So what have been the three big learns for me over the past couple of days?
How would you react to the unexpected?
Four days ago I was completing a two day workshop on how building relationships support effective leaders. The group were excellent and it was a pleasure to be around such highly motivated individuals. During the second day I noticed that I was getting an increasingly painful ache on the right side of my abdomen. By the time I got home I could barely get out of the car. After finding little relief from taking some painkillers my wife and I took a taxi to our local A & E. Various consultations were leading towards the options of constipation, kidney stones, gall bladder and finally appendicitis. After various tests the latter was confirmed and within 24 hours I was in the operating theatre.
So how did I react?
Well quite philosophically in that I immediately thought through the implications of being out of action for a short period of time.
I did have an important meeting the next day however a text and a phone call from my wife was met with total appreciation of the situation and a future date tbc.
It is times like this when it's easy to think of all the negative implications of the unexpected however a useful exercise to do is answer the 5 'worst case scenarios' questions that come to mind. It's amazing how potential solutions arise which demonstrate how enterprising we can become at times of challenge.
Stay positive and flexible
Being creatures of habit, imposed change can always be challenging, however this experience has taught me that even the more undesirable experiences offer up opportunities. For example the time in hospital has given me some valuable thinking time to work through the next three months in my mind and map them out on my iPad. I also had some time to read through a book I had wanted to work through which probably would have been pushed back to later in the year.
The power of the blackberry helps keep us in touch with family and friends and it has been so positive to receive so many warm wishes of support. The power of the iPad means my wife and I have been indulging in our scrabble addiction during visiting time.
And finally I was able to read the weekend papers thoroughly without distraction or guilt which has been a real treat.
So I'm certainly not coming out of the experience thinking I've wasted four days of my life.
Be prepared
The good news is that I am writing this posting with a view to being discharged after three days of surgery. Many of the patients sharing my ward are here for the longer term. I do believe that maintaining good health in your everyday life does hold you in good stead for when emergencies happen. It has got to be the ultimate health insurance that we all need to invest in.
For a free copy of my guide to the seven steps that can improve your companies advantage please click on the link below
http://www.martincrisp.com/freebook/
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