Wait, I need a Personal Mantra?!?
As a small business owner I have filled out quite a lot of applications, for grants, loans, pitch opportunities, event applications, and probably countless more. They usually have the same types of questions, what is your owner's story, what is your product, what is your business, where do you sell. But recently, I was asked one that I had not only never been asked, but I did not know just how to answer . “What is your personal motto or mantra?” After giving it a bit of thought, I realized I actually do have a mantra. I am not going to tell you it is always true, but what I can tell you, is that after I wrote it and talked about it with my friends and family, I realized that it is probably more true than I ever imagined.
Don’t focus on the problem, focus on the solution.
No matter what we do in life, no matter how old we are, no matter who it is with, there are always problems, it’s just a fact of life. I have spent most of my years working with students, and the past eight and a half starting a business; I assure you, both have their slew of problems. Too many people focus on the problem, this is one of my biggest pet peeves. Yes, problems are really easy to stew on, and to spend a lot of time and energy with; both which no one has enough of to begin with. Those close to me, especially my mom/business partner, know how much it bothers me when others focus on the problem.
Don’t focus on the problem, identify and understand the problem because it is necessary and imperative to the next step; focus on the solution. Spend your time and energy on the solution, because the problem has happened, there’s nothing you can do about it now, all you can do is change the future. Problems exist on a daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly basis of varying sizes, it’s the nature of living. Each day something comes about, I try and take the issue, work through the problem, and focus on the solution. I would rather focus on the multitude of positive activities in my life than on a problem in the past. Maybe it’s because I’m a bit of a control freak, but problems happen, they are in the past, there’s nothing more I can do about them. I, myself, can control the solution, so might as well focus on that!
In light of all that is going on in the world, I think this idea applies itself well. Let’s move forward and find a solution. As a country, let’s band together to end systematic racism and fix the problem we currently have where black men and women can’t go for a jog, walk down the street, live in their own homes or even bird watch in the park without fearing for their life. Yes, it will take a lot of work, brainstorming, creativity, cooperation, and time. Together let us move forward to create a better world for all.
Stay sweet, connected, and safe,
Corey