GOD GIVE ME PATIENCE

I’d like to say that Norman and I hit the ground running in this new venture. But…that wouldn’t be true. I just spent most of the day getting entries ready for a couple of contests and preparing books to mail. This is something he’s supposed to take care of.

So why am I doing it?

Norman is a detailed planner, and I am a founding member in the “jump in and get it done” club. That means that while he’s “planning” a way to enter contests and send out books, I’m doing it. This could cause some stress between a husband and wife working together. But thankfully, I understand that even though I might feel a little frustrated when I’m doing work I don’t want to do, Norman is developing ways to make the process work smoothly. His way? Entries on a data base telling him all the things he needs to know to handle the entries and mailings correctly. You see, just because I understand the contest rules and the reason I’m mailing out books, it doesn’t mean he does. Have you ever worked with someone who didn’t take the time to explain what they wanted you to do? Remember that “deer-in-the-headlights” feeling you had? You can cause your mate to feel the same way if you don’t practice patience.

Norman will get everything figured out, and it will be a much better procedure than my crazed, “stick it in the mail and hope it’s right” method. It will save those panicked situations where I’m ripping open Priority Mail boxes mumbling, “I’m just sure I signed that entry form!” or “Did I really forget to put the entry fee check in there?” Norman’s methodical check-off list will solve those problems.

So, today’s advice is to be patient. Your partner’s way of working may not be your way, but if you’ll give them some time and space, it should pay off for both of you in the end.