Make A Choice To Ignore Some Signs

I was exploring on my walk this morning when I came to this “No Exit” sign and was disappointed to think about having to retrace my steps through what was more of a commercial area, not so pretty.  But as I looked around, I saw a semi-hidden path that took me through a beautiful park-like residential area I didn’t know existed.

As I thought about it, this is a metaphor for life, and more specifically, for the “pessimistic fatigue” many brokers are feeling these days.  It’s understandable when considering the assault of new models, beaten-down margins, a slowing market, and the constant demoralizing drum-beat of some on the periphery of our business who don’t understand or value brokers.  It’s no wonder that many brokers see themselves at a “No Exit” wall.  But often, once we talk for a bit, two or three very viable paths open up, and I can hear the excitement creeping back into their voices. 

When Marshall Goldsmith wrote “What Got You Here Won’t Get You There,” he was right that we need to continually re-invent ourselves to remain fresh and relevant.   However, you can’t lose sight of the passion, vision, optimism, energy, culture, relationships and entrepreneurism that got you here, because that is the art of successful business.  Without it, the most innovative strategies or models – the science of the business - will never get you there.   

There’s almost always a “Door #2” or “Door #3” when you seem to face a “No Exit” impasse.  And it just might be the path that makes your next phase of business the best you’ve ever experienced.