My time as a Manufacturers' Representative offered continuous learning opportunities. No doubt my primary objective was relationship building. Sales appeared as a result. That understanding of order (relationship = sale) was a big wake-up versus the preconceived notion of (sale = relationship) that had always been drilled into me, although that's another dynamic for another post!

A key lesson from that time is the necessity to change paths.

I covered the Mid-Atlantic region as a Manufactured Representative, Upstate NY south to Northern Virginia. Covered efficiently via a car - too small for air travel. As I traversed the same routes from Wilmington to Baltimore, Philadelphia to Erie and Syracuse to Buffalo I was, at various times, moved to consider my route. Often identical to previous travels the month(s) before, I would often begin wondering about all the businesses I was whizzing past.

So rather than wonder "what do they do?" - I got off the highway. I slowed down and took a different path. State Route, County Highway. Roads with stop lights and non-direct directions to my final destination. Through towns that were small, where I didn't know anyone or any businesses.

Guess what happened?

I explored. I discovered. I imagined. I got the door closed and it was opened. I met new people. Made new friendships. And I eventually made some sales.

I don't travel those Mid-Atlantic paths anymore but the sense of curiosity that moved me onto new roads still guides me. As I cruise the Interstates to known destinations, important meetings and tasks I still look on those alternate paths and wonder what's awaiting the traveler who gets off, slows down and explores.

From my experience - good things.

In a former life I traversed through a time where I rock climbed. Not allot but enough that I could lead 5.6 routes with grace, confidence and competency. For the laymen or those unfamiliar with climbing - you could trust me!

Early in my learning curve I followed my mentor up a route named Something Interesting. Unbeknownst to me at the time was the symbolic meaning behind the word "interesting". Imagine for a moment a sly, all-knowing elder watching a neophyte attempt a new task. Rubbing their chin the elder gazes upon the effort and comments, "This should be interesting." Note the emphasis.

There is always something interesting embedded in any task. It ranges from the unforeseen/quickly solved conundrum to the opposite end of the spectrum, possibly described with these phrases - "really difficult", "challenging" or "I'm giving up". Wherever the moment of consideration presents itself, that is the crux. The heart of the matter. It is the time & place we get to test ourselves.

At those moments, at the crux, we confirm the contents of our personal skills toolbox. Receive a first person report as to their proficiency or short-coming. Need for sharpening or a spritz of WD-40. While I don't climb as much as I used to those moments have stayed with me and continue to challenge my readiness. One never knows when something interesting is just around the corner!