What I learned about business from the snakes in my garden
What big mistake turned out to be a significant turning point for you?
I’ve relocated several snakes from the garden paths this past week.
Snakes in the garden are a sign that we are more than half-way through the growing season.
The slugs come early in the season, leaving their slime trails on the edges of raised beds as they seek tender seedlings.
Soon after, the toads hop across the fence line to feast on the abundant slugs.
Meanwhile, the voles & field mice get busy making babies in the tall grass at the edges.
By early August, the Garter Snakes join the party.
With plenty of slugs, toads, voles, & mice running amok, it’s an all-you-can-eat buffet made for snakes.
I have been observing this slug to snake cycle in the garden for more than 25 years.
I have also been helping entrepreneurs work with the natural cycles of their businesses for more than 35 years.
I have learned some valuable business lessons from being a part of this rich ecosystem.
Imbalance is an illusion
I worry every spring that the slugs will decimate the newly planted seedlings.
And every year the garden is lush & abundant by mid-August.
While making & tracking goals in your business is important, one bad day, week, or quarter won’t ruin your business.
Goals made & accomplished in the context of your business and tracked over months & years are the true indicator of your success.
Mistakes are great teachers.
Snakes, toads & lizards were pets as well as garden helpers when I was a child in California.
I didn’t even take it personally when I was bitten by a rattlesnake on my 16th birthday
A common fear amongst entrepreneurs is being judged for making a mistake when we take risks, speak out, & show our true colors.
Mistakes are a necessary part of developing discernment, wisdom, & self-awareness.
Yes, it hurt like the dickens when that snake bit me, but I know how to identify a baby rattle snake & I give them a wide birth.
Allies come in many shapes & sizes.
I know people who are afraid of snakes, have disdain for toads, & run from mice.
Since I am nearly 6-ft tall & my foot is several times larger than their little bodies, I believe they are much more afraid of me.
In business, we so often fear what we don’t understand.
New technologies & systems are just updates to our ecosystems – you can warmly embrace them or fear them, it’s your choice.
Where are you too focused on the minutiae to recognize & celebrate your successes?
What big mistake turned out to be a significant turning point for you?
What unfounded fear has you recoiling?
