Life can teach you many lessons if you just took the time to listen. Reflect on every experience you have had. There are always gems within every adversity.
Today I want to share with you one that I learnt on the road last week. On route to a well known, respected entrepreneur empowerment company about 400 Km’s (248,5 miles) and 4hrs from my offices, to a little known town Lephalale in Limpopo, South Africa, home to some of the best game reserves in Africa with the Big 5 animals; The mighty king of the jungle the Lion, the African Elephant, Cape Buffalo, Leopard and the endangered Rhino, world class cuisine, beautiful green bushes, red sands, beautiful blue skies, a sun shining day. The world never looked prettier.
Regrettably, there was no cellular network for 3 straight hours on route and I wondered what I would do had I broke down, had an accident or any other roadside emergency? Not allowing my mind to dwell on all the doom and gloom I kept focus on my presentation materials, the message I needed to deliver to my client and how I would help them fulfill their objectives. Fortunately the day proceeded smoothly as planned and I made my way back home. The client was overjoyed, I was satisfied and all that stood before me was the 4 hour commute back to Johannesburg through the serene, tranquility of mother nature and the road ahead.
The journey was pleasant with great weather, some fine music running through my stereo and my thoughts on my goals and objectives for the rest of the week until after 63 Km’s, the road was suddenly and abruptly CLOSED!!! Upon inquiry I discovered that part of the road was washed away by the recent petulant rains that pounded the region for days incessantly and there was a 10 metre deep and 30 metre long stretch of road, gone. There was no way over it, nor around it. The only way was back to Lephalale and then take another route out to Johannesburg.
With sweat on my brow, the thought of going back, to go forward seemed too much to consider and opted for the road less travelled in search of the promised land. The road less travelled was literally an off road, un-tarred, gravel road. There were other dynamics which I had to consider:
- Fuel – I was planned to refuel at the next town about 103 Km’s away as I was down to about 150 Km’s available and was watching my fuel gauge drop. With each drop, my heart sank deeper and deeper still fearing the worst; getting stranded on a remote unused side road, not knowing how long and far the off road would take to eventually get me to a filling station.
- Road worthiness – The roads are for off road vehicles, SUV’s, 4×4’s and similar. Not for a sedan, which I drove.
- Humps, ditches, mud and water – were gorged randomly on the road, making it extremely difficult and dangerous to navigate at times.
- Time – The clock was ticking, I wanted to get back to Johannesburg, quickly and safely.
- Safety, security and roadside assistance – “What if” played on my mind like a bad melody understanding I had no signal on my cellular network…
The journey gave me time for introspection. Was I going to let what could happen dampen my mind, nervous system, and body (doom and gloom, heightened blood pressure and stress, fear and anxiety) be overcome with what could happen?
Quality thinking:
Thankfully, the many years of mental and emotional mastery ripped into gear. I am not a victim. I am a perpetrator. I will deal with whatever I need to deal with, if and when it happens. I cant cross bridges before I reach them. I am a quality thinker. I was not going to be the deer in the headlights.
Focused thinking:
I immediately refocused my mind on all the great things happening to me. I’m away from the busyness of city life. I’m in the tranquility of mother nature. I could either enjoy taking in her beauty, or stress about what might happen. I don’t have my phone ringing incessantly with emails, calls and messages. I could really get down to deep, focused thinking.
Quality Questions:
I asked myself what can you learn from this and share with your family, friends, colleagues? As that thought permeated my mind a 4 x 4 approached and I flagged down the traveller and asked more quality questions. How far to go, how is the road ahead, what are the potential dangers and pitfalls etc?
Heres are some points I wanted to share with you:
- THINKING – You can choose your thoughts and outcomes, or run wild in auto pilot doom and gloom thinking.
- SUCCEED – You can either live in fear facing challenges, or we can live with adventure in succeeding at them.
- LEARN – You can choose to berate yourself, or you can choose to learn.
- ASK – You can either ask for assistance or go it your own and possibly land in the crocodile infested pit.
- ATTITUDE – You have the choice of attitude; how to respond to your challenges
“The road to success is not straight. There is a curve called Failure, a loop called Confusion, speed bumps called Friends, red lights called Enemies, caution lights called Family. You will have flat tires called Jobs, but if you have a spare called Determination, an engine called Perseverance, a driver called Will Power, you will make it to a place called Success.” ― Unknown
Needless to say I made it back safely. Next week I will share more of the gory details and will share with you the many practical gems I came away with.
Wishing you a fabulous week ahead in the achievement of your goals, converting them from dreams into reality.
I’m your coach and partner in success
Vinesh Maharaj
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* * * MORE ABOUT VINESH MAHARAJ * * *
Vinesh Maharaj, is a talented and insightful Sales Conference Speaker, Sales training specialist and Motivational speaker. His practical, effective and easy to apply methods provide immediate results and can be instantly implemented. He is inspired by your Sales Success, Personal and Professional Mastery, Customer Services and Effective Leadership and is guaranteed to challenge you to your destined greatness.
Contact Vinesh Maharaj and get tangible value for you and your organization:
Mobile: + 27 84 990 1539
Fax: +27 86 402 0477
Email: vineshmaharaj@no-excuses.co.za
Vinesh Maharaj: Your coach and partner in success 