There is always a ‘First Time’

This week I was reminded that the ‘First Time’ for anything is one giant roller coaster ride.

From, ‘this is going to be fantastic’, to ‘WOW’ moments, to ‘yes it’s working’, to ‘what now?’, ‘why on earth did we do this?’, to ‘YES this is brilliant’.

Then you have the ‘opinionated’ who throw you into a spin. You know the ones that are critical from the sidelines. The ones that are ready to smirk and say ‘it’s not working’, but don’t do anything themselves to pull out all the stops to make it work. 

To the ones that pull you forward from this, the ‘supporters’; the ones that go that extra mile and put their smarts to work and have fun with it. The kindness they bring to the table to make you at ease.  To reassure you that it is working and tweak things to see that it does. These are the ones I refer to as My People, the doers. 

It is hard work when it comes to the firsts of anything. I was reminded of the thick skin, resilience and the patience you require within yourself. Not to get frustrated with what is not working, but to see what is, and understand the opportunities that are presented. The patience to reflect on what is happening within the process, without all of the noise. To see through the noise and be flexible, innovative and courageous to get people on board to help within the process, so that the results are at least positive for the ‘First Time’. 

And when that ‘First Time’ is done and it comes to a halt the relief and joy you feel that you gave it your best shot, whatever the outcome. To stand tall and recognise both the good and the bad and reflect on understandings and perspectives of all so that the ‘Second Time’ is even better than the ‘First’.

Good news for me is that I love roller-coaster rides and ‘First Times’. 

The experience provides a richness otherwise not explored. This week, this first time was insightful and there were many learnings about the process, people and work that still needs to be done.

Luna Park Melbourne