by Eldari Visser
There is a secret rule when exploring the wild or going on a road trip by foot or by car - you never go alone. Well duh! Yet... here in beautiful South Africa we hear of many hikers and mountaineers that unfortunately died whilst out on a hike. Most of the time it could have been prevented and most of the time it was due to the fact that they underestimated the terrain and the weather and more than 90% were alone. A friend, a group is always advisable.
There are a few obvious reasons why:
You can get totally lost - the wonderful world of GPS might not be all over the sites we want to explore. I was once stuck in the Namib desert without any signal.
It is wise to take along a guide. They know all the corners, cliffs and wrong turns. Many times two paths look the same. A guide will show you exactly where to go. They know the area, the winds, storms, animals and when it is time to turn back.
What if you get stuck? Someone needs to pull you out of a muddy pool right? Pull you up from the overhanging cliff!
What if you place your foot wrong and sprain an ankle? Someone needs to carry you or go to find help. When you are exposed to the elements you need another person by your side.
I am sure we can think of many more reasons. The main reason why I never hike alone is two-fold. I get side-tracked by the scenery and take pictures whilst admiring nature, and then of course I enjoy the company. So I can chat away and lose focus.
I love to chat to share the experience with a companion. My companions keep me focused on the job at hand which is reaching the end destination, and will quickly bring my focus back on what we are doing and our timelines that we need to reach. Another important component for a hike is the supply bag. We take water, cameras, hats and extra nibbles, something for weather changes and emergency medical aid kits. We also have a sequence or rather call it, a walking format. An adult in the front and an adult at the back. We do the same when we use vehicles. Simple rules that could be the difference between life and death.
Unfortunately nature is a force to be reckoned with. Her beauty attracts you but it can spit you out. Just like the business world! If you consider taking a “hike” with your finances or your business, please keep these simple rules in mind. Once you realize that in business we can apply these same rules it will be much easier to reach your set objective or destination.
Take a look at these examples.
Have a mentor (tour guide) that can show you the way and that has done this many times. They understand business and finance.
Have a colleague, a friend or even your mentor that can re-focus you should you get side-tracked. Admin, or an exciting new project, or your mind, can all play a part in your busy business life. It’s like me and my camera. When we get into our own world we have the tendency to get stuck into what we want done or our creativity takes over and it is necessary to have someone that can ground you again. Taking your mind off the non-essentials. Re-focus!
Of course the opposite could also be true. You might be the one hiker that is so focused on the destination that you miss the beauty along the way. The partner/s will be the one that can say - “hey, stop, smell the roses, look at the beauty around you. Don’t burn yourself out. You are here to enjoy this!” Sound familiar?
The hat and water are symbols of the fact that you have to plan what will be absolutely essential for your survival and success - heck, these days just to keep afloat is a tough thing to do! This might be capital, new contracts, keeping the suppliers happy and looking for new clients. Make a list today of what are your business’ “hat and water” elements. Your essentials. Once you know what they are it becomes easier and natural keeping your specific business essentials in mind.
Don’t try to do everything alone. There is a very good reason why we like company. It keeps us “safe”. By this statement I mean that they can watch out for the dangers that you don’t see. They can rescue when help is needed. They can help to carry all the “travel equipment “. They ease the load and they become a travel companion.
Considering the above I am sure some of you are mumbling something to the likes of..” hmm nothing new, I know all of this, how does this really help”? Hang on...
Nobody can tell any of us the real impact of the Covid 19 pandemic on businesses and the relevant economies yet. This might take a few economic cycles. We hear the good and the bad but what is becoming clearer every day is the sense of urgency that most businesses have to get things going again.
This is exactly where you need to stop and focus! Ask yourself.
Do I need help?
Can I get things going again on my own?
Is my business still secure and can I just keep on with the road I am on?
Who can flank me to be a good soundboard?
Do I need a new team?
Do we still have all the necessary “equipment” to make this business work?
Do I need to consider a new route?
Many business people rush to get back onto the road but the impact might just hit way later because you tried to go at it alone due to panic. Just because it worked in the past might not be what you need right now.
Look up and consider the road, the trip, your destination. If you are still comfortable totally, that you are 100% certain of your road ahead, then take up the gear and get going!
If not .... search for a new route, get a tour guide and new travel companions.
I hope you received this message today in the spirit of the change our world is going through. Many of us need to make changes to our hiking equipment, our fellow hikers and the overall destination.
So don’t go at it alone!
Cheers
Eldari
Eldari Visser and her unique company, Picketfence Life, is providing access to information, advice and a powerful network of experts to help consumers find solutions to various serious issues. The company focuses mostly on easy blogs written by financial coaches, lawyers, accountants and tax practitioners, life and business coaches, and even psychologists. It gives practical tips and help and is the expert on your side of the fence. --- You can contact or follow Eldari at www.picketfence.life | Facebook | Twitter | #Junglewealth series
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