In 1985, the band Dire Straits released the song “Walk of Life.” Mike Posner, a singer, songwriter, and producer, literally took these steps in 2019. Specifically, the Billboard top 10 artist walked from New Jersey to California—over 2,800 miles—in 6 months to find happiness. How do I know this? I recently had the opportunity to listen to him give a motivational speech about how his journey provided him with 5 lessons for happiness. Posner’s speech resonated with me as both an optometrist and a business owner.
“Not all crazy ideas are great, but all great ideas are crazy.”
Have you ever had a crazy idea? Years ago, my husband and I had this crazy idea to open a practice in a town of 1,400 people. During the time of this crazy idea, we had 2 sets of student loans, no previous history of business ownership, no knowledgeable staff, and no guaranteed income. We didn’t know how to bill insurance—the key to having an income. We salvaged furnishings from other offices that were consolidating. Fast forward many years, and we managed to pay the bills, expand to 2 locations, add some doctors to the practice, and have an income! The takeaway is that some crazy ideas are worth the risk.
“True happiness comes from growth.”
Growth gives life meaning. Whether learning, healing, building something, or just becoming a little better than yesterday, a growth mindset fuels a deeper kind of happiness than any temporary pleasure can offer. In 2018, I decided to go back to school to get a Master of Arts in Leadership. I wanted to expand my knowledge in a topic I was passionate about. One of my sons thought I was crazy for going back to school, but it turns out learning as an older-than-average student was a nourishment to my soul that gave me a renewed purpose.
“When it comes to things I care about, my reasons to quit are always excuses in disguise.”
Posner noted that he could have easily quit his trek across the United States after sustaining a rattlesnake bite, but that it would have been an excuse, not a reason to stop. I remember thinking this exact thought when I was on the American Optometric Association Board. It was my husband who reminded me I would be upset with myself if I quit.
“Step one is to take one step.”
Taking one step is a way to begin. Reflecting on the lessons we learned when opening our first practice, it’s easy to see how we got overwhelmed. But you have to start somewhere. Take the first step. And then the next. The steps get easier with time.
“Don’t wait.”
Time does not stand still; the longer we wait, the less time we have to grow. We’ve remodeled or relocated our 2 locations several times over the years. Nothing gets cheaper or easier with time. The key is to make a decision and do it.
Speaking of Time
Posner’s last comment gave me pause: “Where will you be a year from now?” We are bringing a new graduate into our practice. With a new doctor comes an opportunity for change, and excitement with some trepidation. But growth is good, and there’s no excuse not to take the next step with another crazy idea. OM
