I haven’t failed. I’ve found 1000 ways that don’t work. ~ Thomas Alva Edison
I’m a big fan of grit. Grit- the stuff that causes some people to hold on, to solve the unsolvable mystery or find the unknowable truth, when others give up. Kinda dramatic but grit is useful on a day to day level. Ever try untangling a necklace? The longer I stay with it the easier it eventually becomes. I’m not saying there’s not cursing but it does get untangled. Grit works.
New Positively Wed Store Has Soft Opening
That should be the headline of my next press release, and it will be. But today, I’m thrilled to be getting a little closer to completingthe first of many iterations of my store. (Websites are like gardens; there’s always weeding to do) Those of you who listened to the early Brideability Summits- and I know who you are and love you- know the technical struggles those calls had. Really, the pits. Phone lines hesitated then quit altogether. The funniest had to be when I had a line full of attendees but no way to get into the call myself. Now- I can laugh. Then, I was scrambling for the next solution.
That’s why today feels so good. Each bit of mishagosh brought me to this moment. Last week my call about Encore Brides went off without a hitch. Well deserved success- I’d checked and re-check the equipment, my phone, the recording. I was ready, dammit!
Then, the shopping cart didn’t work. I had my amazing Quickstart Marketing Guide and a rocking audio and I couldn’t get either loaded after the call. I was so frustrated, but not surprised. As they used to say on late night TV, ‘This is a test.’ The universe just wanted to know how badly I wanted the next step. I bet it tests you, too.
Miles to Go and Promises to Keep
I tend to think that the universe talks to me daily. You too, actually. Humans are much better receptors than we give ourselves credit for. Intuition is real- how do you think we survived the dinosaurs? So, why not listen when your gut say ‘do it!’?
Usually I make the time and mental space to listen when I get ‘an inkling’. Because if I don’t listen when she whispers, then she has to yell. Or worse, I get a big ol’ slap in the head. Nobody likes that. It’s never fun picking up after being stubborn. The tech obstacles were the universe asking if I intended to keep my promise to myself. My promise to put really thoughtful, helpful tools in the world that make it easier to talk because being honest and skillful in the moment can change a life-hopefully yours. I get a lot of peace sharing what I know.
That’s how I imagine Thomas got to 1000 tries. He promised himself he would make a lightbulb or know the reason why not. And, grit (and Einstein’s friendly universe) helped him keep that promise. Grit is about having the courage and faith to continue even when a door closes.
What did you promise yourself about your wedding business and what are you willing to do to keep that promise?
PS I just finished Under the Dome by Stephen King, an interesting commentary on grit, the human spirit and our place in the universe.
