Good morning, Team! It’s Friday!

We are smack dab in the middle of the holiday season and the weather in Minnesota just sent a quick but definitive reminder that we are warm blooded animals and have to acclimate to each season. The two busy squirrels out in the back yard have grown a thicker coat and they scurry about gathering [….] and occasionally peek in the windows with the sole purpose of taunting our dog who just about loses it every time the squirrel-friend teases her through the patio glass door.

The skies are gray most of the time, the sun rises late and disappears early. While I have a distinct appreciation for four full seasons from 100 degree sweltering Summer heat to 40 below plus Winter windchill, these aging bones and thinning tolerance for abrupt shift in weather … or plans … or frankly anything makes it increasingly difficult from going absolutely [….].

We invested in an echo earlier this year and as our firmware engineer son demonstrated last evening, there are a number of third party vendors adding programs, applications, etc. to this voice activated internet connection. We played a quick game of Jeopardy. Kind of fun. This new technology allows us to direct activities by simply annunciating “Alexa” and requesting something (as long as you frame it correctly and use Alexa as a prompt in the right amount of time). Imagine someone walking in while you are arguing with your short black tube on the counter…they’d think you were [….].

What could these seemingly random observations possibly have in common?

Take a quick look at the geopolitical and socioeconomic environment you live in. We are experiencing substantial changes on many, many fronts. We don’t like it. We prefer static but this world is dynamic. The financial markets prefer predictability but there is little of that to be found these days.

We need to be like the squirrels who adapt and adjust to their environment, simply for survival.
•Be aware of your surroundings and recognize when physical traits are changing to prepare you for the future
•Gather your [….] and squirrel them away for a time you’ll need them
•Make your own fun and taunt the animals on the other side of the glass once in a while

I am reminded regularly of the phrase “like rowing a boat in the ocean”. Have you tried this? If you try to row against the tide, you may burn up a lot of energy without getting anywhere but increasingly frustrated. You must understand your surroundings. Watch the tide. Read the waves. Whatever situation you are in, it may not be obvious, familiar or intuitive but if you don’t learn quickly (adapt and adjust), you may not survive.

As it relates to your career,
•Where are you today?
-In an environment that will help you get (or even discover) where you want to go?
•What are your plans to get there?
-Are you waiting for someone to tap you on the shoulder?
-Take interest in you?
-Encourage you to reach your potential?

Be aware
Be deliberate
Be the best version of yourself that God intended you to be
Be good at what you do but also be good to work with
Be direct, respectful but not mean

Have a blessed weekend!