In Search of Answers and Inspiration

By Paul Roetzer | Posted June 21, 2009 | 5 Comment(s) | Filed in: Business

Thrush-Park-Cleveland

When was the last time you went back?

For me it was Father’s Day 2009. After dropping my dad off from brunch, I found myself drawn to Thrush Park in Cleveland.

Just minutes from where I was raised, Thrush was my place of dreams growing up.

From the baseball diamonds to the basketball courts, I spent more than 10 years of my life at Thrush learning invaluable lessons about victory, defeat, fear, failure, passion, dedication, risk, reward, pride and street smarts.

Sometimes to find direction and focus, we have to look back on what got us where we are today.

One of the most exciting things about being an entrepreneur is the unknown. It’s the adrenaline rush that comes from taking risks and venturing down the road less traveled. But that also means you’re often in search of answers, and inspiration.

So, on the first day of summer, I found myself sitting at the park of summers past searching for solutions.

What I discovered were lessons learned as a child that have taken on entirely new meaning as an entrepreneur:

Don’t be intimidated by larger, stronger competitors. Be willing to take risks they can’t, or won’t.
If you want to be the best, don’t waste your time (and others) talking about it. No one cares about what you’re going to do, so just focus your energy on doing.
It’s more exciting when the odds are against you. Always fight like the underdog.
There’s no substitute for practice and experience. No amount of studying and academic achievements will give you the street smarts and common sense needed to succeed in business, and in life.

Where do you go for answers and inspiration?

I’m always fascinated by what motivates people. I’d love to hear about the places, events, books, music and people that inspire you, and help you solve the challenges of business . . .

Thrush-Park-Court

Paul Roetzer is founder and president of PR 20/20, a Cleveland-based inbound marketing agency and PR firm. He can be found on Twitter @PaulRoetzer

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Comments

Terry Taylor

June 22, 2009 at 1:33pm | Permalink

Two books that have been sources of tremendous inspiration for me are "Out of My Life and Thought" by Albert Schweitzer and "Lord Jim" by Joseph Conrad. Schweitzer is the embodiment of a service-focused life, the fulfillment of his personal philosopy of reverence for life. "Lord Jim" is a book I've re-read several times. The story of failure and redemption, the absolute commitment to personal honor, and the willingness to sacrifice oneself in the fulfillment of your word are powerful, timeless messages.
Paul Roetzer

June 22, 2009 at 8:47pm | Permalink

Thanks, Terry. Sounds like a couple of great reads.
Joe Pulizzi

June 25, 2009 at 8:12pm | Permalink

Paul...love this post.

When I think of entrepreneurship, I think of the endless possibilities.

What I've come to realize more and more as a business owner, is that true entrepreneurship comes from doing great things with great people. It's not what you can accomplish alone, but what you can do with people who want to make a difference in people's lives.

Keep up the great work.
Victoria Mixon

June 25, 2009 at 8:19pm | Permalink

So many of us looking to art for our sense of direction in life get confused about what art is and why it works for that. But it does, because it shows us how to pick our priorities and then discover the invisible ways in which they're linked. It's all about the discovery.

I wrote on art and inspiration on Glen Stansberry's site a couple of months ago: http://lifedev.net/2009/03/art-inside-your-head/ Please feel free to check it out.

Victoria
Paul Roetzer

June 25, 2009 at 8:42pm | Permalink

Great thoughts, Joe. Speaking of, it has been too long since we last got together. Let's catch up soon!

And Victoria, thanks for sharing.

Paul Roetzer

Paul Roetzer (@paulroetzer) is founder and CEO of PR 20/20, a Cleveland-based inbound marketing agency, specializing in public relations, content marketing, search marketing and social media. He is also the author of The Marketing Agency Blueprint. Full bio.