Solving commercial problems with clever solutions
Stratagem – a clever plan or scheme, especially one used to outwit an opponent or achieve an end which more often than not is born from viewing a situation differently and executing in a contrary way.
I had the opportunity to catch up with friends in Costa Rica for a week, and somewhere in the many conversations between falling off surf boards, I heard something I’d never heard before, and I really, really, liked it.
I don’t remember the context, but it started off something like this —
Read MoreIf you have ever read anything I've written you will know I do like telling stories, do love a fine metaphor... and a good quote for that matter; with that said, I think it is fair to say you have been forewarned.
Over the past couple of years I have downsized my house into something much smaller in the city, decided to build a boutique consulting shop and have been positioning myself to look at the world with more of an entrepreneurial eye. I am developing a body of work through my blogging and writing and changing myself to look at life differently; a wonderful journey so far. Recently, I had a conversation with someone who did not understand what I was doing, why I was doing it, saw no benefit in what I was doing, suggested it would be more beneficial to go back to what I was doing before it was to late, and measured success with touchstones that were more reflective of a repugnant character than success.
To all of it I simply said, "This is your problem, not mine". And if Internet motivational quotes are any indication, I was right.
I was right for many other reasons but go with it.
For a seed to achieve its greatest expression, it must come completely undone. The shell cracks, it's insides come out and everything changes. To someone who doesn't understand growth, it would look like complete destruction. - Cynthia Occlli
When she transformed into a butterfly, the caterpillars spoke not of her beauty, but of her weirdness. They wanted her to change back into what she always had been.
But she had wings.
- Unknown
As I reflect back on that discussion of change and growth, I was reminded of one last quote that is important as you take those first steps towards growth.
You only need your approval.
Anyone elses is just a bonus.
- Unknown
Remember, I did warn you.
iamgpe