“Been there, done that.”
– The cynical, but ubiquitous saying from a 1980’s t-shirt
The sources aren’t sure where the phrase started. It’s permeated much of life and business over the last 40 years or so, however. The t-shirt actually added the line “Got the T-Shirt.” So, when we hear – or say — “been there, done that,” there are some things to remember.
It’s really less about being there than it is doing that.
All it takes to “be there” is a taxi, a car, a plane ticket or any other means of transportation.
But what have we done once we’re there? What was our plan, and how did we do against that plan.
There are times in life that we can make a difference just by having been there. Sick relatives, injured friends. Helping a sister through a break up, celebrating a new love with another one.
Those times are rare, and they simply scratch the surface of difference making over the long term
Today, we’re in Chico, CA. Yesterday a different “we” were in Huntington Beach. Completely different scenarios, completely differenet casts of characters. Some similarities, though.
How much of a difference we make ties to how much of a difference we intend to make, how solid our plan is, and how well we execute on that plan.
By noon PDT today, we’ll have “been there.” Here’s hoping that our preparation, prayer, planning and professionalism will allow us to say, “Done that!” And that once said, it will be true, and that a foundation for something better will have been laid.
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