Things Do Not Always Go According to Plans
Sometimes even when you have a good plan - stuff is going to go wrong. That's life.
What matters is how you deal with it when it happens and how well you learn lessons as they occur and from your own past so that you minimize the negative impact when it does happen.
The very first trip I set out on as an Independent Owner Operator was a good example of this very concept. In fact, I just posted a more in-depth article on my L.D. Sewell site right after this trip, which you can look up and read if you like, but here is the short version.
As I rounded a curve on my way to the final delivery which would be in Winchester VA there was a large tree down and blocking the entire roadway.
It would have been easy to get stressed out - but what would be the point in that.
Fortunately, I learned long ago to build in extra time for every trip plan - so I was not overly concerned, and we were able to get the road cleared and get moving again in a relatively short time (thanks to some wonderful local residents with chainsaws and multiple motorists who helped clear the roadway).
I made it to the delivery on time, completed that load, and earned about $1400 gross revenue for the day - so not too bad for the first run as an owner operator.
Since then I have delivered numerous other loads and put multiple thousands of dollars in our bank account - and yes there have been other challenges and delays too (trailer lights going out, customer delays, etc.) but progress keeps being made - and that is the point.
Just remember - challenges are inevitable and part of business and life. The question is how will you handle them when they occur?
Online Business Challenges
You will encounter your own digital trees in the roadway too - I guarantee you that.
It is just a challenge that you must deal with and get past - and that on the other side awaits your next objective.
Stay calm. Take action. Make progress.
Have a great day, and make it count!
Best regards,
L.D. Sewell
Recent Comments
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Great post thanks. I've always thought that when something goes wrong, handling it appropriately is the way forward.
Thanks for sharing your story. You are right we will encounter challenges ahead of us and its how you deal with it.
As you stated Stay calm take action and make progress.
I will jot this mantra down on a post it and put it somewhere as a reminder! 😁
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So true LD, in all aspects of life we will always find fallen branches or maybe trees which are there to hinder our progress.
But with forward planning, keeping a cool head of course and the ability to think outside the box when needed, there's no obstacle we can't overcome.
I hope you are having a fantastic start to the new week my friend.
Thanks, and I hope you have a great week too!
Much appreciated my friend!