What are you missing?

Robert Gerrish When I was out walking last week, three separate groups of tourists stopped me and asked that I take their photograph in front of the cliffs overlooking the ocean.

As I walked on - assignments duly completed - it dawned on me how I'd taken for granted the view that others wished to retain for posterity. This got me thinking about what else I had stopped 'seeing', particularly within my work.

For the next twenty minutes or so I was reminded just how fortunate I am. Not only am I surrounded by people who inspire, stretch and amuse me, some of them actually pay me for the privilege.

Then there are the fabulous people who support my business - fellow independent professionals - without whom I would be totally lost. And guess what? I enjoy paying them! I do, I really do.

I am most fortunate to work with such terrific clients and supporters.

Then there are my wonderful partners at Flying Solo, Sam & Peter. Every encounter is stimulating, productive…and really fun. I must have done something quite exceptional in my past life to attract the pair of them.

I could go on and start talking about my private life, but frankly we'd be here forever and it would probably make you nauseous.

Before this year gets too speedy dear soloists, I challenge you to focus less on what's missing and instead take a close look at what you already have.

Why not share those things you've been taking for granted by posting a comment?

Personally I'll be walking with my eyes wide open for the next little while. I figure I may give the tourists a wide berth though.

Until next week.

Love your work,

Robert Gerrish is Flying Solo’s managing director and founder and works as a business coach, professional speaker, business commentator and consultant. He’s the co-author of Flying Solo – How to go it alone in business.

Published 30 January 07
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Until recently I have been so preoccupied with my business life I have missed the small thing that matter the most, looking at the sky, breathing fresh air and just enjoying every moment. My goal in 2007 and from them on is to enjoy the small things. Brad from Gawler, South Australia
My husband and I run our own business, he from his van and me from our home. Working from home comes with its own set of problems when you are a woman as the housework, gardening, meals and other jobs stare at you all day. However, I try to make time regularly, to simply go outside and watch the sunsets. Here in the Northern Territory during the wet season, our sunsets are truly superb! I have purchased a cement garden setting and have carefully watched the movement of the sun sets for some months now, so as to place it in the most advantageous position to sit and watch each beautiful sunset. I do love my work too! Merrilyn from Katherine, NT Australia
as some one famous once said - "if you think you're having a bad day, try missing one" ! Grant Hyman from Sydney | Read my articles
I don't want this to sound nauseous either... but... as I strive to increase the readership of my new independent magazine for women - sans diet, gossip, fashion etc - with heart and soul - I sometimes forget that only 18 months ago I sat down with that Gerrish guy's book and wrote my vision. In my sometimes anxious quest for growth I often forget just how much I have achieved in those 18 months. Bev Ryan, Honestly Woman from Brisbane
In my previous job I was super organised, systems based and flourishing. When I started my own business in a different industry I didn't think to bring across the same knowledge I had built up and use the same principles I had been using for years. I had become blind to how good I was! It wasn't until a business trainer pointed out what I should be doing that I realised I had had all the answers the whole time. Sometimes we need to stand back and look at what we are doing from another point of view to really appreciate what we already have! Tonia from Realcom from Exeter, NSW
It's not until you glance at some of the 'top' jobs in the paper that you sometimes how nice it is to be a soloist. Similarly...... don't give the tourists a wide berth. Put yourself in their shoes, a long way from home and wanting that special moment. They too are soloists in their own way and the support is always appreciated. Robert from Hobart, Tas

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