Setback or Comeback

Sometimes it feels like life just isn’t fair. We try really hard, we follow societal standards and guidelines, we don’t break any rules, and we still have a feeling of coming up short. We could sell our story as the next box office drama or donate it to Nashville for a good country song.

Setbacks are a part of life. Disappointments happen and backup plans fail. So often we view others as having it better, we feel they got lucky, or they have family money. Some of this may be true but we still have choices. We can choose to let life happen to us, or we can make it happen for us. We can simply survive in the threat of more setbacks, or we can thrive in the reality of comebacks.

Leave setbacks in the past, move forward with what you have learned, create your way, and find your path.

Are you thriving, or just surviving?

- DEG

The Good Fight

People are people. People exist, function, and build character based in-part on their emotionally triggered behaviors. People get frustrated with other people. Sadly, some people serve as road blocks, inhibiting others on their way to a better place.

People may fight you, not physically but emotionally, intellectually, or through the power they may have over you either in your job or other manifestations of your life. Fight the good fight; don’t let these temporary roadblocks inhibit your path to your greater destiny. Your ultimate destiny is in front of you, but you choose the path of greatness or mediocrity. Remember you are in-charge.

Nearly every successful person I come in contact with has a story, a story of the good fight.

What is your story?

- DEG

Backwards Energy

“Never look back” this and other mantra’s seem almost commonplace in our lives. Everyone who has had a rough day, a rough week, or some on-going difficulty has often heard this or similar advice. It’s good advice.

 

In some cases looking back can give us energy. We find comfort in things that are familiar; we fondly remember happy moments with friends and family, moments of inspiration and happiness. We draw energy from those positive moments of the past. Here are a few examples:

“It’s been a long time since I’ve heard that song, it was so great to hear it again.”

“I haven’t been here [a place] in years, I forgot how awesome it is here.”

“It’s been awhile since my last workout, wow that felt good.”

Reflecting on past successes, past moments of happiness and inspiration help us build positive hope for the future. Make today a day you look back, not at the moments that bring you down, but at the moments that brought you up. There are more of those in your future, you control your destiny and you can make it happen!

 What is your energizing memory?

- DEG

Dream of Homemade Ice Cream

It was special because we made it to celebrate. It was mysterious because it was concocted from a “secret” formula. It felt worth it because the anticipation was almost unbearable. 

Special, mysterious, and worth it – as we process through life’s ups and downs, career changes, successes, and even setbacks or failures we never forget how it felt. Some believe that we are driven by our emotions, and a passionate pursuit of life and success. Definitions of success vary considerably from person-to-person but everyday millions and millions of people awake to experience another day in the pursuit of everything from survival to chasing dreams.

I have a dream, it is special, mysterious, and worth it. I can almost taste it now.

What is your dream? 

 

- DEG

Unrealized Customer Expectations

Manager: This will save us money.

Employee: I don’t think that is what the customer wants.

Manager: I think they will be fine with this.

Nearly every day I witness first hand, or hear about bad business decisions. When the quality or value of product or service offerings decrease so does customer satisfaction.

Sometimes good employees make bad decisions. They hear about economic woes and being engaged and committed to the organization (not to mention empowered) they make decisions that affect the customer. Many of these choices seem insignificant at the time, but become deal breakers later. Unrealized customer expectations are a leading cause of customer dissatisfaction and loss.

When the customer, or economic buyer, of a good or service also faces tough times, they too will make changes. Where do they start? If they are smart, they eliminate vendors or strategic partners who provide the least value. Price is important, but value is what should be the basis of the decision. Value represents itself in various ways, it may be quality, reputation, experience, value add (niceties), and even the feeling (emotions) of the transaction.

Don’t forget that nearly every organization has both internal and external customers. The same “rules” apply.

Do you know what your customers need? Do you know what they expect? If yes, how do you know? (Guesses or “I think” may not be good enough.)

- DEG