Bumps in the road lead to bigger and better things

I just got back from a much-needed, fantastic four-day Valentine’s Day weekend vacation with the family.

Even though we did encounter a little rain (thunderstorms on our last day) the trip was awesome. At first I was really upset about the weather, but it actually turned out to be a HUGE benefit. Because of the rain, we saw EVERY show there is to see at both Disneyland and California Adventure – some I may never have taken the time to sit through otherwise and I learned some new fun facts about both parks. Another bonus was that on our last day we walked on every ride with no lines because both parks, Disneyland and California Adventure we practically empty! Both kids were troopers and wore their Mickey ponchos all day!

Thinking back, I can look at this experience and clearly see its parallel to business.

We all hit bumps in the road and while at first the outlook may be grim, when we take a deep breath and look at the big picture there is usually a silver lining that leads to bigger and better things. The same could be said for the challenges we as entrepreneurs face in our businesses. When we’re struggling the most, it is usually because there is a huge breakthrough on the horizon. This is the point at which other people give up, but not entrepreneurs. True entrepreneurs never give up, never give in, and keep trying until they realize their dreams.

I loved poking around the Disney “Blue Sky” studio as California Adventure. Disney Imagineering calls their exploration and new idea development stage “Blue Sky” because at this point, the sky is the limit.

Do you allow time for “Blue Sky” thinking in your business?