What If It Rains?

This morning I got up determined to exercise, rain or shine.

I got out of bed and checked the weather app on my phone. It was 8:00 a.m.

My body was finally adjusting to daily exercise, and I didn't want to lose the momentum I had built.

Rain or shine.

I checked the weather app. Thirty percent chance of rain after 10:00 a.m.

I was good.

I would bring my jacket and enjoy the time to myself, listening to the rain hitting it while I got lost in creative thought.

I picked up my jacket and headed toward the door. I could feel the humidity in the air. I could smell the oncoming rain, much like the smell of the ocean when you first arrive at the beach.

But it was warm.

I was only planning to walk for an hour and a half. I'd probably be home before it rained. Besides, I'd sweat too much wearing the jacket.

"I'll chance it," I said to myself.

What's the worst that could happen?

That question made me think about business.

Every business owner makes decisions about time, money, and resources. Sometimes it's tempting to choose convenience over preparation.

But what if it rains?

I headed out.

The day felt nice. Not too hot—just humid. I would have been sweating buckets with that jacket on, and it would have been one more thing to carry.

I felt good.

My pace quickened.

I was going to hit my goal early and get my day off to a great start. I kept moving farther and farther from home, feeling good about my decision.

What could go wrong?

But then it began.

Slowly at first.

Just a light mist.

But I felt it.

Unmistakable.

I was a long way from home now.

The rain began to fall harder.

I picked up my pace. My biggest concern wasn't getting wet—it was protecting my phone.

If only I had brought the jacket.

That simple decision suddenly didn't seem so simple anymore.

Business Is Often the Same.

Business is often the same.

Skipping due diligence.

Putting off the paperwork.

Ignoring a backup plan.

Saving a little time today can end up costing much more tomorrow.

You don't notice the mistake while the sun is shining.

You notice it when it starts to rain.

By the time I rounded the corner onto my street, I came face-to-face with an older gentleman wearing a jacket.

He smiled, nodded, and simply said,

"Good morning."

He had seen days like this before.

He was prepared.

As I continued home, soaked from my decision, I realized something.

Successful entrepreneurs don't prepare because they expect disaster.

They prepare because experience teaches them that eventually, it rains.