The other evening, I arrived at Mike’s house. He’s Liani’s dad. Liani and her friend were playing in the backyard, full of laughter and life, while inside, he was struggling with his latest project, transferring a TV mount to a new television.
He was frustrated. “There’s no way this thing is going to fit,” he said. “No way.”
“Let me help you”, I said.
He took a step back, still doubtful, while I looked at the tools scattered around the floor. It wasn’t really about the mount; it was about figuring out what was already there.
We started talking through it. I asked a few questions:
Was the mount universal? Did this TV require a special bracket?
He said it was universal, so we looked closer. And sure enough, the holes aligned. Once he saw that, everything shifted. He moved from stuck to solution mode.
I didn’t do the mounting. He did.
I just helped him see what was already there. I held the flashlight, moved things out of the way, and kept the space organized so he could focus on the work.
And once the TV was up, I helped wipe away the fingerprints, and he moved on to the next project, lighting a fire outside for the girls, who were already patiently (not) waiting.
1. You need people who can see your blind spots.
Even the most capable business owners get too close to their work. Having someone who can ask the right questions and help you see things from a new angle can be the difference between “no way” and “done.”
2. Clarity and support create progress.
Once he realized the mount could fit, everything moved forward naturally. In business, clarity opens the door for momentum, and the right support keeps that momentum going.
3. Clean up, then move forward.
When the project is done, take a moment to finish well. Wipe the fingerprints, document the process, create SOPs, celebrate the win, and move on to the next thing with a clear mind.
In business and life, sometimes the solution is already there. It just takes another perspective to see it.
The right partner doesn’t always take over the project. They help you find alignment, hold the light, and make the process smoother so you can focus on what truly matters.