Chapter 1. Clear The Fog

 

If confusion is the first step to knowledge, I must be a genius.

 
 --Larry Leissner

A few Novembers ago, I was experiencing a lot of internal drama over one particular dilemma: Who should I invite to Thanksgiving dinner? My opposing influences came from all areas of the family. One relative called to tell me that if I invited another particular person, then his wife would not come because she was offended by something that person had said during the previous Thanksgiving. Another called to tell me that if I didn't invite this same person, it would make Thanksgiving the most miserable one ever.

It was becoming so difficult that I considered not having Thanksgiving at all. I was struggling and frustrated.

It doesn't matter if you are under pressure in your personal life or simply can't get your team to follow your lead. The same truth remains in both cases: When you struggle, you also experience frustration.

Here is how the cycle usually goes: You may try to figure out who or what is standing in your way professionally. At first glance, it may seem like it's your trouble-making employee. You tell yourself that if this person would just straighten up, all would be well with the world.

If your small business is struggling, you may think you don't have the knowledge, skills, or resources to make it a success. Maybe you don't understand marketing, aren't skilled at managing others, or have a staff of two and really need four to get where you need to go.

Eventually, ...

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