Several months ago, my wife and I were taking a trip that placed us on a road between Dallas, Texas and Albuquerque, New Mexico. If any of you have ever been on this road or on this path you may note that there is often not much to see. However, there is much to observe in the “not much to see.” It is rather fascinating to me and if you look closely, there is truly more to grasp. For example, that 10-12-hour stretch of road is a vast openness dotted with small quaint towns that scream of history, pride and sentiment.
Throughout this country there are several fields filled with cotton, vegetables, fruit and roadside produce stands. Once one gets inside the New Mexico boarder the land is covered with a hills, mountains, mesas, pine brush, tumble weeds and the feeling of what it must have been like in the old west. One almost expects to see the coyote chasing the roadrunner in this untouched country. 😊 It is a wonderful experience to drive through this area and take in the unique beauty of West Texas and East New Mexico. You can almost imagine what it was like 50 to 100 years ago when transportation was different and the journey was much slower, deliberate and intriguing. I don’t want to get too sappy here, but it is almost romantic taking these road trips.
My wife and I could have chosen to fly to our destination, but we decided to drive on this trip. I am so glad we did as we were together in our car reminiscing about our 32-year marriage, reliving old road trips with our children and imagining new road trips with our grandchildren. We listened to music that we love without the back seat commentary of our beloved children complaining about old people music. It truly was a fantastic trip.
While we have completed this trip multiple times over the years, there was one thing that was different and noticeable this time. There was the occasional field filled with modern windmills generating power and energy for the surrounding area. They seemed out of place as modern technology crossed over with what seemed to be emptiness on the long stretch of road.
As I thought about it more, I began to appreciate the use of this land as a modern-day resource. The energy that was being harnessed by natural forces, the wind, was being used for good. I then started to wonder about these particular windmills in general. They were massive! Not only tall, but wide and intimidating. And, there were hundreds of these energy harnessing beasts scattered throughout this land.
I looked at them and marveled at those very smart people who developed this technology to capture this energy. And then I noticed something in the middle of one of these wind
farms. There was a small farmhouse that was obviously very old and looked as if it had been unoccupied for years. At the edge of the farmhouse property was an old windmill. This windmill was very small in comparison to its counterparts. It was made of wood and seemed bulky next to its younger and much larger brother.
What was odd about this old windmill was that it still appeared to be in operation even though there were no apparent residents that occupied the farmhouse. By operation, I mean the windmill was still turning. I started to think about this old windmill still operating in the midst of the hundreds of other windmills that seemed to engulf the area. And, I was impressed.
It may not have been generating the same amount of power as its peers, but it was still chugging away. I quickly snapped a picture to document and remember this scene. Here we have the old next to the new. At first, I saw it as progression and evolution. Here was a representation of old, yet effective, technology next to new and more efficient technology.
But as I thought about it more, it became much more than just that initial thought. I now saw it as history meeting current day in one brief snapshot. The “old guy” wasn’t done and still effective while the “new guy”, thanks to technology, was further along in his accomplishments. They were in the same field, ultimately doing the same job, just in different ways. They were in different stages of their life yet they shared the same purposes. I know this is getting rather deep but when you’re on mile 495 of a much longer trip you have time to romanticize about, well, everything. 😊
So, what does this have to do with running an online business? I’m glad you asked! It has many things that can compare and can correlate with the stages one is at in a new or tenured business.
First, I believe one must not discount those that came before us to pave the way for businesses such as affiliate marketing. These pioneers, like my mentor Dean Holland, have made it easier for people like me to get started. That does not mean that it is easy, it just means that the path is clearer. Now that’s not to say that these innovators are an old windmill chugging along. No, just the opposite! They have not forgotten where they started but evolved into something bigger and better and more efficient than they could have ever imagined.
I see these two windmills as two different levels of experience and stages. Let’s not focus on old and new but let’s focus on the here and now. Right now, I’m like that old windmill (even though I’m not that old unless you ask my children.) I’m chugging along doing the best that I can at a pace that I can handle. I may not be harnessing the energy that I want just yet but I’m getting there and I’m still moving regardless of what’s happening around me.
Some of my peers are much further along in their business and are like that newer, sleeker model of windmill. What’s great about this analogy and picture is that both windmills are together. I have every confidence in my mentor as well as some of my peers who are ahead of me that they will walk alongside me to help me get to a place where I can become bigger and stronger and more efficient. I will then walk alongside someone else who is at a different stage and help them. The end game is the same and that is to produce an outcome that is not only beneficial for me and my family but also to provide value for others. The other take I get about this analogy is how technology and advancement cannot be ignored. One must adapt in order to move forward. I plan to write on this topic in a future blog post with additional explanation and yes, an additional story.
I’m writing about this now as in the next few days my wife and I will be taking the same trip. Once again, we have decided to drive instead of fly which would be the easier and quicker method. But this business has allowed me to be flexible as I can complete my tasks just about anywhere and at any time of the day. So, we will drive! And along that drive I will look for my two windmill friends and I bet I will see them both chugging along at their own respective paces. Just like my business. Since I first saw those two windmills, I have progressed and developed my skills to become more efficient and knowledgeable in the tasks that I need to complete.
Before I get too “long winded”, I better cut this blog post short while I still have you and you are not “blown” away by my wordiness. 😊
I will leave you with this piece of advice and hope for your success. Don’t get bogged down in thinking that you’re not as far as you should be as long as you are doing the best you can at the place and pace you are at right now. Don’t compare yourself to others who may seem to be further ahead…they were once in the exact same spot that you are now. Instead of focusing on the don’ts, do celebrate your successes. Do celebrate where you started and how far you are right now. And do celebrate the opportunities that will come your way because you refuse to quit and get to a place where you can be successful and then help others achieve that same success. Now, off to gas up my car, check the fluids and hit the road!
“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” – C.S. Lewis
“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
And of course, a few VERY BAD Dad jokes:
Did you hear about the windmill who won an award? It was quite the big fanfare!
What did the windmill say to the farmer? “I’m a big fan of your work!”
Until next time, STAY FRESH, Friends!
**If you are curious about this process and wish to know more about an affiliate marketing business, please subscribe to my newsletter here to learn more. And please continue following my blog. My hope is not only to create the freedom I so long for but pass on what I have learned to others who have similar aspirations.
The juxtaposition of the old and new windmills is a beautiful metaphor for growth and progress. It’s inspiring to see how you tie it back to personal and business life, reminding us that every stage has value and potential. Y
Looking forward to more of your wisdom and humor!
Keep sharing those insights and dad jokes—they’re a breath of fresh air!
Hi Tony and thank you for your visit! I appreciate your comments and I appreciate even more your valuing my poor attempt at humor ha ha ha! Here’s to your future and continue success. Having a wonderful week, my friend!
This is a great piece of writing! I remember taking roadtrips with my husband, having similar experiences of deep introspection and conversations. I love those memories!!
Thank you so much Kate! Road trips are an opportunity to reconnect or possibly just get to know someone better. At least that’s the way I look at it. I have no doubt that those road trips with your husband or invigorating and wonderful! Have a wonderful week, my friend!
What a beautifully written and reflective post! Your journey between Dallas and Albuquerque sounds incredibly enriching, both in terms of the landscape you traverse and the personal insights it inspired. The metaphor of the old and new windmills is incredibly poignant, offering a powerful lesson in appreciating where we are while acknowledging the advancements that guide us. It’s also heartwarming to read about the shared experiences with your wife during these trips; those moments of reminiscing and connecting are priceless. I really enjoy reading your posts, Ernie, you are a great writer, and a wonderful family man. Your wisdom about embracing one’s unique pace and celebrating each milestone is so encouraging. Safe travels on your upcoming trip, and may you continue to find inspiration and joy along the way!
Alison – Your comments absolutely made my day! Thank you very much for your visit and for your kind and heartwarming thoughts. As you have probably figured out, I use a lot of metaphors and I tell a lot of stories. That’s pretty much how I learn and how I remember things it’s by correlating and sometimes comparing things to life’s opportunities and experiences. I’m also a follower of yours and would turn it back on you commenting on your superior writing and ability to get a message across in a fun and productive way. Your ability to time manage truly astounds me. I truly wish you a fantastic week! Thank you again for your visit to my blog!
Hi Ernie,
What a beautiful and inspiring story! I love how you find meaning and lessons in everyday experiences. Your journey with your wife sounds truly special, and the analogy with the windmills is great. It’s a great reminder that progress comes at different paces for everyone. I know that’s true for me! Learning has always been a challenge for me since a young age with having Epilepsy. My My memory was affected when I was a baby with having tons of seizures, so remembering things is a struggle for me. Now that I’m going into my 50’s it’s even worse! 😄 You have to laugh about things to get through the hard things, right? Thank you for sharing this uplifting piece and the fun dad jokes all the time. Safe travels on your upcoming trip! 😊
Meredith
Hi Meredith -I truly appreciate your continued visits to my blog post. It really means so much to me that you read my content and take the time to thoughtfully reply. You really have been through challenges, and I commend you for your persistence and determination to persevere through those challenges. I agree you have to laugh about things sometimes, huh? I wish you a very wonderful and productive week ahead!
Ya pulled me right in – with much interest – on your travels. And I totally relate being a back seat commentarian about the old people music. For us, such a trip was never quieter – the year walkmans came into existence, lol.
The layout of your trip sounds familiar to a trip I did with a friend in her VW Van. It was a return trip, Calgary to California – but from the lushness of California on through the volcanic rock desserts of Oregon and then with the modern windmills along the Colombia river.
I must say you have almost personified the windmill. Well done! You have a gift with words.
You have earned a share of this post to my social media platforms.
Thank you so much for your visit and for your comments! By reading your thoughts, I can see that you totally get it. Your trip in a VW van sounds absolutely incredible and I bet you had a blast! Have a wonderful week, my friend!
I absolutely loved reading about your road trip from Dallas to Albuquerque! It’s amazing how you found beauty and inspiration in what might seem like “not much to see” at first glance. But I wouldn’t have expected anything else from you Ernie!, such a kind and thoughtful human. The way you compared the old and new windmills to different stages of business growth was so insightful and motivating. It reminded me that progress is all about steady movement and appreciating where we are on our journey. Thanks for sharing such a heart-warming and thoughtful post. Can’t wait to hear about your next adventure on the road!
Hi Sarah – Thank you so very much for your comments! It really was a magical trip and I got so much more out of it than expected. I love it when things exceed expectation! Yes, the comparison between the old and the new and people being in different stations of life seems to work here, huh? Thanks for your visit and I continue to wish you much, much, much success!
What a wonderful story! It makes me realize that I should take more trips and see the countryside. I’m sure it has created many wonderful memories for you and your wife and you will have many more to come.
Your advice at the end was very well received and is a timely reminder for any of us who feel we are lagging behind.
Looking forward to hearing about your next adventure!
Thanks Andy! Yes, you should take more trips to see the countryside and every other side of our wonderful planet. Invite me and I might just go with you…ha ha ha! Have a wonderful week, my friend!
Ernie, my friend! What a wonderful and heartfelt post! Your road trip sounds truly amazing, and I love how you drew such meaningful insights from the windmills. It’s inspiring to hear about your journey and the progress you’ve made in your business. Thank you for sharing your experiences and wisdom. Safe travels on your next trip! AND thank you so much for all your support, I am very grateful. Thanks, Atif
Hi Atif – I just love to see when you comment on my blog post. Your so inspirational to me and I truly appreciate you taking the time to visit me here. Thanks for your words and for your wisdom and I am also grateful for your support! Have a fantastic week!
Ernie, You pulled me into your story as I made a trip from MN to Phoenix via a Uhaul with my stepson. Your explanation of the images and scenery were oddly similar although I must say it seemed like it took an eternity to get through NM. Your writings are always inspiring and I enjoy your sense of humor. Safe travels and all the Best.
Hi Ken – It is so interesting that you took a similar trip but for probably much different reasons., it takes forever to get through New Mexico. However, if you look around the desert beauty is unique and oddly calming. Thank you for your nice comments and I do plan to include more dad jokes. Have a wonderful week!