Jason Buffington .com

transcript

The famous philosopher, Ferris Bueller, once said, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” Everyone I know says that life is flying by.  Months feel like weeks and we are constantly surprised by another year gone by; especially when you are in something amazing.

Over my career, I’ve been blessed to have been a small part of “Lightning in a Bottle” at a few companies, where:

• You’re in the right organization at the right time. 
• You are surrounded by the right people with the right products
• Everything is just working at its peak.  No, it isn’t perfect, but it is undeniably special.

And then, if you aren’t careful, you’ll look up and realize that something changed, it’s winding down faster than you imagined, and then it’s over.

For the record, I am not foreshadowing; but I am encouraging you to pause and enjoy the moments – whether its at work, in a social group, or even just being a new parent.

Imagine yourself being an actor in a big TV series

• When the cameras are live, you are “on” and the show is going great.

• But don’t forget to step outside that character – and soak in being part of the cast.

• And for every great cast member, remember there are innumerable crew members that make the show happen.  They might never appear on screen, but they are just as critical for your shared success.

• The big show doesn’t happen without viewers – your customers, partners, and ecosystem that consumes or advocates whatever you are part of.

Every great TV series eventually ends 

Years later, no one remembers the ratings or any other metrics.  What the audience remembers is how it made them feel.  What the cast and crew remember is that they were part of something great – and it was the people around them that made that happen.  For some, the experience will be life changing – but you won’t recognize that until many years later.

So, no matter what “show” or season that you are in … pause the action, look around, bask in the quiet moments, soak in the people and the experience … all as if your TV series were to end like a mid-season break that surprisingly becomes a series finale.

It all goes by too fast – if you don’t stop and look around, you could miss it.

See ya next Monday