Something that scares you....

....daily message sent to the company

"Do one thing everyday that scares you." - Eleanor Roosevelt

Good morning! Yesterday the message to the team was about daily micro goals and small wins. These wins add up incrementally over time and when you look back you will be amazed with what you were able to accomplish. Also, last week, a message was sent about envisioning absolute success and what that would look like if you knew with absolute certainty you couldn't fail, if you knew that you and Potrero would be wildly successful, and if you knew that no matter what circumstances you would win; how would that change what you do today and in the future?

Today, I would like to focus on this quote from Eleanor Roosevelt. This seems like it is simple enough and straightforward, but break it down a little. When was the last time you did something that scared you for 5 straight days, each day of the week? When did you do something that made your heart pump, palms sweaty, and sent adrenaline throughout your body? When was the last time that you asked the question that was on everyone's mind at the weekly company meetings in front of everyone? Took the chance to speak or do?

Most of life we spend avoiding doing things that scare us. We will rationalize our way through it and avoid that scenario. I believe you grow when you push yourself out of your comfort zone. When you push yourself to speak, ask, or do when you normally wouldn't. Be naturally curious and try. Ask a question that challenges someone's assumptions in life and work.  

Here's the beauty of it, you are at a start-up. You have the ability to try things, do things, say things, and make things that you more than likely wouldn't be able to do at a big company. You are at a start-up, give it a shot. Have confidence that this entire team has your back to try new things, to try something that makes you nervous and scared. Breakthroughs happen when fear of failure is erased and I am erasing it for you. It is ok to fail as long as you get back up, dust yourself off and get back into the fight, oh and do it with a smile on your face and a chuckle, because you have erased that fear of failure.

For the sales and marketing team, take the chance today, walk into the room like you own it, and be confident of what you are presenting. I am absolutely sure of one thing, you know this technology better than any one person in the hospital, you know it's capabilities better than anyone in the hospital, you are the subject matter expert regarding Accuryn, each and every day. For the engineers, once you are through V&V it is time to innovate and once again roll up your sleeves and challenge the status quo. Your role is to push out the known boundaries of what is possible and in essence take that chance that may scare you. Bring up the idea that is bouncing in your head. OPs, keep pushing the envelope across all departments - Manufacturing, Regulatory, Quality, challenge yourself to ask the questions and challenge the status quo. Everyone at Potrero Medical, place the patient in the center of your thoughts, make that person your center of gravity, and then "taking a chance" or "doing something that scares you" becomes much, much easier. Challenge the status quo.

Don't allow yourself to become rusty by being complacent that's allowed at big companies, not at fast moving start-ups. You have been given a gift, you are at a start-up, keep yourself confidence well oiled through pushing out your own personal boundaries, each and every single day. Challenge yourself today to do something that scares you. 

We got your back.

ALWAYS FORWARD!!!!

Joe

This is a series of articles based on the daily letters that I write to my company (slightly modified - company specifics removed). My hope is to share some positive thoughts that gently push the world toward positive thinking and encourage many to achieve their fullest God-given potential