By Rolf Gutknecht, president and CEO of LA ads
Given recent conversations I’ve had with some folks at various firms and industry associations, I thought I’d pass along a story that was shared recently with me given that the beginning of a new year is right around the corner.
The upcoming year will bring with it new opportunities for some … and unfortunately not for others. We in the deathcare profession know that all too well.
The story below, which I think you’ll enjoy, has many applications both for your personal life and business operations … so, apply it liberally to both areas. I think it’s worth your time to read.
Here’s Ashley’s story:
On a hill near Ashley’s house is a traffic light where it’s difficult to see cars coming from the opposite direction. At times, it looks like the oncoming cars are going to run right into you if you try to make a left turn, which is especially scary if they’re going the speed limit … or even a little bit more. Because of this, she avoided turning left at this light, even though she would get home much faster if she went that way.
For months, Ashley drove past the intersection.
As a result, she was taking a longer, less convenient, slower route home. She’d always watch other cars make left turns at this light and be secretly proud of them while wondering when she’d have the courage to make that turn.
Until one day, she was driving down the same road, about to take the same straight path she always did, and without really thinking about it, she turned left and guess what … all turned out well.
Ashley wondered if there’s a certain path God wants us to go down, but our fear stops us from making that turn. We are prone to thinking about the worst-case scenario. We worry if things are going to work out in a good way. So, we stay in our same old patterns and watch everyone else make the bold, courageous left turn while we remain in our little comfort zones.
Takeaway #1
We all come to crossroads at some point, a place where we have to decide between believing that things are possible and alternatively, the dread that they’re not. The best way to conquer our fear (or maybe it’s just a lot of uncertainty or anxiety) is to approach it with the belief that everything will turn out well. In the case of Ashley, her only way to get over the worry was just to make the left turn.
And perhaps for you and your firm, the only way to get over whatever you have anxiety about or keeps you and the growth of your business stuck is to stare it right in the face and do it — because the worst-case scenario is probably all in your head.
It’s all about changing your perspective. For Ashley, and maybe for your firm as well, in making that change, you’ll get “home” or wherever you want to go much quicker.
Takeaway #2
Faith/positive belief and angst both require you to believe in something you can’t see. The difference is that faith pushes you toward hope, growth and possibilities — and worry and fear holds you back and keeps you stuck in doubt.
Both are choices we make every day and while not doing anything might seem easier, it’s with the mindset of confidence that good things will happen and that opens doors that creates change. The choice is always yours. Whether to step forward trusting in what could be or to stay paralyzed not knowing with any certainty that something might go wrong.
In the end, the direction you decide to believe in will shape your life and the overall future of your business. It’s why many years ago, we at LA ads chose to brand and trademark ourselves as Agents of Change. It’s how we see who we are and what we can do for others.
Wishing you and your firm a wonderful rest of the year and the beginning of a new year that you never thought possible. And please remember, all it might take is turning your steering wheel left … just that one time.
Rolf Gutknecht is the president and CEO of LA ads, a premier creative advertising and marketing agency for businesses in the funeral profession and other industries. The firm is well-known for our “Dare to be Different” approach to marketing funeral homes, cemeteries, and suppliers to the funeral industry. Learn more.
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