Bumps in the Road

I had accomplished my mission: a loaf of bread, a gallon of milk, and a dozen eggs. All I needed to do now was to make a hasty retreat from the convenience store parking lot. A quick shot past the Sassy Nails, the post office, and Anderson's Hardware, and I'd be home free. It was a Saturday morning, and I was anxious to get home. Another dozen micro-missions called to me from my weekend To Do list. I was revved up and ready to take them down.

I was making my way across the expansive parking lot, when I suddenly found myself behind a massive Sport Utility Vehicle. (That's an SUV for those of you who like to keep it on the DL.) I can't remember if it was an Escalade, an Explorer, an Excursion, an Egregious, or an Exponential. Whatever it was, it was E-normous, and it was in my way.

This particular SUV was fully loaded. It sported the off-road trail package with brush guards, diamond plated armor, and a grappling hook. You know the kind - a rig that looks better suited for the Mojave Desert than Main Street. I'm pretty certain this thing could've driven up the side of any of the buildings that dared to stand in its way, but for now it seemed content to plod steadily along.

Just then, the oversized brake light (strategically located at eye level, no less) lit up like the sun. After a moment of temporary blindness, my retinas cooled off just in time for me to jam on my brakes. The monster truck slowed to a near stop before it began inching ahead once again.

I wondered what dared to get in the path of this mighty machine. Perhaps another compact economy car like mine pulled in front of the SUV driver, and he was afraid it might get caught in his tire tread. Or maybe a defiant squirrel stood in his path in a Tiananmen-style testament to the importance of "going green". (I'm telling you, squirrels are Sciurus about the environment.)

Anxious to find out what had happened, I peered underneath the truck and caught a glimpse of the offender:

A speed bump.

$60,000 later, and Mad Max and his state-of-the-art trail blazer had been brought to a screeching halt by a lowly speed bump. As I chuckled at the irony, it occurred to me that this twist plays out every day. No, I'm not talking about 4-wheel drive owners whose tires never leave the blacktop. I'm talking about those people around us who are equally geared for greatness but who approach life with a bit too much trepidation.

On the road of life, you may be surprised to learn that we each have the tools we need to accomplish great success. (Minus the mudflaps.) Think about the unique combination of skills, values, knowledge, perspective, motivation, hope, and promise that you bring to the party. If you're like most people, you would agree that the results you are seeing in your life are not a 100% reflection of what you believe you are truly capable of achieving. Hey, that sucks - what gives?

Well, for one, success requires a fair bit of audacity. Think about it - stating a goal means taking a stand. You're proclaiming to yourself and to the world that something is important to you and that you are holding yourself accountable to achieve it. Too many times, we're tentative, guarded, and diffident in our goal pursuits (and our use of a thesaurus).

If you have the tools and you're willing to learn and to ask for help, the only other thing you need is the courage to use your powers for good. You can draw inspiration and strength from the power of your vision. Do these simple things (that I realize are oh-so-hard to actually do in practice), and you can quickly make molehills out of any mountains you may feel are standing in your way.

Be bold and face your goals head on! Let's leave the speed bumps to the Sunday drivers - you and I have places to go.

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to the car dealer for another round of undercoating.

Related Links

Green SUV options
Killer safety oxymoron
Best warning sign ever

Quote of the Week

"Tentative efforts lead to tentative outcomes. Therefore give yourself fully to your endeavors. Decide to construct your character through excellent actions and determine to pay the price of a worthy goal. The trials you encounter will introduce you to your strengths. Remain steadfast...and one day you will build something that endures; something worthy of your potential."
Epicetus, Roman Teacher & Philosopher, 55-135 A.D.

Coaching Quickie: Bumps in the Road

Check back next week for results!

Last Week's Results

Coaching Quickie: Not So Special Delivery
How well do you hold yourself accountable?

(22%) 4 - If I get out of line, I am on my own butt like white on rice.
(56%) 3 - I do my best to demonstrate personal accountability at all times.
(22%) 2 - If it's important enough, I'm usually good to get it done.
(00%) 1 - I'm pretty lenient with myself and I want to get better at following through.

If you missed it, you can read last week's newsletter online here.