Are you a “road worthy” entrepreneur?

As an entrepreneur, I’ve had great opportunities to live in places that are completely opposite from the way I was brought up. This has led to some fascinating discoveries.

For the past four months I’ve been living in Guadalajara; Mexico’s second largest city with roughly 5 million people. And then there was the little town of Bulverde where I first began my driving days when the population was 2700 and has now soared to 7500.

Let me be clear, this is my second time living in the Guadalajara area. My first opportunity came in 2004-2005, so as we say in Texas, “this ain’t my first rodeo”. What’s different this time is now I can (sort of) navigate my way around without getting too lost, overwhelmed, or stressed by the crazy congestion and “unique” driving

Yesterday I chose to have a big lemonade on the balcony of a restaurant to survey the activity below. Then it hit me.  The hustle and bustle, the horns honking, the cars weaving in and out of the slower trucks and buses, all the wheels and break squeals, the whirling and whistling…the epiphany was clear.

Big city driving is so much like being a capable entrepreneur.

You see, usually when I venture out of my Mexican cocoon, my capable, locally-grown husband doubles as a ninja-like chofer. I seized an opportunity this past weekend before he flew back to our ranch home to check in with the critters, caretakers, and other important business. I asked for guidance. I had an important appointment I didn’t want to miss so I asked my favorite local Mexican if he’d drive me through the process of navigating my way through new construction to avoid getting lost and pulling my hair out.  Why am I sharing this? Well, we all know the maps or GPS don’t always include the newest streets, best detours or shortcuts. First lesson.

Entrepreneurs, like drivers prefer to learn from the successful experiences of mentors and experts, rather than rely on less dynamic tools like maps or a GPS.

As I sat there drinking my lemonade I was grateful. This particular day was exceptionally satisfying.

The mission of driving there and back was safely accomplished! All the while I’d single-handedly avoided 2 near collisions and no! I’m not kidding you. Ironically, the use of signal lights aren’t part of the national way of driving, nor is allowing plenty of space for lane changes. And somehow, I was able to keep my happy and avoid road rage. Yes! And this friends, leads me to the second a-ha.

Focus. During the business process entrepreneurs reach milestones by focusing on what needs to be achieved and avoid what will take them “off road.”

In times past, I was a nervous ball of energy driving through maddening traffic. I’d try deep breathing while wanting to run over a pedestrian. To say the least, it’s definitely been a process of developing a skill set. Quite frankly, it’s opened up all sorts of personal development opportunities for this country girl. I’m learning to laugh at myself as I reflect on how far I’ve come. I’m doing it for the love of business, my husband and need I say, adventure? I’ve chosen to dare greatly this time around and it’s paying off because the enjoyment level is skyrocketing. What was once petrifying is now electrifying. Well, okay not really, but it’s vastly improved which leads me to lesson three.

Developing skills can be challenging. The better we become, the more we enjoy the results, and of course, life.

I’m not going to lie to you. I still prefer driving in the countryside. In fact, I get really stoked when I see sheep in a field grazing. It speaks to me. That day I sat in the “winner’s circle” sipping my celebratory lemonade, reveling in how I took to the road like a champ. Chaotic traffic and all, there’s a lesson in ev-er-ything. And now when I take to the road I can reframe how it can bring me more lessons as an entrepreneur. I may not be ready for the Indy 500 or the Baja 1000 but I can tell you I’m becoming a bit more road worthy.

So here’s my question for you. Are you a “road worthy” entrepreneur?

Now, don’t use me as the perfect example to live by because I’m still a work in progress. But do yourself a favor, dig around a little. Sharpen your entrepreneurial saw by asking yourself the following questions.

• Who helps guide my business in the right direction? Do I really listen and apply it toward the long-term benefit of myself and others?
• Do I stay focused under pressure avoiding unnecessary incidents that can keep me from reaching desired results?
• How do I go about improving my skills to make life more enjoyable?

That’s my challenge for you my friends. I’d love to hear from you. What one action step are you willing to take to make you more “road worthy”?

Enter your answer in the comments below, or click to tweet it.

 

Happy driving!