under budget
Problems create the opportunity to showcase your talents and abilities. Do you have special skills? How will you ever be able to demonstrate them without problems? It’s kind of like being an exceptional athlete. No one really knows how good you are until you operate against the pressure of an opposing team.
2. We would all prefer to lead simple and predictable lives – but as an entrepreneur I value problems!
Problems give us the chance to flex our solution-producing muscles. Every new product that succeeds is the answer to a problem that someone identified. Then, they sought to offer some way of overcoming or dealing with this problem. Viola, a new product or service is born. Think about it, every book on entrepreneurship tells you to find a need (another name for a problem) and fill it.
Do you have a problem with the way something works or doesn’t work? Scott Kay did and the Rotater was born.
Provide a solution and then market it. It may be the next big thing. The possibilities are limited only by the limitations that you place on yourself.
3. Problems provide a measure of our dedication and persistence.
It is easy to maintain a positive outlook when everything is going according to plan, but it is the problems and adversity that will test you. It is when you are struggling to make your lease payments and publicize your business while all your friends and relatives ask, “why don’t you give up and get a real job”, that your mettle is tested. Can you take it? Are you a quitter?
As my friend Stephen Hopson says over at Adversity University, life is about adversity.
Problems are opportunities in disguise. Use them to showcase your skills, talents and your perseverance.
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External Rotation with The Rotater
"Thanks to the rotater I was able to get back to work and not lose the use of my shoulder in this demanding profession."
- Officer D. Pesko
Internal Rotation withThe Rotater
"...The Rotater has become as much a part of my morning as my cup of coffee...Thanks for a great product!!"
Perry R. Green
Director of Instruction
The Golf Club at Wescott Plantation
Rotator Cuff Strengthening & Stabilization
"I just received the Rotater today and I am instantly convinced that every baseball player needs to have this tool in their arsenal! Not only is it simple to use, it does exactly what you expect it to do with no learning curve."
Coach Dan Huff, CSCS
www.baseballstrength.com
