Jul 26, 2008

There is always a positive, if you look hard enough!

I was reminded of a story - for the umpteenth time! - this weekend by my mum. When I was a baby we had a holiday in Dublin. I wasn't walking at the time, so Dad put me on his shoulders before we set off for a 7-8 mile walk with a group of friends.

After about half a mile, ..well, how can we put this....I was caught short....and let's say Dad's neck became very wet, very quickly. And remember we still had a long walk ahead ..

It took a lot to faze Dad and he turned to Mum, who was seeing this as a major problem - especially as we were in a group of friends,  and said

"I have some good news and some bad news

The good news is that I am lovely and warm on a cold day despite no scarf,

The bad news is that we only have a few years before this little girl will be grown up and out doing her own thing. Lets enjoy the moment, if not the smell!"

I share this hugely embarrassing story because Dad taught me one thing from that story, which is very important in business. No matter what happens there is always a positive take on it. Learn yes - they didn't allow me to drink a full glass of orange before the next walk!

However, learn to find that nugget of positivity in your business life, that will provide the energy to take another step forward..

26 Jul 2008 14:22:00 | Motivation

5 Comments

Larry Hendrick

Anna, Great revealing story and great lesson to learn.

Posted by: Larry Hendrick | Jul 26, 2008 at 03:52 PM

Gayle Howard

I love that story and apart from the moral of it, it sounds like you had/have a wonderful dad!

Posted by: Gayle Howard | Jul 26, 2008 at 10:47 PM

Drew McLellan

Anna,

I have said this before and I am sure I will say it again. Your Dad was a remarkable man. Wise, generous and funny. Quite a combination. It's great fun to get to know him through your stories.

Drew

Posted by: Drew McLellan | Jul 27, 2008 at 06:20 PM

Anna Farmery

Thanks guys - I realise that no one will ever invite me anywhere again, just in case I have too much orange...however, don't worry I am now fully trained!!

I hope through sharing these stories that people realise you don't always need to read books etc, often there are so many lessons to learn from life if only we take the time to learn and develop from our experiences....

Posted by: Anna Farmery | Jul 27, 2008 at 07:33 PM

ramal

Burlington House Hotel Oxford Bed and Breakfast is situated in Oxford's premier residential area of Summertown, North Oxford - less than five minutes ride by car or bus to the centre of the city. Public transport is frequent and conveniently close to the hotel. Within walking distance is the Summertown Parade of Shops which has many quality restaurants, bars and retail outlets.
Oxford HotelsOxford B&B

Posted by: ramal | Aug 20, 2008 at 02:02 PM

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Anna Farmery

Social Marketing Architect, Speaker, Author and in spare time completing PhD on the future of the social business model

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