COVID-19 got into our household during the holidays. We had a small gathering on Christmas of only immediate family, and within a few days we all had the virus. We still don’t know how we got infected. While most of us were lucky enough to have only mild symptoms, it was still very scary. Six months ago, I didn’t know anyone personally who had contracted the virus – today I don’t know anyone who hasn’t been touched by a COVID-related death. I’m afraid we have a long way to go with this pandemic. The vaccine rollout has been slow, especially in California, and with the virus mutating, there is a lot more uncertainty.
I still think 2021 will be far better than 2020, but concerts, live sporting events, large conferences and busy restaurants might be further away than we had hoped. Having the virus and surviving it only intensified my conviction that our health and safety must come first. Everything else can be replaced when we get to the other side of this. From a risk versus reward standpoint, I am glad schools will be open in the Fall. There are only so much our kids can take, but we all need to do our part to be safe and responsible. Please wear a mask!
Almost everyone, including Democrats, were expecting last Tuesday’s midterm election results to heavily favor Republicans. Many predicted a “red wave” where they would pick up 50-60 seats in the House and 3-4 in the Senate. Joe Rogan said the red wave that is coming will be like the elevator doors opening in the horror film The Shining.
Selling during a downturn required a more strategic approach, but the opportunities for growth and expansion are available to the savviest of companies. Here are some of the best ideas I’ve read about.
A farmer and his son had a beloved stallion who helped the family earn a living. One day, the horse ran away and their neighbors said “Your horse ran away, what terrible luck!”. The farmer replied, “Maybe so, maybe not. We’ll see.” A few days later the horse returned home, leading a few wild mares back to the farm as well. The neighbors shouted out “Your horse has returned and brought several horses home with him. What great luck!” and the farmer replied, “Maybe so, maybe not. We’ll see.”
I’ve written about this in other iterations. I’ve talked about finding your rhythm, and the importance of letting things come to you, not forcing things, and then riding the momentum when you have the wind at your back. The point of it all is that success is not linear. Progress doesn’t follow a straight line. For most people, the journey is long and winding. It looks more like a stairway or a hockey stick.