August Already….

How to Build a Better World Through Better Business:

Being more than a business owner—a parent, friend, partner, a positive force on this Earth.

Committing to change—because doing the same old things won’t cut it. If we desire better outcomes, we must act differently.

My 3 Point Action Plan for the rest of 2027:

• Embrace change—I’m done fighting the past. It’s all about fighting for a future filled with positivity.
• Pursue continuous improvement—Everything I do will aim at incremental betterment, ignoring all else that doesn’t serve this goal.
• No goals, just progress—I’m stepping towards my better world, one millimeter at a time. No grand resolutions, just relentless forward movement.

And I’m not setting deadlines. I care less about when I’ll arrive and more about making sure each day is better than the last.

But here’s the kicker—while I focus on my better world, what about you? What does your better world look like, and what are you doing this year to edge closer to it, recession or no recession? Because some days just feel like groundhog day, right? But that doesn’t mean you can’t find a real point of focus and direction, regardless of what’s coming up around you, or stands in front of you.

Here are some truths to consider:

• Surviving recessions—Good businesses can thrive in any economy. If some do well, why not yours?
• The ever-changing climate—The world is in constant flux; worrying won’t stop volcanoes or tsunamis. Better adapt and enjoy the journey.
• Housing woes—If you don’t have a house, it’s time to hustle harder, spend smarter, or find creative living solutions.
• Taking responsibility—Your life’s trajectory is on you. Why settle for less when a few bold choices could give you so much more of a better world in life and business?

This year, challenge yourself to step up. If you don’t drive change in your life, be sure, life will gladly do it for you. And it won’t consult you on the specifics.

The truth is none of us can control what the economy does, or the Government, or the Media, or whatever is happening in the world … so I’m not going to worry about them anymore (but I will keep my eye on them so I can make sure they don’t get in my way of my better world).  I’m focussing purely on my better world … because that is the only thing I can ‘control’. 

So my question to you is … What ‘better world’ do you want?  And what are you going to ‘better’ this year to make sure you’re at least heading that way (despite the recession, the government, etc)? Is there something holding you back?

To inspire you, I’ll leave you with four home truths relevant to some of the common excuses I hear:

1. If one business can do well in a recession (and many do), the question I would ask is why can’t you?  If businesses can make money in third world economies, why can’t you here in New Zealand?  Anyone can make money when the economy is good.  Only good businesses do well in recessions (because you have to).
   1. The climate is always changing.  Hell … the planet is always changing.  Volcanoes will erupt … earthquakes and tidal waves will happen … with or without humans.  You are but a speck on a large piece of rock hurtling through space.  Enjoy the ride while you can (and learn to manage your environment as you, or the environment you’re in changes).  In 100 years, nobody is really going to care about what you did or didn’t do today … so you have little to lose by trying to be better, and everything to gain.
   1. Anyone and everyone who has a house had to sacrifice something to get there.  If you don’t have a house … stop whinging about it hoping someone to give you one … and do something to get closer to getting one.  Earn more.  Spend less.  Share a space.  I would think having a roof (even if it’s a caravan, or tiny home) would be better than nothing if you can’t get a 3 bedroom house in the burbs.
   1. There are no excuses apart from your willingness (or not) to get off your ass and do something.  That’s it! Anything and everything that happens to you (or doesn’t happen to you) rests 100% on your shoulders and no one else’s.  So why choose a life that you don’t want … when not for a different choice, you could have a life you do want?

Now I challenge you to see how much better you can make your life for the rest of this year … because I promise you that if you don’t make the change in your life, life sure as hell will make the change in your life for you. I believe you’re better off managing the change you want rather than reacting to the change others want for you.

Here’s to more tearing down barriers and building better worlds, one day at a time.

All the best.

Brydon