Thoughts on the Run

I am a big fan of the tv show Psych on the USA Network. It follows Shawn, a sarcastic and lackadaisical guy with the gift of a photographic memory. He uses this skill combined with noticing details to assist the police department solving cases. By being so good at this, the police don’t believe he could be doing this without possibly be involved in the crimes. To explain his ability, he tells them he is a psychic. What takes the show to the next level, is the endless 80’s quotes and song references. The sarcasm rings it home with me.

There are times in my running and business life that I have to play the psychic role. What I say is based on experience, but how do you explain experience to a non-believer? You know what I mean, someone asks for your opinion and then they say “no, that’s wrong.”

Last week, a client asked me how they could increase revenue for their company. I replied with a 3-step process to implement over the next 2 weeks that would only cost their time. I pointed out other companies that have had success with the same.

The clients’ response: “nah that won’t work.”

“Why not?”

“I don’t know. Just doesn’t sound like it.”

Thank you for wasting my time.

If someone asks for my help or opinion, I will gladly provide it. However, you had better be able to listen. There is a large segment of the population that say they want help, but don’t want to put in the work. You provide a solution that has worked for others and how it can work for them. We seem to always be looking for the magic wand to solve our issues.

I know I’m crazy, but I don’t want a magic wand. The fun part is taking each step forward. I get excited when I start a new project, take on a new running adventure, or work with my kids on their schoolwork. There is always an unexpected learning moment.

Even when I provide my feedback and answer, I’m willing to hear how I may have missed something. The challenge I’ve found is that there are not a great deal of people with the similar attitude. There is this group that has to be right, has to have the final say, and will prove someone wrong no matter how they need to spin it. That’s annoying. I’m sure everyone knows a few people like this. They suck energy.

Sometimes it’s fun to play the psychic and speak with that confidence. Just to speak about a topic or conversation with the utmost confidence. You don’t have to be psychic all the time, but try it for just 3 minutes a day and see what happens.