Stay Gold, Ponyboy: Lessons for Success

As my daughter reminded me yesterday - with tears in her eyes - back to school is just around the corner here in Georgia. It's been a summer full of fun (and lots and LOTS of cheer practices!). As she gets ready to head back to school, I couldn't help but think of the famous line from "The Outsiders" – "Stay Gold, Ponyboy" - where Johnny reminds Ponyboy that he is better than the average troublemaker, and urges him to hold onto the qualities that set him apart from the delinquents he often encounters. After seeing & hearing how a number of high schoolers act these days, I'd say that's sound advice for teens in todays world!

This timeless advice is not just great for navigating high school & life in general, but also for achieving success in business. Here are some lessons we can draw from Johnny as we prepare for the back-to-school season (and our year-end pushes!).

Fresh Start, Fresh Goals

Just like students start the school year with new goals and a clean slate, we can do the same in our businesses. It’s a great time to review our goals, set new ones, and refocus our efforts. My daughter was initially bummed thinking about returning to school, but quickly became excited envisioning all the cool adventures & opportunities this new school year (and her no longer being a freshman) will bring. It reminded me how a fresh start can bring a mix of emotions but also a wealth of opportunities. Whether it's aiming for that big goal or improving client engagement, let’s embrace the fresh start!

Lifelong Learning

"Stay Gold" is all about holding onto what's precious & good - and continuing to grow. Back to school reminds us of the importance of education. In business, staying ahead means continuously learning and improving. My daughter has had cheer practice all summer, and it seems she hasn’t really had much of a break. This dedication to practice and improvement is a great reminder that, like her, we should keep honing our skills. Whether it’s taking a new course, attending a workshop, or simply staying updated with industry trends, let’s keep that student mindset and never stop learning.

Building a Routine

Students thrive on routines - class schedules, homework time, and extracurricular activities. Establishing a routine can boost our productivity too. With my daughter’s packed schedule of cheer practice and school, I’ve seen how routines help her manage her time effectively. Let’s set up consistent schedules for meetings, project work, and personal development. A little structure can go a long way in keeping us on track and efficient. (Side note: pretty sure I have earned a PhD in logistics by this point....those comp cheer schedules are no joke! #IYKYK).

Reconnecting and Networking

Back to school is all about reconnecting with old friends and making new ones. In business, getting out there and "FINDing Your People" is just as crucial. Use this time to reconnect with clients, colleagues, and mentors. Just as my daughter is excited to see her friends again, each of us should be equally excited to build and enhance our business relationships. Attend events, join new groups, or simply reach out and catch up. Building and maintaining relationships is key to long-term success.

Embracing Challenges

Just as students face new subjects and challenges each year (and we faced a LOT her freshman year), we should embrace the challenges in our businesses. Whether it’s tackling a difficult project, entering a new market, or adopting new technology, facing challenges head-on helps us grow and improve. My little one's commitment to train and practice all summer, despite not having much of a break, shows her perseverance and dedication - great practice for adulting, don’t you think? Let’s take on these challenges with the same enthusiasm as kids tackling a new school year.

As the back-to-school season approaches, let’s take a page from the students' playbook and apply these lessons to our businesses. Setting fresh goals, embracing lifelong learning, building routines, reconnecting with our networks, and facing challenges head-on can set us up for success.

How are YOU preparing for the new "school year" in your business? Would love to hear your thoughts!

Cheers to your success,

Kristin