Lessons Learned Along the Way

I came to a point long ago where I decided Integra Display was going to be about something more than just selling things (displays and graphics) to companies for use in their marketing efforts.  That in itself is exciting and to some extent fulfilling.  But simply finding needs and satisfying them for profit can only go so far.  I wondered: Is there more to it?  I found the answer to be yes, there is not only more, but much more.

One thing more are the lessons you learn from your clients along the way.  The lessons are sometimes business lessons and sometimes they are life lessons.  Often they are one in the same.

Take for instance the article which appeared in Reclaiming Lives, a publication by Centerstone, a  not-for-profit organization providing a wide range of mental health and addiction services throughout Tennessee, titled Seven Lessons to Learn from Children.  "Children can teach adults valuable lessons about living more enjoyable lives," writes Centerstone Wellness Expert,  Susan Gillpatrick MEd, LPC, CTS.  Some of these lessons (in abbreviated form):

• Laugh More - Laughter is nature's stress buster, lowers blood pressure, lifts depression, boosts our immune system, and more.

• Live in the Moment - Kids aren't consumed with the past and don't worry about what is yet to come.

• Have Fun Friends - Remember your best buddies from school days? Seek fun friendships that will add enjoyment to life.

• Go with the Flow - Everything doesn't have to be planned minute-by-minute.  Be flexible and enjoy the surprises.

• See the Good in People - Children are seldom critics of others.

• Bounce Back after Setbacks - Children only stay distraught from mistakes temporarily.

• Write Your Own Story - Start today and write your story for the future.

Seven Lessons to Learn from Children and other articles in Reclaiming Lives can be downloaded here.  In the future, I'll write about other lessons learned along the way.  For now, I'll just live in the moment.