Appreciate the River

Taking advantage of greater external forces can help achieve momentum. Once you get into a state of momentum, your natural inclination is to continue down that path. It takes effort and willpower to get momentum going in a different direction.

Carmine Coyote wrote an interesting blog entitled "Stop Pushing the River" (http://www.slowleadership.org/blog/?p=363). I'm going to differ from that view slightly. A river (or speaking more dramatically - The River) is one example of a greater external force that we can use advantageously to pick up momentum. A river has a natural ebb and flow to it causing stretches of rapid movement and periods of doldrum. Markets work in a similar fashion. Instead of using that as an excuse for dishonest or unethical activity, you need to appreciate that different action is necessary depending on where you are in the market life cycle. You may recognize the need for training, product development, or change in focus.

Clearly we want to stop pushing The River, however, a more subtle point is to appreciate the River.

PS - Just saw a quote from Dolly Parton that succinctly sums this up: "We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails." (See http://selfhelpdaily.com/motivation-from-the-mouths-of-country-legends-and-legends-in-the-making/)