Comments

Tom, why do the most complicated thoughts attract the least comments?

Posted by Stuart Jones at September 23, 2006 3:16 AM

Yes, we are most definitely caught in our own traps and have no control. My business partner and I discussed this last week. On one hand, we are at the mercy of our suppliers (who clearly don't have their clients' best interest as a focus), and on the other hand, we are at the mercy of our clients. We have created a business that has placed us squarely in the middle of a "trap". Huge responsibility, huge liability, and, unfortunatley, no huge profit.

Why would we continue this, you might ask- because we have not been able to discover another possible business that doesn't "set this trap". Of the dozens we have examined, they all reward disproportionately to their "cost". Is this the new paradigm for business in the 21st century? Are you really "throwing the dice" every day; not knowing which day some catastrophe/liability may wipe you away? (Of course, I am speaking of typical small business in America. Large businesses can weather challenges for another day- GM, etc.)

Any ideas out there on how to create a business that is NOT "trap-like" and yet largely profitable? All ideas greatly appreciated.

Many thanks.

Posted by Tim at September 23, 2006 7:45 AM

Tom,

What jumped out at me was your statement "...still no idea what I want to be when I grow up." Makes me crazy, too.

We all experience those elusive "Defining Moments" when we feel we're doing exactly what we were born to do. (Which can change from year to year, and even moment to moment...))

For you (I'm guessing) it's probably in front of a group, when you're sharing a thought you're passionate about (always) and they "get it." They're engaged; there's hope.

And then, if you're like me, you're thinking, "Okay, what's next?"

Now that I am older, the "Be" for growing up is more about focusing on Who I am than What I am.

-

Posted by Jeff at September 23, 2006 8:46 AM

Serotonin-endorphin - 1. creative – 2. optimistic – 3. curious – 4. grateful – 5. learning love

TP - that is my screen reminder - how to amplify each day - always UP - chemistry & 5 signature strengths.

"Ritual & routine" au contraire - extremely IMPORTANT - FLOW state thrives there - fewer radical productive thoughts the better = Laser FOCUS.

Posted by sean at September 24, 2006 11:23 AM

Tom,
Glad to see that I am in good company as I will turning 64 in 5 weeks and I too would like to figure out what I would like to be when I finally do grow up! I do wonder though if the fact that we can ask the question of ourselves, is that the thing that keeps us going and truly young at heart while seeking to find the answer.
I for one hope that you never find the answer because I do believe that it is what keeps you re-inventing yourself and continuing to deliver the messages to all of us so passionately and profoundly as you have over the years.
There is a great tale I came across recently entitled "How Do You Live Your Dash" which I will forward to you separately since it is too long to add on here. I believe you will enjoy it.
I agree with the posting from Jeff, "Now that I am older,the "Be" for growing up is more about focusing on Who I am than What I am."

Posted by Gary at September 25, 2006 7:22 PM

I am a big fan of the Tom Peters blog. This particular entry prompted my own entry for the day (I am definitely not as prolific in my writing as Tom!).

My take was to turn those quotes around and look at the positive affect of taking ownership of our own destiny. Rather than focus on the constraints why not focus on the possibilities!

Better minds than my own (ie.MOST!) will come up with better quotes ... but these were my suggestions.

"We can define our own borders"
"We are the architects of our own destiny"
"Only we can define how far we will go"

More food for thought?

Posted by Kevin Dee at September 26, 2006 8:06 PM