The Importance of Flexibility
I am a habitual early riser, as was my father and grandfather before me. I relish the quiet and stillness that morning provides. My typical morning routine involves showing gratitude, meditating, and enjoying a coffee before heading to the gym. Recently, I’ve been waking up around 4:00 a.m., though not by choice. During these early hours, I often watch a documentary on Netflix or another streaming service. This past week, I watched a documentary about Tower Records.
For those who aren’t familiar, records were the precursor to CDs and were usually purchased in stores where face-to-face interaction took place. Tower Records was founded by Russ Solomon in 1961, starting in his father’s Sacramento pharmacy. He began by selling used 45s for 10 cents each and later expanded into the vacant shop next door. And became the preeminent “third place” long before Starbucks coined that phrase. Record stores of that era, like Tower Records, were akin to today’s Apple Stores in their customer experience. They featured listening booths, knowledgeable clerks, and expansive layouts filled with records. A visit to Tower Records was a communal experience. Whenever I visited New York between 1985 and 2010, Tower Records on 4th and Broadway was always on my list.
At its peak in 2000, Tower Records was the world’s largest retailer of records, selling over a billion dollars worth annually. However, just four years later, the company filed for bankruptcy. Poet Robert Burns once wrote, “The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” Loosely translated, no matter how meticulously we plan, things can still go wrong. This blog emphasizes the importance of flexibility.
As CEO of Fed-Hurt, part of my role is to stay informed about issues affecting federal workers. This involves monitoring social media, reviewing government articles and blogs, and researching changes in laws affecting workers’ compensation in the federal sector. I’m often struck by how resistant some people are to change or unforeseen challenges. Inflexibility often correlates with pessimism.
In the U.S., we live in an age of abundance, provided we embrace the mindset that opportunities are available if we believe in them. Optimistic people tend to be more flexible. Being adaptable is crucial for success, both in life and business. When America transitioned away from typewriters, it’s likely there were protests by those in the typewriter industry. Yet, those who adapted, pivoting to servicing copiers and keyboards, thrived. The only constant in life is change, and how we adapt determines where growth and opportunity intersect.
Fed-Hurt is currently undertaking its 3rd Quarter expansion efforts, negotiating with eight new locations across eight states, including Alaska. Our goal is to finalize all eight locations before Q4. However, as Robert Burns might suggest, we are prepared for objections and potential denials. Our commitment to building a provider network to serve the dedicated federal workers who support us is what drives our efforts. If necessity is the mother of invention, then flexibility is the father of opportunity. I hope you all have a great week.
