“A mean man”: Are you asking “What if” enough in your solo business?
“Here lies Ebenezer Lennox Scroggie, A Mean Man.”
Charles Dickens was walking around a cemetery in Edinburgh, Scotland, during a break from a hectic lecture tour.
He saw the inscription on this particular grave, and couldn't stop thinking about it: How mean would someone have to be that they'd forever memorialize it on his gravestone?!
Dickens followed his curiosity; his imagination ran with it.
Scroggie eventually became “Scrooge,” and two years later, in 1843, the novel A Christmas Carol emerged.
Dickens' “What if…” led to generations enjoying this beloved holiday story of the power of kindness and generosity.
The thing is, that gravestone didn't say “A Mean Man.”
It actually said “A Meal Man.”
Ebenezer Scroggie was a corn (meal) merchant. He was also a vintner who won a big contract to provide the Royal Navy's rum. (I guess you could say a different kind of “spirit” changed his life).
Oops.
I love stories of mistakes & failures leading to serendipitous breakthroughs.
Even more, I love the power of the “What if?” moment.
“What if there were someone so mean & greedy they felt compelled to immortalize it on his gravestone?”
“What if we could introduce millions of children to this classic using muppets + Michael Caine? What if we made a modern day version with Bill Murray?”
“What if my business could make a lot more money next year, without burning me out?”
“What if I could enjoy this income without turning into 'Scrooge McDuck,' greedily swimming in piles of coins?
“What if I could take big chunks of time off to pursue adventures and travel?”
I love possibility-thinking.
It's one of the most powerful tools we have as solopreneurs.
This is why the Soulful Solopreneur: Annual Workbook for Reflection & Renewal includes questions like,
“Wouldn't it be great if…_____?”,
“What if this could be fun?” and
“What if this could be easier/simpler?”
We get so used to the practical or habit-driven side of our brain running things that potentially great ideas get poo-poohed faster than you can say “Bah, Humbug.”
I hope you're able to enjoy lots of rest (and maybe even long walks like Dickens') this holiday season.
I also hope you start dreaming & scheming for 2024 with possibility-thinking.
If you want some support with this, I'm hosting a Soulful Solopreneur Intention-Setting Workshop on January 12 (11:00-12:30 ET), where we'll explore the possibilities and how you can actually take action to make those “What ifs" real.
I hope you'll join us.
Either way, I hope you'll experience moments of serendipity in 2024, knowing that mistakes, risks, and casual “what ifs” can lead to great things.
You never know what can happen.
To your success,
Jane