As a serial entrepreneur, I have followed these 5 rules.

1. Always be curious.

2. Never be afraid to try something new.

3. Do not be afraid to make a decision. You can always change your mind.

4. Pre-plan and or think problems through, but do not be afraid to follow your intuition.

5. Listen to your advisors and coaches, but do not be afraid to make your own decision.

I am always trying something new. It could be a new application for my iPhone to make me more efficient or a new exercise to make me fit or have less stress.

Aerial Yoga is Like Entrepreneurship

For years, I have been taking and trying different styles of Yoga. I use it to reduce my stress level and to make me more flexible for golf. The problem is: my stress level seems the same and my golf game is still inconsistent. It has still not stopped me from applying. Rule #1: Always be curious.

I decided to try Aerial Yoga. Aerial Yoga is a type of Yoga that uses a fabric hammock as a tool to help students achieve the traditional Yoga positions.  The fabric is holding you up. The fabric allows you to perform all sorts of cool postures including hanging upside down. All of this is done 3 or 4 feet off the ground. I decided to sign up for an introductory class. Rule #2: Never be afraid to try something new.

I decided to take my first class the following week. Rule #3: Do not be afraid to make a decision. It was a lot of fun. We did a number of simple poses such as downward facing dog, pigeon etc. By the end of the class, we were swinging in the air and hanging upside down. I ended class being hooked on the experience.

The next class was even better. We were flying through the air in all different types of poses. I was enjoying the class even more than the first class. We were in poses upside down and right side up.  I felt like a young kid when trying to see how high he can swing without falling. The class ended on a real high. I was very loose, relaxed and ready for the next class.

Two weeks later, it was class time again. We did a number of pre-warm up poses and then started to do some more advanced inversions. I was flying through the air and the instructor said if you wanted to try this advanced pose, you could. I looked around and everyone was trying the pose. I figured I would try the pose, even though, my intuition said no.  The next thing I knew, I was flying through the air toward the ground.

Thump! I had broken Rule #4: Pre-plan and follow your intuition.

I was rushed to the emergency room and ended up getting 5 stitches in my pinky. I do not know what hurt more, my ego or my pinky. Suddenly, my fully booked day of meetings and calls became unimportant.  3 hours later, I did what any smart entrepreneur would do.  I updated and discussed next steps with my coach, board of advisors, and family. After reviewing the facts and hearing I told you so, the verdict was unanimous. I should give up Aerial Yoga. Rule #5: Listen to your coaches and board of advisors, but do not be afraid to make your own decision. The ultimate decision is up to me on whether to return and defy gravity once more. Since, I broke rule #4 I will not have to make that decision any time soon.

What did I learn from my experience with Aerial Yoga?

The most important lesson is: The same 5 rules I use in business are actually life rules. These rules are sound and can be used in any situation. The rules can be used in deciding whether to acquire a company or trying a new activity. Just follow the 5 rules when confronted with any decision.

1. Always be curious.

2. Never be afraid to try something new.

3. Do not be afraid to make a decision. You can always change your mind.

4. Pre Plan and or think problems through, but do not be afraid to follow your intuition.

5. Listen to your advisors and coaches, but do not be afraid to make your own decision.

What rules do you follow when confronted with a decision? I’d love for you to share your comments below.

P.S. – Do you need an Outside Director, Advisory Board Member, Trusted Advisor,  or Interim CEO?  Someone who can help you see your business and your goals through “Fresh Eyes.”  Contact me and I will work with you to look at where you want to go and help you find the best way to get there.  Sometimes all it takes is someone with a fresh viewpoint, unencumbered by company politics or culture to help find the right solution.

Image Credit: Shutterstock

Larry Putterman

Board Director | Advisory Board Member

Avoid painful lessons learned. Let me help solve your business problems. A fresh set of eyes can show you a different set of possibilities. Use my experience to save time and money. I have been there and done that. What makes me highly effective is my fresh viewpoint, unencumbered by company politics or culture.