Hey fellow stormtroopers, and yes, we are all stormtroopers, waking up each and everyday constantly challenged by the COVID storm, battering down the hatches, constantly thinking, NEXT.
Next, as in next idea, next move, next plan. It's a bit like Musical Chairs. You know that game? A bunch of people in a room, not enough chairs for all, music starts, people dance around, and without warning, BOOM, the music stops and you all rush rush trying to find a spare chair. No chair? No more dancing, you're outta there, and to make matters worse they keep taking chairs away, people keep fading away until there is only one chair and two people. Round and round, music playing, hearts pounding, and then no more music and only one player remains.
Now the thing about Musical Chairs, you watch everyone and when the music is playing, there are those that never move far from a chair, Harry or Harriet, they just shuffle shuffle, tap dance in the same place, all they think of is the anticipation of the music stopping, no way do they want to miss that chair. They play it safe and secure, but if the music stops and they miss a chair? They walk away, feeling a little devastated at their loss, and maybe the rest of the night will not be as good, they didn't enjoy the game at all.
Then there are the others, George or Georgina. They feel the music, the moment, they laugh and enjoy. They are dancing, having fun, and when the music stops? Well, they are excited if a chair is there, but if not, wow they have had fun, hug and laugh with a few people, grab another drink and think about how to enjoy the rest of the party, and are up and attem, ready for the next game.
The winner? The final one sitting on the last chair? Well, they have more of a sense of relief that they made it, sit down on that chair, and work hard at getting the pulse rate down. They are usually the standing tap dance don't move far from the chair, Harry and Harriet types, so fun was less than focus. But who cares when the last song played? They still had a chair.
So, my fellow stormtroopers, what is this "Old Oracle of Inspiration" advising today in his words of wisdom?
Well, these business times can be a little like Musical Chairs. Each and everyday is offering a new tune to dance around the chair with rules and regulations, up and down COVID numbers, customers coming and going, doors opening and closing and opening again, masks on masks off. Ahhhh, it can drive you crazy.
You can choose to just stick close to the chair, just shuffle, don't make any sudden moves or changes, just focus on the fact the music is sooner or later going to stop and you will have the safety of being close to the chair and sitting down to take a breather.
Or, you can start singing, "Stayin' Alive" disco beat in your head, do your best John Travolta impersonation, show some "moves", enjoy the show, smile, be happy, and if you miss the chair? Hey, let's have a drink and get on with another game.
Yes folks, you can sit back and just do what you have done, just shuffle along, don't make any dangerous moves, don't venture far away from the safety of the chair, sooner or later, all will be right with the world.
Or? You should be dancingggggg. Yeah, get those mailouts going, calling customers, making offers, chasing new business, updating your website, have a go at becoming a YouTube sensation and vlog your way into your customers new and old hearts,
post on social media
like a teenager with the latest selfies or things they have bought on eBay, show off your latest websites or exciting news.
My advice? Be like George and Georgina. Keep dancing.
Next Song Mr. DJ!