An article for business professionals - January 31, 2007
by Jan Bolick
Many of us set out to do something different or better this year.
Some of you have made great progress.
Some of our ideas for change have fallen by the wayside.
Some of us started and stalled out.
A few years ago, I read a true story about the Salado River. I don't remember the source. If you know, please tell me. I would love to let the author know how helpful it has been. It comes to mind any time I catch myself ruminating, plodding along or otherwise stalling on a decision or project or goal that is truly important to me.
I hope it will help you cross tough bridges that are sure to be along the roads you travel.
Jan
Crossing Bridges
By Jan Bolick
Running through Sabinas, a town in northeastern Mexico, is the Salado River. A concrete dam serves as a bridge to Monterrey and other cities.
One rainy day, the river rose two feet above the dam.
Juan and Carlos stood by with their tow truck, offering to help people across. Those who declined, slowly eased into the current, leaving the two with the tow truck making bets on how far each car would make it before stalling. When it did, they and their truck came to the rescue at a very high price.
Along came a Chevrolet wagon carrying Mom, Dad and their kids, all anxious to return home to San Antonio.
Carlos offered to tow them across. The quoted fee would take almost all of the family's remaining cash.
Mom and Dad discussed their options, then sat silent and watched a car attempt to cross and stall out. Then another. And another. Then they watched a bus charge across with no problem.
Dad saw another bus approaching the bridge. He quickly started the engine, stomped on the gas and hugged the bumper of the bus, crossing the river successfully.
Many of us approach change the way many cars tried to cross this river. Slowly. Cautiously. Methodically. Determined to make it on our own.
That works sometimes.
But what if there is something we really want on the other side of that bridge? And what if we find ourselves conducting another study; consulting yet another advisor; blaming lack of resources for our lack of progress; or relying on someone else to tow us out of trouble?
And what if the worst that could happen is no big deal?
That's when I remind myself of the Salado River story, which reminds me to say to myself, "Okay Jan, no ifs, ands or bus - it's time to cross - NO - it's time to charge across that bridge."
copyright 2006 by Business Class Inc.
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