In the entrepreneurial world we talk a lot about taking action instead of thinking something to death, making a commitment and following through, and the talent entrepreneurs have to “make something happen.” We also talk about the strangulation that comes to our lives and our businesses when we don’t manage our time well or get lost in the fear that keeps us from taking a big scarey step. We talk about the “bright shiny object syndrome” that sometimes paralyzes self-employed business owners from ever taking action that creates the income and life they truly want.
This past week I lost a talented, committed, and hard-working friend whose work I personally benefitted from. Darrell Bunch not only almost lived with us for 4 months last summer as he gutted and renovated our Knoxville home, he taught me over and over again about commitment, follow-through, preserverence, always making one’s best effort, and showcasing one’s talent in the service of others. His loss in a single quick moment stunned me, and brought home to me yet again that there is no benefit to waiting for what you want to create in your life. Darrell didn’t wait – he threw himself into whatever the day brought him with full commitment and a love of his work and his life that was an honor to see. He told me several times, “In my work, you’re either a hero or a zero, and I want to be my customer’s hero.” That was his commitment to himself and his work, and it stands as a tall lesson for his wife and 3 children now that he is gone.
Darrell loved his work and loved his life. He took joy from serving others. If an idea came to him about how to build something a little differently and better, he took action right then and there. By the time our home was pulled back together at the end of last summer I couldn’t walk through the house without stopping to admire cabinetry or some other feature Darrell had crafted for us. We missed Darrell and his small talk and smiles – heck, even our dogs missed seeing Darrell. He did what every good entrepreneur should do – he made friends of his clients and he did a stellular job. Darrell was expert in remodeling, building customer relationships, sharing joy, and taking action. Needless to say, many self-employed entrepreneurs can learn from his life.
Whatever it is that you are waiting for in your life or in your business, take action today toward making it happen. Even Darrell’s accident and death teaches me the lesson of not waiting. Darrell didn’t wait, he created. My life is much the richer for his actions and his love of life. We would all be blessed to have our clients say the same about us.
Jeff Madsen says
September 21, 2011 at 3:47 pmThanks for sharing this Sue. Life is full of reminders that today is all you’re assured of – best get busy and pour yourself into it. Thanks for the thoughtful effort you put into this blog and your willingness to share real things.
Sue Painter says
September 23, 2011 at 9:53 amJeff, Thanks so much for the compliment.
Sue
Tiffany deSilva says
September 21, 2011 at 12:15 pmSue, I’m sorry to hear about the loss of your dear friend. Thank you so much for sharing your story and his. Each day we have truly is a gift. It’s a shame not to take advantage of each and every one.
Trudy Scott, Food Mood Expert and Nutritionist says
September 21, 2011 at 2:16 amSue
I’m sorry for your loss and thank you for sharing. Darrell sounds like an amazing person …
Trudy
Sue Painter says
September 21, 2011 at 7:22 amThanks, Trudy – he was amazing, you’re right.
Sue
Jennifer Bourn says
September 19, 2011 at 7:24 pmSue – Darrell sounds like a shining star we all could have learned from. Thank you for sharing your story and his – and for reminding us just how precious life is.
Jennifer Bourn, Bourn Creative
Sue Painter says
September 19, 2011 at 8:44 pmThank you, Jennifer. See you soon!
Sue
Mitch Tublin says
September 18, 2011 at 10:55 pmSue,
Thank you for sharing the story of your friend with us.
Mitch
Marcia Remington says
September 18, 2011 at 10:51 pmI am so sorry for your loss. What an inspiring story. I’m printing the story to keep with me to read each morning. I know it will help spur me to ongoing action – thanks for sharing.
–Marcia
Sue Painter says
September 19, 2011 at 6:41 amHi Marcia,
I’m happy to think about Darrell being an inspiration for you.
Sue
Mary Ellen Miller says
September 17, 2011 at 11:14 amSue, please accept my condolences upon the loss of your friend. However, he lives on in some way through your writing here. I so appreciate you sharing his motto, “In my work, you’re either a hero or a zero, and I want to be my customer’s hero.” Good words to live by.
Sue Painter says
September 17, 2011 at 12:02 pmThanks so much for the condolences, Mary Ellen. I like the quote, too!
Sue
Kristina Shands says
September 16, 2011 at 2:09 pmI’m very sad for your loss, but what a great legacy Darrell has left behind. To be remembered for how he made you feel is such a unique and loving gift. You are better for knowing him, and I am honored that you shared this touching story. I will never forget the lesson he taught you, “don’t wait, create”. Love it.
Sue Painter says
September 16, 2011 at 2:13 pmThanks, Kristina. I’ve thought about the “don’t wait, create” a lot, too.
Sue
Linda Pucci says
September 14, 2011 at 9:22 amWhat a sad way to learn a valuable lesson. Thank you for sharing it, Sue. We so often wait until the “right time” to do things, and your post reminds us that we can’t afford to wait. No one ever knows how long our future is.
Bill Painter says
September 13, 2011 at 9:17 pmI will miss Darrell also. He was a true craftsman and was committed to service to his clients. Unfortunately we have had several reminders this year not to wait and to go ahead with life and start creating what you want and perfect it as you go.
Sue Painter says
September 13, 2011 at 9:30 pmBill,
I like the “perfect it as you go” idea. 🙂
Sue
Renee says
September 12, 2011 at 5:13 pmThank you so much for sharing about Darrell!! What an incredible loss. I’m hearing you….”Don’t wait, create!!” xxxooo
Sue says
September 13, 2011 at 7:49 amHi Renee,
That’s a good way to put it!
Sue
Jeff Brunson says
September 12, 2011 at 7:20 amThe world is always seemingly less when it loses such a person as Darrell … and at the same time much better for his presence. I love the phrase “Darrell didn’t wait, he created.” Thank you for sharing your sad news.
Sue says
September 13, 2011 at 7:49 amHi Jeff,
Thanks for the comment.
Sue