Margin for Error

Those that know me know that I was once a pretty decent competitive golfer. In the past year, I’ve tried to get back into it and map out a game plan to qualify for some pretty cool (senior) events. This game plan included a much needed shoulder surgery, rehabbing said shoulder, and getting back on the practice range before certain event dates approach. This has been an interesting journey that has so far been going pretty well. Until today.

On the day I write this, I played in a pretty minor event at our home course in Northern Arizona. And while I have been practicing and playing well recently, today was a humble pie moment. The game of golf (and life) can be totally humbling. One day you are on the top of the ladder, the next day not so much. Today I hit a couple of shady shots, missed a few putts that I’d normally make, and you add it all up and the score isn’t good.

The margin for error in golf, and in business, is often razor sharp. You mishit an easy wedge shot and a birdie chance turns into much worse. You get too aggressive on a putt and then miss the next one too. Golf can be cruel. Golf is also a lesson in life.

Miss a deadline, business takes a hit.

Don’t get that elected official on board, the facility you want never gets full consideration.

Tick off a community leader, your organization plays “behind the chains” for years.

Razor thin margins for error.

We have to be on the top of our game when the right moments present themselves. I can tell you I am not the greatest golfer, or leader, or dad, or any of the above. However, I do try to be better tomorrow than I am today. While that doesn’t always happen, we have to keep grinding.

Tomorrow I will try to be my best helping out our partners and my team.  Then in the afternoon I will be back on the range. Then to the practice green to chip and putt. And then cookout with my family. Small steps each day to minimize the margin for error.

Prepare for the next opportunity. If we fail, at least we know we did all we could to be ready. If we “win” that is the gravy.