You have to stand up to run.
Embracing Change: A Symphony of Growth with Dan Greer’s Energetic Cadence
In the whirlwind of life, change has become the constant orchestrator of our experiences, evolving at an unprecedented pace. Recently, I catapulted into a week that started with the usual Monday routine but quickly transformed into a realm of possibilities, where the idea of acquiring not one but multiple businesses took center stage. The prospect is undeniably daunting, yet undeniably exhilarating. What’s intriguing is how the narrative unfolded from feeling like we were sprinting a million miles an hour to a divine whisper urging, “Dan, you’ve been crawling; stand up, and walk.”
It’s a common paradox: amidst dynamic and rapid evolution, we often perceive ourselves as overwhelmed. Reflecting on my journey from the Basin Coop feed mill to Crossfire, where I undertook the role of their DOT manager, creating and implementing a DOT program from scratch, and later venturing into our businesses, each step felt like an acceleration. Now, as we navigate the realms of growth and business scaling, the sensation of running faster persists. Yet, it’s not merely about the pace but also how we navigate and handle this perpetual sprint.
During a recent business trip, accompanied by one of our employee experience professionals, I had a moment of reflection. About halfway through our journey, he astutely remarked, “Dan, you have to be the most productive guy I know.” Intrigued, I asked, “What makes you say that?” His response was a revelation.
“Over three whole days, from 8 a.m. to about 9:30 p.m., we’ve been together. When stranded in construction, you didn’t merely dwell on the challenge; you seized the opportunity for team-building activities during the 4.5 hours of no cell service and no real way to work. Even when we regained connectivity, you refrained from diving straight into your computer. Instead, you took the time to brainstorm new avenues of growth. Only after that did you engage in calls. You seem to never stop moving, even listening to your books at 1.75 times the normal speed—something most people find incomprehensible. Yet, you retain the information and actively ask questions. What strikes me most is that, despite the apparent chaos, you don’t seem overwhelmed. You manage everything with a cool, down-to-earth demeanor, always eager to listen to almost anyone.”
This triggered introspection. Why do I maintain such a quick pace? The answer lies in recognizing what I believe God has made me capable of, and it’s substantial. Importantly, it involves continuously giving back. During times of success, when we attribute the credit to a higher force, or during challenging periods when we seek answers, even when contemplating the acquisition of new businesses, we actively seek divine guidance to ensure that our decisions align with a higher purpose.
Each person immerses themselves in the whirlwind of busyness, moving at a unique pace. Comparing oneself to others managing larger businesses or reflecting on one’s speed a decade ago may create the illusion of standing still. However, the focus should be on standing up and taking that pivotal first step into the unknown.
PS: Excitement brews about sharing more details on the unfolding events. Although I am not one for secrets, we have imposed a momentary vow of silence. We will reveal the amazing changes on the horizon for our community as soon as possible.
Seizing the Day: A Call to Action with Dan Greer’s Vision
Today’s action involves choosing to see the bright side of every situation—a conscious decision that shapes our perspective. It’s a choice between succumbing to despair or taking a step forward into the unknown.
A backward glance at past events allows for a comparison of decision-making processes, the speed of actions, or other factors to the present. Is it better or worse? If it’s better, understanding the reasons behind the improvement is essential. If it’s worse, a thorough examination of the contributing factors becomes imperative.
While the tendency might be to gauge one’s pace against others, it’s crucial not to fall into the comparison trap unless it catalyzes personal growth. In the dynamic rhythm of life, the emphasis should be on intention rather than speed.
Until the next reflection, here’s to standing up and taking that decisive step into the unfolding chapters of life.
Dan Greer
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