Perseverance, Clarity and Focus

I recently took—and passed the LEED AP exam. It was tough going for several reasons—lots of new information to learn and memorize, trick questions (and answers) and aging brain cells! But I’m glad I did it, not just because it’s a personal triumph but because I believe that the more LEED AP’s we have in this industry the better we’ll be able to earn the respect and business of building design professionals.

I managed to get through all 80 questions within the first hour of the timed 2-hour exam, but I was completely stumped on nearly half the questions. In fact, I was sure I had failed the exam and would need to take it over again. I thought about giving up and leaving the exam center after that first hour.

But instead I decided to use my extra hour to go back over the questions again. I had been praying for a long time for clarity and focus while taking this exam, and remembered that I wasn’t taking this exam alone.

While taking a second look at those questions the correct answers became much more apparent. I changed many of my original answers, and although there were a few I still didn’t know, my perseverance paid off and I passed with a very respectable margin.

I know many of you are going through a tough time in this economy with cancellations and slow (or no) sales. Don’t give up—use that extra time you have to gain clarity and focus in your business. You may find new ways to operate in a more cost-effective manner, or gain new insights into the wants and needs of your clients. You may decide to shift the focus of your business or find clarity in why you do what you do. Work with a consultant or coach if you feel the need for an outsider’s viewpoint.

This may or may not be the year your business grows, but it can be the year in which your business transforms. Ask for what you need: clarity, focus, perseverance. You may be surprised at what you get!