It was a busy week with a lot of different projects moving forward.
Something my mentor suggested I say out loud.
I’m more than capable, but there’s a LOT on my plate. I’ve signed up for just about the maximum I’m capable of handling.
Deep breath…
A few things come to mind when I think about what I learned.
First of all, when emotions are high, going back to the foundation is ALWAYS a good idea.
There was a conversation on Thursday night with Brian, where I was getting frustrated.
We are STRUGGLING in the sales department. Just a weird time.
But, it’s bringing innovation, and that’s incredible. Tough times build strong people.
So, I took a breath and asked him if we could just go back to the beginning.
We unpacked the situation, and sure enough, we had a much better plan once we went backwards.
Backwards to go forward. It works like a charm.
I could feel a lot of uplifting thoughts as the week went on. I was seeing visions of success, where much of my recent visions were focused on possible threats.
Once and awhile, the “doom and gloom” or “fear of loss” sneaks up on me if I’m not careful. As I’ve written previously, I’ve been in a weird funk over the last few months. Plenty of good, but a decent amount of the aforementioned thoughts.
Battling the devil. Trying my best to bitch-slap him when he tries to take over.
There’s some dope shit happening at Fountain Forward, which is giving us an opportunity to introduce a new product/service to the market.
I’ve never done that before…
This week I was introduced to the MVP (Minimal Viable Product) by our young talent, Sam.
He nailed his deadline. I FUCKING LOVE WHEN PEOPLE HIT HEADLINES.
So, I started focusing on what I believe our Unique Selling Proposition (USP) really is and had some good back and forth with Chris. Seems like there are a few solid ways to go about this, which is nice.
This project is going to be a lot of fun because, regardless of how well it does as a product, it’s going to be a big help to our current and future agency clients.
As the weekend came, I had plenty to catch up on, but really just wanted to play golf.
I have decision fatigue in MANY ways, and the golf course releases tension in my body.
For those that are avid readers, golf brings a ton of joy to my life, not just because I love the game, but being outdoors with my friends also brightens my day.
It’s been nearly a month since I’ve played, so I was really craving it.
Friday afternoon golf was scheduled… Rained out.
Saturday morning golf was scheduled… Rained out.
Luckily, Sunday had a break in the rain, so I jumped at the chance to play. It was great to be out on the course with the boys. I learned a few good lessons about my mental state from how I played that day.
I was sloppy in a couple of areas where I really haven’t practiced. Go figure, right?
Who am I to think that I’d be sharp when I haven’t put much time into them at all?
By the end of the round, I was laughing at my short game. It was good to get over my ego.
Finally, a few moments from this week that I’d like to remember.
One was a conversation on Friday night at dinner. A friend of mine who also happens to own the restaurant came by our table to say hello and sing a little happy birthday song to Elizabeth.
He mentioned how much I loved Elizabeth and how much he was impressed with me and how I go about communicating.
He said he was proud of me and appreciates my transparency.
Him and I recently struck a deep connection, but I hadn’t seen him in a while. It was a beautiful interaction. He’s a big personality, so it’s really cool to provide an environment in which he feels comfortable communicating candidly.
I love you, Johnny. You are appreciated.
This was the same thing that was said on Saturday night at the birthday party. The birthday boy mentioned he read my blog, and the transparency, especially as a man, was appreciated.
That’s normally the feedback I get from people. They’re afraid of sharing with others.
Sharing who they really are and how they feel.
Conversations like those remind me that writing each week, first and foremost helps me make sure I’m doing my best, but also reminds others to reflect, heal, and grow.
It’s off to KC with the kings of Client Service at Fountain Forward. I’m excited to share those days and experiences with these two brilliant young men.
There’s a lot on my mind, and I’m doing my absolute best. It’s great to have Wilbur by my side for the week.
Chin up, shoulders back.
– SJ