IN A SMALL BUSINESS IN DOWNTOWN JACKSON. Early this morning, my two friends and I stood around shooting the bull and solving the world’s problems. We decided the world had changed radically since 2008 and that most of the institutions that we trust and depend on had failed us. We agreed that most Americans have quietly adjusted to those failures and are now doing whatever it takes to keep their heads above water. We knew that the old model of working our whole career for a company and then retiring with a gold watch had gone the way of the rotary phone. And we agreed that there has been a career paradigm shift in our country. By the time we decided we needed to get to work, we had agreed that the only way to succeed today is to develop an entrepreneurial heart.
My friends work for a small company. One that has blazed a path in their particular field. But like most successful companies with a great idea, competition rushed into their market. They saw change nearly overnight. But when that change came, they nimbly adjusted and found new markets. Now, they are about to change again.
Notice that the key words are nimble and change.
They have consistently experimented with new thing and found success. They also have experienced failures, too. But that didn’t cause them to quit. They know that when you experiment and have an outcome you don’t expect, you truly don’t fail. That’s because the playing field changes. And that opens up new opportunities to make plays. My friends aren’t afraid to throw ideas on the wall and see what sticks. And when an idea doesn’t stick, they don’t fall in love with it. They move on to what works.
I like hanging out with my friends because they inspire me. They make me realize that:
1. The world will continue to change at a faster and faster pace.
1. You must always try new things to keep up.
2. You can’t be afraid of failure, because that’s where the seeds for future success are found.
4. You have to work harder than ever now.
5. The world isn’t worse off. We’re just more interconnected. We see more of the bad but we also have more good opportunities.
6. The value of having two smart friends. Friends with an entrepreneurial heart.