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I often get a call or sms or even an email that sounds like this, ‘Taka, I am in a mess. Can you give me a solution to my situation right now?’ Most of the guys would not have consulted me or anyone when they started their project. But when things don’t work out they invite others to join in and help.
Start By Involving Experts
So, before you start a project, involve and consult the best experts available to you, instead of the ‘man on the street.’ The best time to seek council and advice is when things are still good and bright, not when your emotions, mind and spirit are under pressure. Talk to the people who are not only knowledgeable but also experienced in the field you wish to explore. Avoid problems by using their advice and knowledge before you start the journey. Life is a journey, before you get lost, make sure you read and understand the map. And actually follow the map!
I once met a man on the street in our neighbourhood. He asked me for directions and I clearly directed him on the specific route to take. He was reluctant to take my advice. He stubbornly decided to take the opposite direction to where I instructed him, convinced that his route was the right direction. A few minutes later I saw him passing our house but this time heading in the right direction, the direction I had indicated in the first place. This is how many of us behave.
What’s The Point of Having A Map And Not Using It?
What’s the point of having a map and not using it? What’s the point of having advisers, experts and mentors around you and not consulting them long ahead in order to avoid the fall. Instead of saying, ‘What can I do? I lost R100 000 in a business deal’ How about saying, ‘I have got R100 000. How can I invest it better?’ Seek council when things are good, so that you won’t end up in the dark.
90% of personal projects fail, not because there are no wise people or experts around. It’s because “people do not ask.” They start the projects, maybe because of pride, excitement, emotions etc. They became oblivious to the fact that bad things can happen. They then glorify their foolish plans. They see their little project as a project from ‘heaven’, but in no time hell breaks loose and they run around looking for solutions to the situations that could have been avoided in the first place.
Be Willing To Just Sit And Listen
At times a person in distress contacts an expert just to get their problem fixed in a quick effortless manner. They do not want to sit down and listen or even to reveal more details of their situation. Their attitude is like, ‘just sort my problem. Don’t ask me about anything. It is none of your business.’ Further investigation would show that there are deep root issues which are being covered. And if not addressed properly, the problems will reappear down the road and start the problem cycle again. Fighting the symptoms does not really help much. It’s actually a waste. But finding the root and solve the root problem results in the problems disappearing altogether.
Lastly Plan,
On the planning phase of your next project, get the best people on the team, and consult them. Know all the possible pit falls. Draw up exit strategies and plan A, B, C, D etc. When you draw up plan B, make sure it works. There is no point of having a plan B when it does not work. Try it and test it. It is better to be considered a fool and have a successful project, than to be wise in your own eyes and fail.
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© Copyright 2013 by It’s My Footprint, www.itsmyfootprint.com/blog.
