‘I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship’
Louisa May Alcott
We can learn to survive when the weather turns turbulent, or we can learn skills that will allow us to continue our journey and perhaps even use the storm’s force to our advantage.
When the pathway is smooth and well signed, it gives us reassurance that our route is viable. When it is hard to follow and there is a lack of signage, it can be discouraging. What type of experience are we trying to curate? If we want to create delight, it might be best to invest in a well-designed pathway. If we are seeking those who think and act differently, then a sketchy trail that causes moments of disappointment may ensure we attract the true adventurer.
How and when our resources arrive are not always in our control. How might we embrace that our plans and budgets are not fixed action steps? Rather, they might be our best guess on how we might continue our journey with the necessary supplies.
Our journey might benefit from the right framing. If we can provide context for the work we are doing, it might make sense to those looking to follow in our steps.
When we put an artistic touch to an everyday item, we might make it remarkable and memorable. It might not be for everyone, but it will speak to a few.
When has momentum provided you with the belief that you might be capable of achieving a higher level? When have you reached a finish line and had a moment of awe over the result? When has a person you admired shared feedback that your journey has been part of their inspiration?
We can wait for magical moments, or we can show up consistently and create the best version of ourselves. One of these strategies yields better, more consistent results.
What beliefs, actions, or groups do you subscribe to? Which subscriptions have you canceled over the years? Which groups/people believe we are subscribers even though we no longer pay attention? If we viewed our time and attention through the lens of a subscription model, it might affect how and where we focus.
Just because another organization can raise more funds, charge less for its programs, or offer a greater impact does not mean the work you are doing in your community is diminished. High-profile events and big donations may gain headlines. Your ability to stay in the game is what endures. Over time, you will find that your cause’s story resonates at a different level than those meant to be flashed on jumbotrons.
If we apply sufficient constraints to the results, we can generate data that makes us appear at the top of most categories. If we include all available data over time, we might have a challenge finding ourselves in the results.
If we do not want to spend our time manipulating the data, we might invest in being of service and do so with as much personalization as possible.
Sometimes we need to stack the deck. Even with the outcome almost certain, we still provide a story for those who participate.
What-if-concepts 