The Dog Star: Going First
(The Dog Star is a symbol of power, will, and steadfastness of purpose, and exemplifies the One who has succeeded in bridging the lower and higher consciousness. – Astrological Definition)
I’ve made it a habit on the stairs to simply move to the side to allow the dogs to race ahead of me. Sometimes they wait on the landing to see which way I’ll go, and sometimes they’ll proceed down another flight having divined my route through some canine gnostic wisdom.
They do the same entering and leaving vehicles, going into the yard, and so forth. They want to be leading the pack.
Nathan Bedford Forrest, the Confederate Civil War General, explained his considerable battle successes by stating, “I git there firstest with the mostest.” Whether true or apocryphal, the strategy is good sense.
A great many clients seek instant gratification. (I know I usually do.) They sometimes don’t see sufficient differentiation, and simply choose the first alternative, assuming all succeeding ones will be of about the same quality. They often have a real sense of urgency and don’t have the luxury of examining further options. (“The absolute best heart surgeon is three days away. We think you have about 24 hours.” “Okay, let’s go with the doc who’s here!”)
Don’t be tentative or afraid. Get in there first. When you’re 80% ready, move. You can always make mid-course corrections. Too many people are 100% prepared but no one needs them any more.
Possession may be nine-tenths of the law, but being in front of a buyer or opportunity first is ten-tenths of the business.
© Alan Weiss 2014
