Musings at Altitude

Back in early September, I added a primary duty to my job responsibilities – CEO of an $80M company.  I smile just thinking about that statement – “a primary duty” – because actually I have at least a couple primary duties and today I think they are all making me smile.

Here is a far from exhaustive list of things that make me smile:

— food and fellowship

— a job done well

— a quick recovery to a job done not so well

– a Starbucks with a friend

— collaboration with a peer

— a sigh of relief when a tough task is complete

— a thank you note from the boss

— an unexpected note of encouragement from a friend

— an answer to a question that has bothered me for days or weeks

— a hockey game that goes to a shootout

— an unexpectedly good balance in the checking account

— an Avalanche win (because of the 14 year old)

— a Red Wings loss (because of the 14 year old)

— an omelete at IHOP

— a talk with my Dad

— a talk as a Dad

— a political debate with a good friend

— a business that achieves against plan

— a chance to help someone in distress

— an unexpected picture of the grandbaby

— an expected picture of the grandbaby

— a “thinking of you” from anyone unexpected

— an answered prayer

— words of wisdom from a business mentor

— progress over process

— a last minute goal at a hockey game

— a hug from any family member

— a great business idea from an unexpected source

— the point any business becomes cash flow positive

— a “yes” from that one person you need more than any other to help your business

— lighting a pumpkin spice candle

— listening to Jimmy Buffet

— any positive day in the stock market

— an uplifting biography

— a date with my bride

— hand delivering bonus checks

— giving someone a raise

— a note of thanks from a customer

— a note of thanks to a customer

— arrival of that check that is so desperately needed to meet payroll

— the serenity of altitude

— a glass of wine, a cigar, and a clear night to stare at millions of stars

— a butterfly kiss when my daughter says good night

There must be thousands more, and maybe that’s why I go through much of life with a smile on my face!