Ostrich or Man?

There is a common myth that Ostriches bury there heads in the sand. This myth, some suggest may have developed because Ostriches dig holes in the sand to hide eggs and from a distance might appear to be hiding their heads.

While mythical, this is a great starting point for a discussion about something that has been on my mind for the last few days. That is, the way that some people deal with adversity (hard times). Many people from my observation seem to favor avoidance or denial as a response to adversity.

There are some people who mistakenly think that if they deny their problems enough, the problems will just magically disappear. The truth is, denial is not destruction! Also, burying one's head in the sand means only one thing in the end, death.

Don't let denial of a problem, albeit a nagging one, be the death of you. Face it and fix it!
If you can't fix it on your own, get some help!
Make no mistake, facing problems (business or otherwise) requires much faith and even more work.

Alcohol, Smoking or party euphoria are poor weapons in your fight against your problems. At best they are pain killers and distractions, at worst they add to your problems. Inevitably, you and your problem(s) will collide with disastrous results if you are unprepared.

So, stop hiding from the television set, open the letter (stamped urgent) sitting on your desk for  the past three days.  Pay no attention to the prophets of doom (masquerading as talk show hosts) get outside  and get to work fixing your problems.

Remember, there is no shame in asking for help. What is shameful however is hiding from your problems because of pride (I know too much, I  am too smart to not be able to "handle" this, they will say I told you so) Kill your pride and stay alive! So what are you going to do; hide or fight?

Your health is your Business

My allergies have been acting up the last few days, this has proven to be quite a bother in terms of productivity. My fluctuating energy levels, irritable demeanor provided great challenges in getting things done how I wanted and when I wanted and definitely annoyed those I interacted with (that's the mild way of putting it). I don't know about you but I tend to become abnormally sensitive when I'm not well. .

As an entrepreneur you often need to get things done in a timely and efficient manner to achieve your goals and objectives. It is therefore very important to define structures in your Start-up to account for periods of ill-health for yourself or your staff. Significant periods of down-time can affect your overall outcomes in a major way. Let me say it another way, the less time spent working means the less money you can make.

As the founder(s) of the Start-up, your health is especially important.This is in terms of knowledge, motivation and leadership. Until, your business has reached the point where those who work for you have assimilated the vision and can appropriate it even in your absence, you must be deliberate about staying healthy. As I always say to people, don't kill yourself trying to make life.

Think about it, if you don't slow down and pay attention to your health, one day you will just stop.
Oh, did I forget to mention, your dream stops with you, worse case, it dies with you. Let us be responsible builders, don't just work in your life, work on your life, stay healthy.

HOPE

If you live in a country with tough economic conditions remaining hopeful can be a challenge. That said, I recommend having a healthy outlook on life nevertheless. There are always opportunities to do great things even in the harshest of circumstances. Think of ways your business can help people, how your product or service can impact your community or country positively.

Go Outside
If you live in the city, consider taking a drive out of town (urban areas). Go where there are hills, watch the sunsets, smell the grass, pick a fruit yourself and eat it. Breathe in something other than smog, have a good conversation, laugh at yourself sometimes.

If you live in the rural areas, I suggest you take a drive (our bus) to somewhere you have never been. This will help you to remember that the world is a big place, you don't have to be limited by your circumstances.

Contribute
Most people live their lives with thoughts about what they can get, think about what you can give. This seems simple enough, reflect on it and do it. Make it part of your approach to building the business and see how it changes how you do things.

There are many horrible things happening, how can your innovation and passion contribute something positive to the world. The people you help will be very grateful.