Seth Godin posted a blog entry on June 16, 2008 called Superheroes. The message was inspirational because it talks about perseverance and how long it can take to become an "overnight success." Here's the link if you want to read it for yourself.
Seth Godin's Superheroes Post
I found the message inspirational because we are reinventing our business and it's slow going. You sometimes wonder if you're doing the right thing because you pour a lot of effort into your offer and your marketing, but the fruits of those labors are never instantaneous. If you want the fruit, you have to wait for the tree to mature, and you can't give up on caring for the tree in the meantime.
Seth says that Superheroes have a specific attitude:
"They're restless and impatient, but, here's the cool paradox, they're also calm and patient. Patient because they realize that change takes a while. Patient because they understand that if it's worth doing, it's worth getting through the Dip. Impatient and restless, though, because they refuse to accept the status quo."
We may not be Superheroes, but our move into the publishing industry was definitely the result of impatience with the status quo and we knew it would take a while to make the transition.
The trick is to use that impatient and restless energy to further your goals, one step at a time, with the big picture in mind. It is all too easy to let the energy turn dark and bury your enthusiasm. Impatience can lead to frustration and restlessness can lead to distraction, if you don't keep yourself focused.
James Byrd
posted @ Tuesday, June 17, 2008 7:27 AM