On being spontaneous … with Polar Bears

By Nina Kaufman, Esq.

“It’s 46 degrees!” Joe squeals, on hearing the weather report. (To the extent that a grown man and former champion power lifter would actually squeal). “Let’s go to the beach!” “Why?” I ask, maybe a little condescendingly. “The Polar Bears are there!” he replies.

Sigh. The beach? Okay, so it’s a little warm for early February. A brief hint of Spring sandwiched between two snowstorms so vast they have their own names. (Maximus and Nika, just FYI).

We go. I dress for winter. Slouchy hat, heavy sweater over thermal underwear, thick scarf, overcoat, and hiking boots. (I look like Randy from A Christmas Story). When we reach Long Beach, Long Island, I see this isn’t a small band of nut jobs, these Polar Bears. They are in the thousands. Stretched before us on the beach like a noisy penguin colony during mating season. And not just for ocean antics. For the 14th annual Super Bowl Sunday dip to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. They’re excited to run into the freezing Atlantic Ocean. (Thus, the name: Long Beach Polar Bears). Crazy enough to plunge into frigid water to make sure a child with a life-threatening illness could get her “bucket list” wish. Like a bedroom make-over.

What a day! The pride of the swimmers who braved icy water in bikinis and swim trunks. The fierce cheering of supporters. The brave stories about so-sick children whose last–and only–trip to Disney World brought them great joy. The eternal flow of the ocean.

Yes, it’s a good day. But what made it great? Spontaneity. Joe and I just decided to pick up and go.

When was the last time you decided to “pick up and go”? On a weekday?

Tough to do, isn’t it, when each day is focused on the fear and the fight to get, serve, and keep clients. Wouldn’t it be great to give that a rest?

There is a way. Have you considered:

  • A regular retainer for consistent services
  • A maintenance contract for recurring revenue
  • A subscription for updates or information access

All of these provide stability for your income. They require a shift in the way you think about your services. A change to your relationship with your clients. And certainly, you’ll want a new contract. 🙂 No question, there are risks when you stop doing things in the same old way.

But isn’t your freedom—your ability to pick up and go … and enjoy life’s little delights—worth it? Let me know what little delights you want more of in your life.  Post your wishes below.


Like what you read? Watch this short video to learn who we serve best.