| In the movie “Back to the Future”, Biff’s character would often say, “Think McFly” to Marty McFly, Michael J. Fox’s father in the movie. The irony of course, is that Biff was not smart and needed McFly to even do his homework. As I look around me today, I see a critical lack of thinking, just simple, critical thinking. For a couple of years, I have known that when I am speaking to a younger adult who tells me what they “think”, if I just ask the question, “Why,” they can’t articulate. I have begun to ask these questions of mature adults, and I am stunned to see that most people don’t know what they think anymore. They think only of what they saw in this reel that they liked. But they can’t tell you why. Jordan Peterson is widely respected as a “thinker”, but he simply observes and thinks. Something we are all told to do in Scripture. Give thought to our ways. Be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Jordan may be smart, but we can’t let him do our thinking for us, we need to think on our own lives, our own thoughts. This morning. I was thinking back over the last 20 years and what my oldest 4 kids have experienced, and I thought about how much joy those 4 have been through over a turbulent 20 years. So I texted them that fact, and how much I loved them. Why? Because I was taking time to think on life, and MY people. Not from shame or anguish, but just thinking about life and what they mean to me. No reels, just my thoughts. There is nothing wrong with inspirational reels, if one inspires you, GREAT. Put down the cell phone, and think about what that really means to you. Put REAL thought behind the motivation. As we sit here in Q4 it is time to start planning next year. Don’t look at Wall Street and believe what the talking heads say about the economy. Look around at YOUR business, YOUR life. Is it getting harder or easier? Is it likely to get harder or easier next year? What’s the trend? Some businesses are booming, some are not. What’s your reality? THINK. It is not about good or bad but about truth-what is true about your reality. Then, with a proper perspective, make plans that make sense given the reality of your particular situation. If you’re older, your health is compromised, etc. then maybe you need to work smarter, not harder. Do a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) of your business and your life and then make plans accordingly. I challenge you, I BEG you, please use your own head to look at your own life and live accordingly. You can make 2026 your best life REGARDLESS of what comes our way, but you need to think!!!! Have a blessed week! If you’re ready to expand your footprint by acquiring a similar business in your area, let’s get the financing in place so you can make your move by giving Karen a call today at 512-358-1511 to discuss your commercial finance needs or get started by filling out this form! Karen Schimpf (512) 358-1511 karen@applycommercialloans.com www.ApplyCommercialLoans.com |