What if it is easier to change your mind than quitting? COUNT THE COST

“It takes as much to close a business as it does to open one.  There are many checklists for opening a business but hardly any for closing a business.”  Nathan Blair, June 15, 2011

 The statement above rocked me to my core.  As I spoke with Nathan Blair about the aftermath of closing his restaurant, M.J. Lmmnz’s, for which he had such high hopes and plans; I asked him if he had any regrets.  As we talked about what he has been doing over the last week, nonchalantly he made the statement: “It takes as much to close a business as it does to open one.” 

 I have always found Nathan to be analytical, informed in a myriad of areas, uncommonly intelligent, and extremely logical.  Why did he not think of that before closing what he first perceived as a restaurant worth franchising? 

 That’s easy for me to ask, I admit!!  Monday morning quarterbacks, back seat drivers and others not on the frontline of change are poised to ask these questions of those who have put their dreams on the line.  However, the lessons here are captivating and worth weighing.  A lesson for me and others, I believe.

 I attempted to go about my day “as usual,” however, there was nothing “usual” about this day; what he said was profound.  As I asked him for permission to quote him, he gave me part two of his thinking.  He said:  “There are many checklists for opening a business but hardly any for closing a business.”  There are many more observations made by Nathan but the point has been made..... Hmnnn.

It occurred to me that what Nathan has observed and experienced is really an overlay for life.  What if we could remember as we are about to “give up” on anything; marriages, friendships, etc. we remember how much we have invested in its inception? 

What if we would ponder about the power of rebirth and/or renewal instead of aborting our dreams?  What if as we walked into something, we could calculate proactively, the cost of walking out?

I am certain that the observations of Nathan Blair are just beginning as he continues his journey to “closing his business.”  I am more certain that the cost is greater for a premature end than an enthusiastic beginning; the jury is still out on that.

What is the lesson here for us all?

This is going to be short as it is not designed to engage you in my ability to write, it is designed to ask you “what if?”  What are you anticipating closing, divorcing, or otherwise disengaging from.  Have you counted the cost?  What if it is easier to change your mind than quitting? 

Ivory Dorsey held her Bible study group weekly at MJ LMMNZ when it was open.