STOPPED
Sunday Nov. 18, 2018
I was working with someone on a project recently.
Not work. A volunteer project, but a worthy one. Intermittent meetings hampered us but over time we moved toward completion – which in this case is an event. Lots of brainstorming, some collaboration with others and ‘the vision’ was about to launch. Plans made, venue booked, promotional material edited and fine-tuned – all set to launch the invite.
Yes, the invitation to 300 people to appear at a time and place to be ‘schooled’ and teamed …
One little detail left out. Logistics of getting ‘those with the address list’ to send the piece when it was time. Oops. We hadn’t thought that through. Sure, we’ll solve it. But in that moment it was a little ‘thud’, reminder about some cliché about best-laid plans …
Another cliché, ‘begin with the end in mind’ is circling in my brain – poignant reminder that execution of the little things, especially near the end, are critically important. They aren’t big-brain things, but they are important steps/tools without which nothing moves forward. Everything stopped!
How many things do we deal with like that?
The memo/notice from an unthinking/uncaring official (or the computer program that issues the memo). The password that won’t work and the 1-800 number that is only answered 9-5 Eastern, M-F when it is earlier, later or on a weekend. Yes. Love those! The office that is closed when we need it. The phone that rings, then goes to a full voice-jail which cannot take more messages. The dead battery. The obstinate person. The gatekeeper.
Those are a few of mine …
What stops you in your tracks?
Reader feedback:
MY MESSAGE TO THE WORLD
Wow, this hit home for me. Loved the message. Empaths and Introverts strive for this but others don’t get it. This was confirmation for me and I am going to share with others I know who don’t understand people like us. Shutting off or down is a survival thing for us types. Something we need daily. Thanks Mark for sharing this great message!, MJ, Calgary, AB
