Truth is Like a Middle Age Swimsuit Competition

When is the last time you really looked at yourself in the mirror? I’m talking about the full body once over from toes to the top of your head? I honestly can say I haven’t looked at myself in this way for at least five years. Quite frankly, I’m terrified as to what I might see. I have the same mindset when it comes to experimenting with a new technology option:  if what I have works, why worry about what else is out there? Perhaps that explains the video camera that weighs 10 pounds.

Physically, the reality is we get older and as a result we experience changes in our faces, skin tone, bodily functions, bone structure and general health. I’m willing to bet most of us only think of the negative aspects of these changes to our personal being and not on the advantages of getting wiser through our life experiences. Purchasing my first iPhone® showed me that I could take video on the spot and using the computer software, I could have a moment captured and stored to enjoy again and again without lugging a video bag, cords, and equipment.

Consider how your environment socially and technologically looks now that you are viewing your surroundings with focused intention. Do new parents look like infants themselves even though they are the age you were when you started your family? Is your definition of elderly subtly changed to mean “in their 80’s” rather than in their 60’s? How small will cell phones and/or computer screens get before arthritic fingers can’t push the buttons anymore or view a movie comfortably through tri-focal glasses?

Truth is like a middle age swimsuit competition: Not necessarily pretty, but always revealing as we take off the filters and really look at ourselves and how we interact with the world around us. Now more than ever, it’s critical for us to look our businesses in the same spirit. Without clarity and truthful evaluation of our situation, how can we ever hope to fix what is going wrong or enhance those actions which are definitely moving our businesses forward in a positive manner?

Monica, a 58-year-old woman, does not own a computer nor has ever utilized an email account. Her greatest achievement in stepping into the technology of this century was opening up a cell phone account and purchasing a Jitterbug mobile phone that only functions as a phone. To many of us, that’s Stone Age thinking. Technology honestly terrifies her. She’s certain she could cause a society melt down if she pushes a wrong button. Sound a bit irrational? Perhaps. But it’s her way of creating her own reality bubble which in turn helps her cope with the fast changes our world is experiencing. In essence, she has implemented a “truth” blackout.

Reality, however, has a way of bursting through almost any door or consciousness. Even a fleshy portly swimsuit contestant can’t help but see the other toned bodies as she is starkly highlighted in the line up – she simply won’t “fit” within the expected body mass ratio for the competition. Why did she try out in the first place? Simple. She believed her own “bubble” truth and stepped into the fray completely unprepared.

Monica has collided with technology in a big way recently. She will shortly become a grandmother for the first time. Her son and daughter-in-law live at least ten hours away, so access to the child will be limited for her, which is unacceptable. Moving isn’t an option, but technology of video conferencing like Skype can keep her in touch with her loved ones in between visits. Because of her “imperative need” to connect with her family, she will step out of her bubble of safety and learn what she needs to know. With that small step, email and surfing the Internet can’t be that far behind.

It’s about choices: to see your business as it truly is or to continue in your own reality until some unforeseen event forces you to re-evaluate. I urge you to be proactive in assessing your business and your personal life.

1. Consider spending a day or two analyzing your processes relating to customer service, prospecting, work flow systems and social networking.
2. Determine the amount of work you are doing and the returns experienced as a direct relationship to that effort. Are you working productively or simply keeping busy?
3. Have you become apathetic in using your strengths which helped you build your business in the first place? I urge you to check out The Change Grid as administered by T. Falcon Napier for your adventure into truth.
4. Get on-line and listen to interviews, podcasts and participate in webinars. Be relentless in learning how technology is transforming everything we do and how we live. Initially it may feel overwhelming, but once you learn the terms and concepts governing technology, fear will be replaced with an energetic respect for how you can use the tools now available.

Learning what “the truth” is may not reduce the amount of cellulite in our thighs nor will it magically brings new customers to the table…but it will give us fodder for making the right decisions that will positively impact the direction we take.

I may be middle aged but I’m wide awake, alert to the shift in our economy, and ready to take on the world. I’ll just make sure I’m never caught in public wearing a swimsuit. There are just some truths that need to stay behind closed doors.

Trust me.

About the Author:

Karel Murray, is a Certified Speaking Professional, author of “Hitting Our Stride: Women, Work and What Matters” and business trainer who helps women entrepreneurs and executives improve their overall business effectiveness and productivity. Now, you can listen to her exciting, free interviews at here. Each podcast interview gives you 3 takeaway ideas or concepts that you’ll be able to implement right away. You can learn more about Karel Murray by visiting her website.