My Biggest Business Lesson of 2014 (And Maybe Ever)

by Eddie Reeves on

I learn something every year in my business. Actually, I learn something just about every day in my business, but I try hard to take at least one major lesson from every year and apply it earnestly perpetually from then forward.

This year, there is no question about the lesson I learned, even though I am a bit embarrassed to admit it. Why am I embarrassed? Because it is a lesson I have been teaching and coaching others on for years, but I only this year realized how much more I needed to internalize it myself.

My biggest marketing lesson of 2014 was this: Get over it and keep pressing on.

Not exactly Earth-shattering in its simplicity, I know, but it is a profoundly powerful lesson for me, and I hope, for you, too.

I had a couple of major setbacks and disappointments this year. That’s not new – I have those every year, just as every entrepreneur does. But what was different about them this year was that the major ones were not due to any failing on my part.

This year, more than any other I can ever remember, I had clients flake out on me, vendors fail me and prospects flat lie to me.

And the truth is, I let it get me way too down way too often.

I know better than that, or lat least, I should know better than that.

The good news is that I have learned this lesson and learned it deeply. I now know not just in my head, but in my heart that I have no control over any one else’s ethics or morals.

All I can do is to be the most honest, ethical and principled businessperson I can be.

And the good news is that, much more often then not, people will respond in kind.

The icing on the cake for me was that just as I was reflecting on this lesson the other day, my favorite movie of all times came on TV, and it was a deeper and richer blessing to me than it ever has been.

What was that move? Why only the greatest piece of cinematic art ever created: Frank Capra’s It’s A Wonderful Life.

If you haven’t watched it lately, I strongly encourage you to do so, and to reflect deeply on its message.

May you have the most blessed of holiday seasons and a truly wonderful year next year befitting your truly wonderful life!

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