Back in the real world of entrepreneurship - thank goodness

Being an entrepreneur requires focus, and many people in my shoes often don't reach their full potential because they allow themselves to be pulled in many different directions - usually due to their own fault and no-one else's. It's not only a case of not being able to say no, but also due to that constant need for stimulation.

I often wonder how people switch off. It's something that I need to do more often. I have more than enough on my plate and as my staff said to me yesterday, I need to stop being the "good samaritan" and focus on what I need as a person both privately and professionally.

Yesterday, another friend passed. Unexpected and almost as if the count has become so high that they are not receiving the respect they deserve. It so happens that last year was dreadful for people passing or getting cancer, and this year, it may be topped. It makes me sick to the pit of my stomach. As I sit at my desk today, I am challenging myself to rethink my involvement in other areas of life, and focus on the brilliant team of people that surround me and family. I need to also give myself the time and effort that is deserving of someone who has been in the world for 43 years.

Reflecting on life is important. No matter what age you are, it is something we all should do regularly. Are we getting the most out of our days? Are we surrounded by people that bring out the best in ourselves and do we pay the respect we should to ensuring that we have work, life balance?

Importantly for me, are we surrounding ourselves with the right people who energise us to achieve the goals in life we hope to achieve? 

A few times this week, I have been shocked by people's behaviour. Strangely, in all instances, I stood up to them reminding them that it is not ok. It reminds me of the fact that we are all learning and developing, and some people are going through their own transitions. Some are given a bit of power and it goes straight to their heads, and others that are in the same boat take a more measured, down to earth approach.

I also learned this week why there is no chance in the world I would ever go into Politics. Even I have an opinion that is confronting to some and enough for people to haul me over the coals. I have in the past few months used my voice to support those land owners who had their lives threatened by forced land acquisition. I was prepared for people to attack me on that front, and they did. I stood tall and supported the Politicans who supported the farmers, even though they may not be my normal political sway.

In that, I realised that my own Political view has changed and I don't know if any of it is worth supporting. The only person I feel is completely and utterly self-less is the Hon. Bob Katter, MP, only because he will stand up to anyone to support farmers in Australia and he will put everything he has on the line to do the right thing. It's admirable to say the least. I couldn't do what he does. I don't have the strength to stand up to everyone quite in the way he has been able to and handle the flack.

I see local Politicans fighting it out, and it makes me sigh. Why is the world the way it is? Can everyone do better? Why is there not manuals on how to do all things that these people need to do? Why do people say one thing and do another?

Journalism too has made me wonder about a few things. When I was young, my friends that were journalists were super ethical, balanced writers who only on occasion slanted their articles to their particular point of view. They never attacked individuals or people, and only focused on what is considered fair play in the political or celebrity environment.

There are still good, balanced journalists out there - don't get me wrong, but I have held journalism as a whole in a very high esteem and believed in it. The recent US elections caused many people to doubt the profession. I've read stories where I have thought that the journalist has wanted the reader to believe a story that wasn't exactly accurate. Many times it is not their fault. Bad news makes the front page and every journalist wants to be on the front page. Other times they have over promoted people, perhaps because they know their jobs are on the line and they may jump the fence and need a job. Who knows. It's weird when journalists write exactly what you want them to write to help you promote your company or a listing on the stock exchange.

Is it any different to marketers, pushing forward a product or service to entice people to buy, when in fact, perhaps there is a better product or service out there?

I can say confidently that it is no different. It is the pot calling the kettle black and I too am in the thick of it.

I don't know what to do with these thoughts other than to keep moving ahead and hoping that I personally am responsible for my actions. I never want my glass to be half empty. It is much better half full. I'm happier when it is half full. 

I'm travelling for three weeks and I feel that I will come back a different person. I will say no more often and try to keep my space positive. Sometimes "saving the world" is not the best thing for you personally, as selfish as that may seem. Who knows, maybe we were just meant to walk forward and be mindful of our surroundings, and have empathy for people around us. Know that not every bad comment or agenda is meant as it would seem.

Life isn't a dress rehearsal and if we can always work on what it is that we want and how we can ensure that it is achievable through making positive steps forward, we will be where we are meant to be.