Detours and Road Construction! Just the thought of those words makes me cringe. To me they represent an interruption in my day or an interruption in something I’m trying to accomplish.
Just yesterday, my wife and I were completing a 10-hour drive back from a quick visit out of state. It was actually the same drive that I blogged about in my previous post. And, if you read the post, my windmill friends were still there😊.
We had carefully planned this trip to be back in town by 8:00PM so that we could enjoy a pizza, unpack, and watch one of our shows on a streaming service before climbing comfortably into our own cozy, familiar bed. Our plan was to make a maximum of three stops for restroom/fuel brakes and we even set the cruise control so we would not deviate from our desired speed.
Everything was set! But what we did not account for was construction along the road home. The 10-hour drive turned into an almost 12-hour drive. We arrived after 10:00PM with no time for pizza, we hardly had time to properly unpack, but we did manage to get in one show. In short, it was a nuisance and annoying.
Years ago, I used to be a runner and in decent shape (I’m in still pretty good shape if you consider the shape of round in the equation 😊 ha ha ha). On one of my running routes, I would often see road signs that would advise of road construction or a detour and caution drivers and pedestrians to be careful. Sometimes these affected me in my runs but mostly I felt bad for the drivers as I knew they would have to deviate from their plan.
In my business community group, (people who have become more than just colleagues – but close friends and advisors), there are a lot of “detours” on their paths. Some are positive detours and some can be perceived as not so great. There are health issues, care for parents, care for children, new jobs, new additions to family, etc. Life is filled with unexpected detours and construction! Sometimes, we don’t like it as it is often a barrier to what we want to do at any given moment.
When we encountered our first delay during our trip home, I will be honest I was very, very annoyed. After sitting in heavy traffic that was often not moving, I was trying to find something to think about other than my current situation.
And suddenly it occurred to me that this delay due to construction had a purpose. Not five minutes before I ran into this traffic I remembered complaining about the condition of the road and what it was doing to my tires and how rough and bumpy the road was on this long ride. I suddenly realized that the purpose of this delay was to fix this road.
So the next time I travel on this route, the roads will be better and more comfortable. Once I considered this fact, I was more appreciative of the construction that was occurring. Ohh, I was not thrilled about the delay but I understood it a little bit more and was a little bit more forgiving for the extra time spent on the road.
Taking this thought a little further, I have to admit that all detours and construction and inconveniences have a purpose. I may not understand them or like them but they do have a beneficial function.
So, what does this have to do with running an online business? Well, I’m glad you asked! I have noticed in my journey to run an online business that there have been multiple setbacks and detours surrounding what I’m working to accomplish.
Things have not always gone my way; the smooth and easy way. When there is a system hiccup, or an email issue, or a product misunderstanding, or whatever the issue might be at that moment I failed to consider that what was happening was actually something very important and necessary.
If it was truly a system issue, I had the opportunity to understand it a little better and dig in and either fix the issue or gain assistance. If it was an email or misunderstanding of a product I had the opportunity to once again, dig in, and study what was needed to correct the matter.
What I failed to realize is that I was actually LEARNING during this process. I was learning not only how to run an online business but how to work around issues and also expand my knowledge in the business.
If I’m honest, and I hate to admit this, most of the time detours are a blessing in disguise. Embracing these inconveniences is not easy and frankly sometimes seemingly impossible. Sometimes, these detours can truly be detrimental to what you’re trying to accomplish. Such as a total loss of data, a system crash, or something else that cannot be repaired.
I’m not talking about those unfortunate circumstances, I’m only talking about the items that seem to be more of an interruption. I like to call these speed bumps. No one likes speed bumps. They get in the way and they slow us down. But they are there for a reason, to slow us down. The things that totally shut us down, such as a data loss or what I mentioned above are brick walls. They are hard to get around but they can be overcome through some sort of detour or rework.
What I dislike the most about detours in my online business is that I feel it slows me down. And sometimes it does! But sometimes I do need to slow down. Again, that’s hard to admit. I tend to be very impatient and want everything to be perfect right now. But, that’s just me. Are you like me? Adopting the right mindset to navigate around detours is key! This is something I work on often.
Come to think of it, a detour in my life and career is what actually got me started looking for an online business. I am certainly not complaining about that detour!
To better myself, I did a little research on how I can work around these manageable distractions and interruptions. Here’s what I came up with and I hope this is beneficial to you:
Embrace Detours as Part of Your Journey
- Mindset Shift: Understand that detours are a natural part of your business adventure. They often present unique opportunities for growth and learning.
- Action: Accept and embrace the bumps along the way. Remind yourself that every great story has its twists and turns.
Be Flexible and Adaptable
- Mindset Shift: Flexibility allows you to adapt to new circumstances and thrive in change.
- Action: Stay open to adjusting your plans. Life is unpredictable, and being adaptable can turn unexpected changes into exciting new paths.
Focus on Finding Solutions
- Mindset Shift: Shift your focus from dwelling on problems to actively seeking creative solutions.
- Action: When faced with a challenge, take a deep breath and brainstorm potential solutions. Trust in your ability to find a way forward.
Learn from Every Experience
- Mindset Shift: See every detour as a valuable learning opportunity.
- Action: After facing a setback, take time to reflect. Ask yourself what you can learn from the experience and how it can help you grow.
Build Your Resilience
- Mindset Shift: Resilience helps you bounce back from setbacks stronger than before.
- Action: Develop mental and emotional strength through practice. Surround yourself with supportive friends and mentors.
Stay Positive and Optimistic
- Mindset Shift: A positive attitude can significantly impact your ability to handle detours.
- Action: Practice gratitude and positive thinking. Celebrate your small wins and acknowledge your progress, no matter how minor it may seem.
Set Realistic Goals and Expectations
- Mindset Shift: Setting achievable goals helps keep you motivated and provides clear direction.
- Action: Break down your larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks. Regularly review and adjust your goals to remain realistic and within reach.
Embrace Change and Innovation
- Mindset Shift: View change as an opportunity for innovation and improvement.
- Action: Encourage a culture of innovation within your team. Stay curious about industry trends and be willing to experiment with new ideas.
Seek Feedback and Collaboration
- Mindset Shift: Collaboration and feedback can provide new perspectives and solutions.
- Action: Embrace the attitude an environment where you feel comfortable sharing ideas and feedback and asking for feedback and help as needed.
Maintain a Long-Term Perspective
- Mindset Shift: Keep a long-term vision in mind, even when facing short-term setbacks.
- Action: Stay focused on the bigger picture. Remind yourself of your long-term goals and purpose – your “why.”
Be Kind to Yourself
- Mindset Shift: Practice self-compassion during challenging times.
- Action: Allow yourself time to adapt and recover from setbacks without harsh self-criticism. Treat yourself with the same kindness you would offer a friend.
Invest in Continuous Learning
- Mindset Shift: Continuous learning keeps you prepared for future challenges.
- Action: Engage in professional development through courses, workshops, and reading.
Does this list make sense to you? I am hopeful it helps and provides value to you. All are useful points, but please consider point number 11 – Be Kind to Yourself!
How do you get around the speed bumps of life and of your business? However you do it, the important thing is that you never give up and you look at the big picture and the reason those detours might be in place. Just like my example above, sometimes detours will make the road easier for the future. Even if it is a bad situation, at least you’ll have a better understanding of how to deal with the issue at hand.
“When obstacles arise, you change your direction to reach your goal; you do not change your decision to get there.” – Zig Ziglar
“A bend in the road is not the end of the road… unless you fail to make the turn.” – Helen Keller
“Don’t be discouraged by detours. Sometimes the roughest roads lead to the top.” – Unknown
And of course, a few VERY BAD Dad jokes:
Why did the driver feel like a musician? Because they were always tuning into the “traffic jams”!
Why did the driver install a light bulb in the car? To find the bright side of every detour!
Until next time, STAY FRESH, Friends!
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Great post and great tips! Life can be so much like navigating a never-ending roadwork zone? Just when you think you’ve got a flat open road, bam!—orange cones and a “road closed” sign. The bit about speed bumps and brick walls had me chuckling. It’s true, some days feel like you’re dodging minor annoyances, and other days you’re face-planting into brick walls. Thanks for the reminder to laugh through the chaos and maybe pack some extra snacks for the ride.
Thanks Tony! Yes, I really agree with you that life can come to a stop or can change when there is a detour, speed bump and hopefully never a brick wall. These are all situations that sometimes we can prepare for but we all have to manage through them when they inevitably happen. Thanks for your visit and have a wonderful week!
That is an admirable value-pair list of Mindset Shift-Action to help me work around manageable distractions and interruptions. Thank you.
You are so very welcome! I am glad the list was helpful and that it helped jog some things that you may have already known or possibly some new ideas. Thank you so very much for your visit to my blog post at it is appreciated!
Hi Ernie,
I absolutely loved reading your post! It’s amazing how you found a positive perspective on something as frustrating as road construction. Your analogy to running an online business is great, and the tips you shared for navigating detours are so valuable. Thank you for sharing your journey and insights with such warmth and humor. Keep up the great work! 😊
Hi Meredith! You are very welcome and thank you for your very nice and positive comments. I’m glad you found the tips helpful and I’m glad you enjoy my jokes. Not everybody in my family does as they get to hear him all the time! And all seriousness thank you for your visit to my blog post and have a wonderful week!
I completely relate to the frustration of unexpected detours, whether it’s in life or business. Your perspective shift—from seeing these detours as mere annoyances to recognizing their purpose and benefits—is truly enlightening and inspiring. I think it’s such a powerful reminder that even interruptions can be opportunities for growth and learning.
Your practical steps for embracing detours are incredibly useful, especially the emphasis on flexibility and problem-solving. I’ve noticed in my own experience that adopting a mindset of resilience and continuous learning makes a significant difference when navigating unforeseen challenges.
One strategy that has helped me is keeping a journal to reflect on these detours and the lessons they bring. It not only helps in understanding past obstacles but also in preparing for future ones.
Hi Allison! Yes, detours are frustrating regardless of the situation and regardless of the timing. I’m glad the practical steps I provided were helpful and a nice reminder. However, your idea to journal is brilliant! I used to do this in the past and have stepped away from this practice. What I found when I did it before is that it is so good in reminding me where I started and where I am now. I suppose this blog is somewhat of a journal, however I need to get back to seriously journaling more about everyday life and not just business. Thank you so much for your visit as always! Have a wonderful and productive week!
What a great read! Your analogy about detours and road construction hit home for me. It’s so true that these unexpected bumps in the road, whether in travel or business, can be incredibly frustrating at first, but they often have a purpose and can lead to growth. Thank you for the tips for embracing and navigating these detours are spot on. I especially love the part about being kind to yourself – it’s easy to forget that in the hustle and bustle. Thanks for sharing your insights and personal experiences. Definitely gave me a new perspective!
Hello Sarah, my friend! As always, I am so glad and honored when you stop by my little blog to read and to comment. Yes, detours are frustrating but can also be a nice reminder and a wakeup call sometimes to look at the situation we are in currently and possibly the situation ahead. I’m glad the perspective was helpful, and I am so happy to see you blogging, making videos, being a great family person, being a great employee and employer, and an overall fantastic person! Have a wonderful week!
Ernie thanks for your helpful insights. I have been trying to work on my gratitude. This really fits into everything you are saying. Just remember that in MN there are only two seasons winter and road construction.
Hi Ken – I appreciate your comment and it did make me chuckle. The two seasons where you live are very similar to the seasons where I live and have lived. While you work on your gratitude, I will express my gratitude in your visit to my blog post. Have a wonderful week ahead!
I hope you had a great trip. it’s just a shame it was spoiled by the road works on the way home. Still, it did prove to be a positive experience by giving you the inspiration for your post and what a great post it was.
Hi Andy, yes it did prove to be a positive experience overall. I chose to learn from the distraction and detour even though it was rather frustrating. Plus, if I look at the big picture, this was just more time I had with my very pretty wife on a long road trip. I truly am appreciative of you visiting my blog and of your kind comments. Wonderful week!