I do not imagine individuals after they say “I’ve no regrets.”
I believe what they imply to say is “I am proud of the place I am at in life, and my experiences made me who I’m.”
However is it potential to be glad about going via dangerous experiences? It’s when you learn to flip setbacks into alternatives.
And happily, it is not too late so that you can reframe your experiences – even the dangerous ones – into alternatives for development. I am going to share just a few examples from my very own life and how one can apply the teachings realized as nicely.
The missed funeral
Once I first moved to Brooklyn I solely had one relative right here, my dad’s uncle. We weren’t tremendous shut however I would cease by to go to him often.
He handed away six years in the past and I used to be unable to attend his funeral, despite the fact that it occurred right here in Brooklyn.
Why? As a result of I used to be instructing a one-week Digital Advertising course on behalf of an organization I partnered with.
Not solely did that course pay me $8k per week, however the college students would usually rent me for unbiased consulting as nicely. I used to be afraid of attending the funeral as a result of I knew lacking a day would severely disrupt the category I used to be instructing and the corporate would wish to discover a substitute on the final minute.
On the time, instructing that course introduced in over $100k per yr so I used to be afraid of getting completely changed.
I felt responsible for lacking his funeral, however I used to be additionally offended at myself for being so weak and determined. I could not imagine that one alternative had a lot energy over my time and monetary safety.
That frustration pushed me to make a daring determination, I gave up that $100k per yr place. As an alternative, I realized how you can earn cash and land purchasers via talking, networking and content material creation.
Was it more durable? Sure, at first. However I had rather more freedom and picked up classes that I may share with different rising entrepreneurs. And as you will have seen, I now not provide Digital Advertising companies. As an alternative, I assist individuals overcome setbacks, embrace alternatives and carry out at their highest degree.
None of this might have been potential if the sting of lacking my uncle’s funeral did not push my profession in a unique course.
Lesson realized: That you must have a number of income sources. Do not rely too closely on one consumer or income stream. There is a freedom that comes with diversifying.
The missed commencement
My son, Trevor, graduated from preschool and his lecturers organized an occasion to have fun. I attended, watched his efficiency, however needed to go away a bit early.
Why? As a result of I needed to take a gross sales name.
This can be a powerful state of affairs for any dad or mum to be in. You need to spend time along with your youngster, however you additionally have to work so you may present to your youngster. On this case I attempted to do each so I rushed dwelling to take the decision.
The individual I talked to was good, however they weren’t even midway critical about working with me. About two minutes into the decision I may inform they have been simply making an attempt to get free recommendation.
Once more, I felt responsible for lacking a part of my son’s celebration, however I used to be additionally mad at myself for being on a gross sales name within the first place.
Here is why. I do not like taking gross sales calls with individuals who simply need to decide my mind, I like serving to people who find themselves able to put within the work wanted to degree up.
That is after I determined to rent Shandel Shand to take all my gross sales calls going ahead. Based mostly in your suggestions, she’s wonderful. And primarily based on the outcomes she’s delivered, it was top-of-the-line enterprise selections I’ve ever made.
I can now spend extra time with my household whereas nonetheless supporting entrepreneurs who’re dedicated to partnering with me and rising their enterprise.
Lesson realized: You possibly can’t do all of it by yourself. Outsource, automate or get rid of duties that are not aligned along with your zone of genius. You will make more cash and have extra time for the individuals and experiences that matter most.
The missed alternative
A number of years in the past I used to be delivering a keynote at Amazon right here in New York Metropolis. About 500 individuals attended, however two of them stood out to me specifically.
One of many attendees introduced her youngster, the child was about three years outdated. Tremendous cute, however tremendous loud too. Throughout my presentation the kid was continuously guffawing, screaming and sniffling.
Finally, the lady and her youngster left. The vast majority of attendees have been relieved, however I felt remorse.
Cause being. I’ve a bunch of youngsters too! I understand how exhausting it’s once you’re making an attempt to do one thing for your self and care for your child. Bear in mind? I simply talked about this throughout my son’s commencement story.
And I additionally know saying “Shhhh” would not appear to quiet them down as a lot as you may hope. So as an alternative of ignoring the noisy child, I ought to have acknowledged them each. I ought to have stated I am glad you select to advance what you are promoting AND be along with your child versus selecting between the 2.
Robust expertise, however I realized from my mistake. Now after I’m on stage I persistently work together with the group. And this viewers engagement has led to me touchdown much more paid talking gigs.
However I took it a step additional throughout a current occasion. As an alternative of simply ending with a Q&A session I introduced individuals on stage for stay teaching. The end result? Attendees paid me on the spot for consulting since they knew I may assist with their particular wants, I wasn’t simply studying off my slides.
Lesson realized: Folks provide you with alternatives as a result of they really feel linked to you. So do not get so caught up speaking along with your viewers that you simply neglect to attach. Constantly interact with them on social media, have advert hoc conversations and help their work as nicely.
Subsequent steps:
Prepared to find extra suggestions and instruments that will help you overcome setbacks, seize alternatives and carry out at your highest degree? Join my free video course, The Excessive-Efficiency Playbook.
Designed explicitly for entrepreneurs and high-performing professionals such as you, this course provides you the ways and routines wanted to attain relentless development, peak effectivity, and sustainable success. You possibly can enroll without cost and begin your journey immediately.
