Getting out of your own way

Before I get started, if there are any Lads out there who are interested in a Lunch at the end of the month – read on – ticket giveaway ahead…  

Getting out of your way – no, I’m not talking about Auckland traffic or being caught out driving through the Waikato at milking time. I am talking about the times where you get in the way of your own success, future happiness, and overall forward motion. 

I decided to support an event called Lads who Lunch. If you know me you know that I’m not really much of a lad these days, and drinks and small-talk are not my forte. However the event was referred to me by a trusted colleague and as it happens, the organiser of the event is a long-term friend of a friend.

There is a bit of focus around networking, but for me I could see that there was a mental health element. As it transpires I was right, and Mike King is getting onboard.  

Today was the day that I had agreed to meet up with the marketing team for Lads Who Lunch, shoot some videos… talk some talk… but I was not having a great week for being on camera.

Earlier in the week, I was wrestling with a large tree in a pot – and by large I mean about 4 metres high, and by large I mean, it takes two people to lift. 

But only one person to wrestle… 

While I was dragging my giant tree around, I managed to cop a branch to the forehead. And as I prepare myself to face the camera, I am endowed with a graze across my forehead.

So not only am I gonna be on the spot, being photographed and interviewed, I’m also going to be looking like I’ve been in a bar room brawl. I didn’t really want to go.

We are always allowing ourselves to miss out. Miss out on connections, growth and opportunities by saying no or cancelling!

And while I have been going on for the past few weeks about how we use our time and the brevity of life, at the same time we must be looking for opportunities to enrich, to take risks, to be uncomfortable.

We need to say ‘no’ but we also need to have those ‘yes’ days. So of course, I got out of my own way, got in the car, and headed to town for an uncomfortable hour of being recorded. 

Knowing me, I’m sure that I’m gonna feel equally awkward about actually attending this event at the end of the month. 

But I will get there in the end. 

Most times the only way to grow is to just push on through…. 

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LADS WHO LUNCH is a mens’ social networking series that I said YES to! I am proud to be a part of these events. I’ll be engaging in conversation with new lads, new friends and building important and lasting connections. More information here.

Would you like to join us? This one is Lads only (we are in line for the ladies event – don’t worry girls!). I have a ticket or two up for grabs – so if you are interested in lunch (on me) on Thursday 30 October – 12.30 till 2.30pm at ‘The Squadron’ – Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron in Auckland, please come back to me to register your interest, and we’ll do our best to squeeze you in.