As in Flying, Business Can Be a Bumpy Ride

I know you’ve heard me talking non-stop about my amazing intensive business training I’m heading to with my mentor, Suzanne Evans. Well, the time has come and I am now flying to Arizona to catch my connecting flight to Charlotte, NC.

While the captain announced a short delay due to mechanical difficulties, I took the opportunity to read through the airline magazine. An article called “Embark” really caught my attention. It addressed the topic of turbulence, defined as, “the irregular, seemingly arbitrary movement of the air that a plane flies trough, caused by a variety of elements – wind blowing across hills, mountains or canyons: the boundaries between the relatively still air and the rapidly moving jet stream at high altitudes: and the updrafts and downdrafts that occur in ad near storms.

Pilots and flight dispatchers go to great lengths both before and during the flight to avoid turbulence. They are provided with some of the most modern tools to avoid areas of unstable air. While these prediction systems continue to advance every day, turbulence can occur on any flight.”

I thought this is a perfect analogy to illustrate the experiences we encounter on our road to success. We all hope for a smoothly ride but the truth of the matter is, that as in flying, no one can prevent turbulence even if we set our intention to avoid the areas of rough air. When you hit a rough patch (and you will,) you need to adapt and adjust “on the fly” so to speak.

Captain Bob Skinner also explained in the article, “In flight atmospheric disturbances can cause wings to move slightly. However, the wings are designed to move like this to increase longevity of the airplane.” So, increase your tolerance to the blow of the wind  and don’t let yourself to take too hard the bumps in life and business.

So, the next time you find yourself being pushed through turbulence, I want you to consider the possibility of slowing down and altering your course of action (being flexible and go with the flow) as necessary, instead of creating more resistance trying to follow blindly the route you set yourself to pursue in the first place.

If you have a chance today I’d like you to look back for a minute and reflect on those rough patches that you have already managed to overcome successfully and identify a time when your outcome over exceeded your expectations due to your ability “to bend your wings through the storms.”

Well, it’s time to board again but I want to suggest some tips to help you smooth the way to your success.

1. Learn from one of many who’s done the walk before you. Working with a successful coach is a smart way to avoid unnecessary bumps and turns. They have already gone through the stages of trial and error and can provide you with effective and proven tools to ease out your ride. You can find all types of coaches according to your needs or area you are looking to develop, life, business, spiritual, career, health, etc.
2. Team up. Do you remember that proverb that says that “two heads are better than one?” Join or create a local or online community or mastermind group that offers the opportunity to share ideas, thoughts, information, feedback and resources. You’ll be exposed to different perspectives and approaches to keep moving forward to your destination.
3. Listen to your gut. You are a unique person, walking a unique path, creating a unique business. You may walk in the footsteps of others but you are called to make your own imprint in the world. Use the information you get from the sources above to create your own route.  Trust your intuition, your internal guidance system to determine your speed, your destination and the stops in between; to self correct your course and to allow your wings to bend with the wind.

“Notice that the stiffest tree is most easily cracked, while the bamboo or willow survives by bending with the wind.”  Bruce Lee