With Independence Day upon us in the United States, I can’t help but reflect on the decisions and risks taken by my country’s forefathers. Deciding to take on the British Empire in the 1700s was no small feat, let alone the fact that they actually won.
As a result, in my own small way, I’ve decided to dedicate this holiday to a "risky decision." I challenge you to do the same.
Life gets to be such a predictable, safe, sometimes boring venture doesn’t it? If a bunch of farmers can decide to take on the world’s greatest super power, then why can’t I get out of my comfort zone and try something new, something "risky," if just for a day.
Don’t worry, I’m not going to attempt to overthrow the U.S. or anything. My goal is to step back, think about my business / life, and do something creative; something that might make my friends scoff.
So, do something with your business / life that’s out of the norm. Call back that vendor with the crazy idea and give their product a shot. Take a chance on hiring someone different, or at least interview them. Introduce a new hiring practice. Regardless what it is, just do it.
Like my dad always says, "You can’t get the fruit, if you don’t go out on the limb."
July 11th, 2005 at 8:47 am
Joel’s audioblog, “How to Kill a Monster According to Joel” is most insightful. After having known and worked with Joel for the past few years, I’ve found his instincts to be accurate, and his thinking to be “outside the box”. I expect that we will continue to big things from this talented young man.