Four Lessons Midlifepreneurs Can Learn From First Time Skiers

Four Lessons Men in Midlife Who Want To Become Entrepreneurs Can Learn From First Time Skiers 

I recently spoke to a mom of two young boys who had for the first time, gone skiing. This was in upstate New York. She shared the excitement on their faces as they journeyed to a small slope. On the way, they stopped at a Deli to get a quick bite before getting to their destination.

Seeing the snow on the ground in small piles, they did what any small boys and even some adults seeing snow for the first time would do … play with the snow. They were all smiles and giggles as they threw snowballs at each other and just at whatever they could safely throw at. You can just imagine the scene and the delight on their faces. You would think they had arrived at their destination.

Once they arrived at the slopes, they were fitted with skis. Their mom made sure they put on the correct size and that they were bundled up with all the accessories they needed for their first skiing experience. They listened carefully to all the instructions that were given and another pep talk by mom.

Having being fitted with the skis and with ski poles in hand, off they went. Walking slowly through the snow around the base of the slope, they began to experience what it felt like to one day eventually become expert skiers.

Here are the four lesson for men in midlife who desire to become entrepreneurs (Midlifepreneurs):

1. Go to the slopes

This may sound to be very basic and almost absurd mentioning. However, most men in midlife get overwhelmed by the big picture – the skiing on the slope, that they overlook this very basic step. What is your slope? My slope was that I had to go back to school to pursue my Masters Degree. I was at the time in my early 40’s. I needed to know what it was that I wanted to do and then find out what school offered the program that I desired. That was my slope.

2. Put on the right size skis

Having gone to the slope and completed that season of schooling, I had to start building my practice – Marriage & Family Therapy – by charging a very minimal amount. I did a lot of pro bono (still do some) and gave away my service for a minimal cost. I was trying to see what size ski fitted me. I realize that I could not treat everyone. I had to narrow down my niche so to speak, in the therapy field. Now, most of the clients that I see have issues surrounding Marriage & Family. You might say, that is a no-brainer since my degree is in Marriage and Family Therapy. But before you get too excited about what might seem as a gotcha moment, I could easily have focused on mostly individual therapy, family therapy, mental health therapy or pre-marital. That was my general training. What might be the right ski for you?

3. Start on the small slopes

I think #2 above kind of speak to this issue. However I must add that my small slope also meant treating clients who did not have any severe issues. I would stay away from those who I would consider beyond my pay grade at the time because I didn’t feel as adequately prepared. I stayed on the small slopes.

4. Get used to the skis by walking around

Walking in your new skis gives you an opportunity to get adjusted and to make sure the fit is just right. The last thing you want to do is trying to do this while coming down the slope. SIDENOTE: I don’t have any idea of what skiing down a slope is like. I’ve never done any form of snow skiing before, but I do think I understand the concept.

My getting used to the skis was simply taking steps in my counseling trying to make sure each counsel that I gave or questions I asked, found a firm foundation in my clients hearts. I try to not take another step until I feel that what I shared was understood and that it resonated with them. This was my walking around.

Now it’s your turn. What’s your story? How do you find these four lessons on skiing apply to you? Let me know below in the comment box provided.