In this episode of Do The Work | Mindset Mastery...
We just got back from a family trip that we had been talking about for months. For us, planning usually means speaking it into existence, not locking in every detail months ahead. This time was different because Carla and I made a conscious choice before we left. We decided this would be our best trip yet, and we were going to plan not only for the good moments but also for the things that could go wrong. That decision changed everything.
What happened
Before we even left, Carla and I sat down and set the tone. We talked about how we would handle frustrations so they would not ruin the experience. That mattered because the trip tested us right away. Delayed flights, missed connections, lost luggage, and canceled plans could have derailed everything. Instead, we kept our focus on the bigger picture.
There were moments where my old habits almost kicked in. When my daughter’s bag went missing with some of her most valued belongings, my instinct was to ask why she packed certain things that way. But I checked myself. Carla and I gave her the space to feel upset and reminded her it was only material things. That shift in energy kept the trip on track.
We also made last minute changes that cost us money. Instead of forcing ourselves to stick to the original plan, we adapted and chose what was best for our family in the moment. The result was a better trip than we could have imagined, even though it did not go according to the script.
What I learned
A vision will always come with challenges. The dream is the easy part. The real test is how you respond when things go sideways. Too often we obsess over the task or the setback instead of keeping our attention on the outcome we want.
In business, this is the same as losing a deal and letting it destroy your momentum. If you have enough conversations, enough follow up, and enough people in your pipeline, one lost client will not shake you. The problem is never just the deal that fell through. The problem is not having enough opportunities in play to absorb that hit.
We need to plan for the setbacks as much as we plan for the wins. That way, when the delays, lost luggage, or tough negotiations come, we can pivot without losing our composure.
How it applies to you
Whether it is a trip, a relationship, or your business, the way you handle challenges will decide if you ever reach your vision. If you let every problem become the center of your attention, you will lose sight of what you were chasing to begin with.
Your job is to keep the vision bigger than the current problem. Plan for the good. Plan for the bad. And when things go wrong, remind yourself the result you want is still there as long as you keep moving toward it.
Conclusion
I am proud of how Carla and I handled this trip because it was more than just about having a good time. It was about showing our kids how to respond when life throws a curveball. That is a skill they will use for the rest of their lives. The same is true for business. You can choose to stay stuck on the setback, or you can check your mindset, refocus, and get back to building the life and results you want.
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