Our California based musician son (“Wowuh” on Spotify) visited us this year for a 10-day vacation. 

He is assisting me with business development (as the life of a musician can be rewarding, but not always with predictable income).

Unlike all under 30 I have ever hired, he is comfortable calling people on the telephone, and nudging folks twice his age to move forward on a project!.

My practice is blessed!

INSIGHTS FROM OUR LAST CALIFORNIA VISIT

Different Helps. Yosemite is a special national park, as you can drive to the valley AND to the top of the mountains (and hike between the two levels). We can get trapped in our business doing things only one way.

Oasis – Even in Los Angeles, which holds records for traffic delays 24/7/365, there does exist places of charm and beauty. In Culver City, there is a series of four stub streets (where we rented a house), created when a massive drainage system was put in places decades ago. How can you provide that sense of “oasis” for your family and clients?

LESSONS LEARNED

Safely Lost. Even with photos of where I parked our rental, when it came time to retrieve the SUV (in 99-degree heat), walking left rather than right led to hot minutes walking up and down past hundreds of vehicles, clicking the alarm button without success. Going back and starting from the beginning, I found the vehicle in 2 minutes! Recognize early when you have made a poor decision, and course-correct quickly. Often this simple pivot is impossible for some leaders, as they would rather fail than admit they were wrong!

Blame Technology! While an iron picket fence may not show up on your rear-view monitor, or cause the sensor to beep, it is still there and will effectively crush your rear light and scratch the bumper. Technology is great, when it works, but it is no one’s fault but your own when LOOKING before you act is available.

Reconnect. Arising a 430 am to take a four-mile hike, climbing over boulders with my son – which we did for two weeks ten years ago at the Grand Canyon, Bryce, and at other stops along the way – helps melt away 3000 miles of distance (he lives now in Los Angeles, while we remain in Richmond, VA). How might you reconnect with the joy of what you do with your life and career?

Great Location? California in general, and Los Angeles in particular, suffers from high taxes, challenging transportation, rampant crime (in some areas), and deteriorating public schools.  People leave in droves. And then are replaced by those seeking employment in entertainment and tech, access to beaches, great weather, and freedom to live the life they choose. Not everything is good or bad; it depends on perspective of the one judging. 

BOTTOM LINE

Give yourself sufficient time annually to fully recharge. You owe that to your clients, partners, investors, family…and yourself.

Two weeks is also a great way to test your support team (on how they perform when the cat is not there to “inspire” the mice)!