Do You Ever Think About the Future?

Sometimes I have a hard time comprehending how buildings can stand for so long.  I see the cornerstones, read the dates from 60 or 70 years ago, but still can't believe something can be in such good shape so many years later.  When I see one that was built in 1819, surrounded by others that are even older, I'm even more surprised.  I marvel at how well those buildings must have been constructed to be able to withstand 192 years of wind, rain, snow, excessive heat - anything that is experienced in nature.  How solid is the concrete between each stone - even better, how strong are the stones themselves to not chip away to nothing!  When I consider how after a couple of years a t-shirt starts to show its age, I have an even greater appreciation for anything that is still standing nearly two centuries later.

As I was walking by this building, recently, I started to imagine what the area looked like in 1819.  Was their even a street in front or did the door take you out to a large, open field.  What was its original purpose?  What could you see from standing on the front porch...corn fields miles away or the predecessor to the main street that is currently a couple of blocks over?  Did the building look the same or were the shutters a different color, if there were shutters at all?

All of these questions, to me, are so exciting and offer an opportunity to learn more.  At the same time, my imagination can wander for a few minutes as I ponder the different possibilities.  The next question is usually, "what will it look like in another hundred years"?  The answer to that usually comes from its past, since historians usually try to restore old buildings to their original appearance.  Much like with any part of history, how do you know where you're going unless you know the path you've taken so far.  Extreme care is used to protect the structure and not damage any of ancient materials.  Crews usually research different aspects of the design and construction as a way of replicating the process.  

With all of this fresh in mind, I was attending a meeting where a friend of mine brought up the idea of where we would like our businesses to be in another 10 years, what do we do to get there, and what will be needed when we get to that point?  It is never too early to ask those questions.  I'm sure many of us have goals and a plan of where we would like our business/career to be in the next few years; how many of us though have really considered how to get there and having arrived, what is our next step?  What sort of resources will be most beneficial to a thriving, solid business.  Everyone, rightfully so, is focused on helping new businesses get off the ground and find ways to succeed; but after reaching your "goal" you don't suddenly say, "I'm done accepting advice and new information, now I'm ready to do it on my own!"

What do you want your business to "look like" in another 5, 10, 15 years?  Have you laid a strong foundation, using "quality materials" to ensure its survival?  What will be needed down the road to maintain that stability and will your current resources still be available?  It isn't so simple as to just have a goal in mind without considering the path or what to do after reaching that point?

I don't think the people who constructed this building in 1819 had any idea it would still be around 192 years later, but they certainly built it with some thought towards the future.  Build something to the best of your ability, considering every aspect, and your efforts will be rewarded!

That's the Golden Perspective...what's yours?

Is it Really Worth the Effort?

The big question right now is what happened to all of the water?  Given the ridiculous amount of rain that has flooded half of the country over the last month or so, how could this pond possibly be empty?  A few weeks ago this was so full the water was about to overflow the banks...now it's completely drained.

When I passed by recently I figured, by the looks of things, that the water was pumped out on purpose.  Then I started to wonder why...the majority of the rain has passed; the most recent tropical storms and hurricanes have come and gone, without any more in sight during the near future; and I haven't heard of this tiny pond causing any major problems.  Why go through the effort?  There must be some benefit even if it is unknown to the average citizen like myself.

The same sentiment happens occasionally with my business: I find myself doing things that make me say, "Why am I even bothering?"  Truth is, you never know what good or success could come out of one little action.  Building a business or career requires diligence, but more importantly many tiny steps.  Each of these tiny steps at the time could seem insignificant; however, when you put them all together you find success!

For instance, that meeting with you neighbor's golf buddy...seemed incidental to you, but your neighbor asked if you wouldn't helping the guy out so you accepted the meeting.

How many times have you attended a seminar and five minutes after sitting down have said, "This isn't going to help me at all"?  But it paid off because you wound up talking with the person sitting next to you, which eventually led to a sale.

I don't know what it is, but there must be some logical reason this pond was transformed into a basin of mud.  The true reason may never become clear, in the same way that you may never know how every action you take during the work day has a positive impact on your career - but that doesn't mean the reasons don't exist!  Sometimes it is better to simply accept that success is made of not only a lot of tiny "successes" but also some potential "failures".

That's the Golden Perspective...what's yours?   


P.S. - This same pond was pictured in Golden Perspectives about a year ago...does it look familiar to anyone?

It's Probably Not as Bad as You Think...

This is probably not the most beautiful picture ever, but you have to admit it's pretty cool! I'm not normally a fan of mushrooms in the ground or on my plate: they usually look fairly ugly sticking out of the grass or a flower bed and, in my opinion, do not taste very good in any food. For some reason, though, I thought this row of mushrooms looked interesting in the local park.

I had seen this whitish line forming in the grass a couple of days before but just ignored it. The day I took this photo the formation was much more prominent and could not be ignored. Despite how cool the sight was, and my desire to capture it in a photo, I still was not too crazy about stepping that close to such large, disgusting-looking mushrooms - but I really wanted the picture. I'm glad I did too, because once I was standing over the large fungi cluster I had a new appreciation. I was amazed at the straight line in which they were growing and wondered what caused that to happen (I still don't know, my best guess was a line of water running through the grass, but if anyone else has an idea let me know). I could also see the intricacies and uniqueness this species possessed. It is amazing how every mushroom you see growing someplace looks different than the one you saw the day before!

Suddenly I found myself interested in mushrooms...I still had no desire to eat one (especially those growing randomly in the park) but I wanted to learn more about this fungus. I looked up "mushrooms" and found quite an interesting history - to which I would be remiss if I didn't mention very prominently included my alma mater Penn State! A new-found appreciation has grown for something up till a week ago I didn't even want to touch.

Sometimes "beauty" can be found in the most unlikely places. Once I was able to put aside my disgust for mushrooms, I was able to appreciate their beauty growing carelessly in an open field.
Looking beyond the surface is when we truly find the best life has to offer...at home or work.


What are some places that might hold beauty in your life, but you overlook because of preconceived notions?

Have you ever passed up a business deal because you got hung-up on one negative aspect?

When were you able to turn a negative situation at work into a profitable, positive outcome?


When you are faced with the possibility of walking away from something because it may not be the best looking situation, wait...it might look a little different after a second glance.

That's the Golden Perspective...what's yours?