“Life is what you make of it.

You have to decide what you want in life.”

Lailah Gifty Akita

As you write your vision, feel it forward and embody your thoughts, the goal of this post is to help narrow down what may not be the best for your long game. In a letter to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul wrote, “Everything is permissible but not all things are beneficial. Everything is beneficial but not everything builds you up”.

On the road to your “where” understand that your “what” toolbox could and will contain a lot of options, however, not every tool will be the best tool for your “where”. My brother and I have this conversation all the time. He and I are always looking for ways to “level up”. The question we always circle back around to is, how does the thing he or I would propose “vertically integrate” into our “where”. In general, vertical integration refers to a company buying a company that allows them to maintain margins and create a better experience for its customers. For example, a barbershop owner buys a clipper manufacturer. The purchase of the clipper manufacturer allows the barber to upgrade his or her tools and maintain their margins. The customer benefits by receiving a better product (haircut) from better products (newer clippers being made by the newly acquired company).

In this case, vertical integration is the thing or things you can add that line up vertically with your “where”. Using the concept of vertical integration gives you the option to eliminate the things that don’t line up with your “where”.

The title of this blog is, “Choose to Decide”. The people that know me best know I’m a word guy. Meaning, I’m particular about the words that I use. The word choose means to select. The word decide comes from the Latin word decaedere which means to cut off. In selecting the things and ideas to cut off, ask yourself “does this vertically integrate?” Does this thing line up or does it horizontally integrate meaning will it cause me to spread my attention?

As of this writing, I’ve been an entrepreneur for close to 10 years and I’ve been called a jack of all trades many times. However, the majority of every project that I’ve undertaken lined up with the current project or next project. As you look for ways to vertically integrate things into your “what”, don’t hesitate to make notes. Sometimes it’s easier to see what’s necessary or not when you’re able to see it on paper. Whatever you choose to decide, keep in mind you’re minimizing to maximize. You’re narrowing your scope of vision for the long play and dialing in your focus.

Remember, don’t forget to burn your boats, my friend. Until next week my friend. I look forward to jumping back into the “What” of things with you.

Chris Chaney

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, do more, and become more, you are a leader...”

- John Quincy Adams

9.22.22