Musings at Altitude

Back in early September, I added a primary duty to my job responsibilities - CEO of an $80M company.  I smile just thinking about that statement – “a primary duty” – because actually I have at least a couple primary duties and today I think they are all making me smile.

Here is a far from exhaustive list of things that make me smile:

– food and fellowship

– a job done well

– a quick recovery to a job done not so well

– a Starbucks with a friend

– collaboration with a peer

– a sigh of relief when a tough task is complete

– a thank you note from the boss

– an unexpected note of encouragement from a friend

– an answer to a question that has bothered me for days or weeks

– a hockey game that goes to a shootout

– an unexpectedly good balance in the checking account

– an Avalanche win (because of the 14 year old)

– a Red Wings loss (because of the 14 year old)

– an omelete at IHOP

– a talk with my Dad

– a talk as a Dad

– a political debate with a good friend

– a business that achieves against plan

– a chance to help someone in distress

– an unexpected picture of the grandbaby

– an expected picture of the grandbaby

– a “thinking of you” from anyone unexpected

– an answered prayer

– words of wisdom from a business mentor

– progress over process

– a last minute goal at a hockey game

– a hug from any family member

– a great business idea from an unexpected source

– the point any business becomes cash flow positive

– a “yes” from that one person you need more than any other to help your business

– lighting a pumpkin spice candle

– listening to Jimmy Buffet

– any positive day in the stock market

– an uplifting biography

– a date with my bride

– hand delivering bonus checks

– giving someone a raise

– a note of thanks from a customer

– a note of thanks to a customer

– arrival of that check that is so desperately needed to meet payroll

– the serenity of altitude

– a glass of wine, a cigar, and a clear night to stare at millions of stars

– a butterfly kiss when my daughter says good night

There must be thousands more, and maybe that’s why I go through much of life with a smile on my face!