Take The Mulligan

If you had this year’s strategy nailed and felt that it would be smooth fairways ahead, only to find that you are already chipping away in the rough - take a Mulligan. Starting a small business comes with challenges, left fields and many unknowns. It is easy to find yourself stuck in the rough. This is literally par for the course, so to speak, but at the same time, it is equally important to right-side your mindset to gain your footing and get back on track. This is what taking a Mulligan can do for you.

As a metaphor, taking a Mulligan represents a willingness to accept what is true now and giving yourself the grace to refocus and begin fresh from your last best shot. 

This is much more lucrative than getting stuck swearing at the dunes as you try to correct the course.  A Mulligan represents a self-compassionate response to the reality that life has challenges.  It’s not an act of self-pity, as some would perceive. Lamenting in the sand trap and ruminating about our distress is a pitying act. A Mulligan is an active response to the self-pitying dune slashing –  it’s an act of perspective-taking and refocusing on the play.    

So, if things are off course, take the Mulligan. Once you've adjusted your mindset, review what you can learn from the journey thus far and how it can support you in playing your game.  

 A positive, flexible mindset that accepts that challenges occur and that best-laid plans go astray will see you more quickly move toward your goals with fulfillment.  

 So go ahead - take that Mulligan, adjust your swing, and keep your eyes on the horizon. You are a lot stronger when you are on your own side!