"Someday we'll look back on this moment and plow into a parked car."
--- Evan Davis
We often hear that "history repeats itself." Sometimes that is a scary thought. Some of us enjoy history. We read books about the past. We buy old furniture, old cars, old records, and speak fondly of the good ole days. We never really know what history we are creating, but our fascination with the past can sometimes stifle our progress toward the future.
"A man rising in the world is not concerned with history; he is too busy making it. But a citizen with a fixed place in the community wants to acquire a glorious past just as he acquires antique furniture. By that past he is reassured of his present importance; in it he finds strength to face the dangers that lie in front of him."
--- Malcolm Cowley
Looking back is helpful when it is used for educational purposes. Whether we look back at the past 20 years, six months, or yesterday to determine how we could have performed better, the past provides insight to the future. Correcting those errors of yesterday can catapult us toward future successes.
However, for those whose past is frightful to look at, the habit of looking forward at all times becomes a good practice. While the past might hurt, making changes in the future can create fonder memories of the past.
"I used to be Snow White, but I drifted."
--- Mae West
One of the problems of using history for creating a better tomorrow is that it is easy to find a home in the past. Like the baby smiling for hours while sitting in his dirty diaper, some of us find comfort in wallowing in our past messes. It becomes a second home to visit when we want to throw a pity party or simply a hideaway used for escape from the pressures of reality.
Without playing psychologist, (and if this scenario describes you), the only good advice is to force yourself to look up and out toward the future. The future provides hope and hope is a lifeline that can be used to keep keeping on.
"I said there was but one solitary thing about the past worth remembering, and that was the fact that it is past-can't be restored."
--- Mark Twain
As we approach a new year, allow the hope and excitement of new opportunities to invade your being. Focus on your new goals, growth management plans, and planting new roots for your business.
Instead of looking at what could have been or should have been, begin the New Year knowing that you are making a new history. If your past is filled with dread and mistakes, take this opportunity to write a new past. The next time you look back, it will bring a smile to your face.
"History is a relentless master. It has no present, only the past rushing into the future. To try to hold fast is to be swept aside."
--- John F. Kennedy
New Research Shows Influence of Digital Textile Printing
By Tim Greene
For at least 10 years, there has been a lot of discussion about the possibilities and potential for inkjet in the textile printing business. One of the first industry events I ever attended was dedicated to the subject. At the time, the suggestion was that as inkjet technology developed, there would be a dramatic shift in the way textiles are printed, including the garment-type textile printing methods.
Read the article...
Estimating Success Doesn't Just Happen
By Jennifer LeClaire
The most competitive sign shops are using estimating software to offer up accurate pricing in a flash. Are you keeping up with those Joneses?
Read the article...
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Advertiser - The International Sign Association’s International Sign Expo
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See How One Show Can Make You Look!
The International Sign Association's International
Sign Expo returns to Orlando, Florida, April 7-10,
2010, with the latest sign trends and technologies
driving the growth of the visual communications
industry.
There's plenty to boost your bottom line at the largest sign show in the world:
- Eye-catching exhibits, including ISA's New Product Showcase and the Green Product Showcase;
- Expert education, presenting 60 ISA International Sign Academy sessions; and
- Exciting special events, featuring a keynote address from Roger Shultz of NBC's The Biggest Loser.
Find it all at ISA International Sign Expo 2010.
Education and networking events: April 7-10
Trade show floor open: April 8-10
Register and book housing today!
http://www.signexpo.org
For more information, contact ISA at (703) 836-4012 or expo@signs.org.
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From the Branxton Lion's Club billboard:
"Drive Carefully. We have Two Cemeteries and No Hospital"
Sign on private property somewhere in Nebraska:
"No Trespassing! Violators Will Be Shot and Survivors Will Be Shot Again!"
Sign on fence at a crocodile farm in Louisiana:
"Those Who Throw Objects At The Crocodiles Will Be Asked to Retrieve Them."
We know those funny signs are out there. Take a moment and send them in to us and we'll share them with the world. Send all hysterical observations to: info@signindustry.com.
