W.I.N. Wednesday: Control the controllable.

If you have been reading this blog for a while you know that both my sons are in the hospitality industry. My oldest son Jesse, and his business partner Jeff, own two boutique wine stores, a restaurant, a cocktail bar, a sandwich shop in a local microbrewery and an online barware and glassware business. My other son Cody owns five restaurants and a burrito bar in a local microbrewery. 

The hospitality industry is a tough industry and has gotten even tougher in the last 18 months of the pandemic. The lessons I continue to learn from both Jesse and Cody are:

1.    Focus on what you control.

2.    Control the controllable.

It is easy to get caught up on things outside of my control. I don’t control COVID. I don’t control the rules and regulations implemented by governing bodies to try and deal with the pandemic where I live or where I am looking to do business. I don’t control the border restrictions or rules for cross border traffic. I don’t control the flight schedule with the airlines. I don’t control reduced services at hotels while traveling for business. I don’t control gym closures or restrictions. 

I do control my attitude and my choices. I control the choices I make regarding my health. I control what I choose to eat and whether or not I choose to workout regardless of gym closures. I control my preparation. I control the choice to travel for business or to stay home. I control whether I read or engage in personal growth activities even day. I control how I treat people who are simply trying to follow, and possibly enforce the rules that someone else put in place. I control how I treat people in the service industry who are doing the best they can, especially given that they are often understaffed. 

When I focus on the things outside of my control I get frustrated and angry. Focusing on what I control and controlling the controllable brings a sense of calm and focus. Controlling the controllable is simple, but not always easy. It is however, in my control. When I lose focus I am fortunate to be able to look to Jesse and Cody for inspiration, as well as for good food and wine.

What’s Important Now? Control the controllable. 

Take care.

Brian Willis

www.lifesmostpowerfulquestion.com. 

ONE QUESTION BRINGING FOCUS AND CLARITY IN THE CHAOS AND COMPLEXITY OF TODAY'S WORLD.

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