Effort & Consequences

I was sad to hear of the passing of Leonard Cohen, as his latest album is an outstanding piece of music. Watching an interview yesterday where he was talking about the writing of Hallelujah, I heard the line " you put in your best effort, but you can't command the consequences ".

This was in relation to the fact that his record company didn't release the album with Hallelujah on it. It was released independently and took on a life of its own.

The quote is poignant for business as well. You can produce something special, yet you can't command what your customers think about it. Sometimes you may be ahead of the curve and finding the early adopters to evangelise is elusive. Other times it may get lumped into the middle, among the millions screaming for attention.

This can be challenging to contend with, when you are struggling to pay the rent and put food on the table. You can't control the consequences, but you can and must put in your best effort. Because this will be the difference between failure and your product or idea laying down strong roots, that will enable it to grow and blossom, when the environment is right.

Remember, just because the committee of they, may reject, it only takes the love of one for something to bloom.

Colin Myles Author

P.S.
" I'm wanted at the traffic jam, they're saving me a seat " Leonard Cohen