Braking for Squirrels - And Life Lessons

Brake for Squirrels—And Life Lessons

This morning, as I left my workout and turned onto Battleground Avenue—a bustling artery six lanes of Greensboro traffic—I found myself in a slow-motion moment of comedy and clarity.

A squirrel, with more courage than common sense, darted out from the sidewalk and made a run for it. I braked just in time as it zipped in front of my car. It nearly made it to safety… only to hesitate, see the oncoming traffic in the other direction and did a full U-turn mid-intersection, and ran right back in front of me again. Another brake. Another gasp. Another pivot. And then, finally, it charged across with unshakable commitment to the original goal.
As I drove off, a smirk on my face and my heart a little lighter, I couldn’t help but think—there’s a lesson in that squirrel’s frantic, fearless dash.

Three Takeaways from the Battleground Squirrel

Don’t Let Uncertainty Derail You
The squirrel nearly made it, but second-guessed the oncoming cars. How often  do we do the same? When facing resistance or uncertainty, we retreat—even if we were steps from success.  Trust the direction you’ve chosen after thoughtful consideration, and move forward.

Looking Both Ways Isn’t Just for Traffic
Preparation matters. That squirrel made  a bold move, but a little more pre-check might’ve saved it from two near-death experiences. Whether it’s launching a business, planning a new project, or navigating life changes—take time to assess the risks and lay out a smart route.

Commit to the Finish Line
Once the squirrel finally made up its mind, it ran like its life depended on it—and it did. There’s power in full commitment. Half-measures and hesitations can be dangerous. When you've charted your course, put your energy behind it and don’t look back.

Sometimes, life is taught through squirrels. That little acrobat on Battleground Avenue reminded me how easy it is to lose focus under pressure, how valuable preparation is, and how important it is to commit when you’ve made a decision. 
In a world full of distractions and detours, stay the course—because the other side might be just a few strides away.

If this message brought a smile—or sparked a thought—it’s exactly the kind of real-life inspiration I bring to my keynote programs. Whether you’re planning an event or looking to uplift your team, I’d be honored to share stories and strategies that make a difference.