Today marks the half-way point. I have looked forward to this a while. I remember being around day 5 thinking, “What have I done?” Even now sitting at 50, I’m not sure how I’ll make it to the end. I don’t plan on quitting. I guess it’s that simple. Like Dori in the Nemo movie, “Just keep swimming, just keep swimming.”

I’m intrigued with activities like swimming, riding a bike, parenting. I’m not sure what to label the attribute that intrigues me, and if you do, please let me know. What is it about these types of activities that require experience? You can’t learn how to swim without getting wet. I’ve talk about this before, but I can’t leave it alone. The more I consider it that more I begin to wonder if there is any skill or activity that’s achievable without experience. Some require more experience, and some aren’t assisted much from book learning or talking. Like bike riding, I’m not sure how much reading a book about it would help a kid ride a bike. Even a 100 Day Challenge is only a thought unless you struggle to meet the challenge for 100 days. Do I now after 50 days know what a 100 Day Challenge is like? No. I don’t. I have a better idea than I did at day zero or 5, but I don’t know what the next 50 will bring. Could I read about it somewhere? Sure. But my ignorance would remain.

One of the reasons I’m interested so much is that I teach. I teach college students how to sell and how to manage salespeople. How close can I bring the students to understanding the real world? Not very close. I can prepare them to learn faster when they meet experience, and that’s about the best I can do. Realizing the limitations of my classroom inspires me to innovate, to experiment.

I consider myself a guide. This podcast is called Valley Guides for that reason. I want to offer clues that might help. I want to warn you about the traps and dangerous spots, help you pack for the journey. Maybe that’s the best I can do? I am more of an outfitter. I’m not taking the journey with you. I’m only talking to you as you prepare.

What can an outfitter do? Maybe a lot? I can teach what I learned the hard way. The mistakes I’ve made. I can tell the students what to pack with checklists, books, scenarios, training techniques. I can prepare them for what it’s going to feel like. I can tell you that Nebraska has cold winters, but when an exchange student from Spain shows up with his winter coat, I realize I failed to communicate what cold means.

This is what I like to consider. This is the mystery I investigate. This is the reason I continue the 100 Day Challenge. I find it useful and instructive, and I need to go first if I’m going to tell you about it. Plus, I have to admit that I’m having fun along the way.

So happy halfway point to me, and I’ll see you on the next 50.

Thank you