See What Happens

WE WILL SEE WHAT HAPPENS by Ron White

A few years ago, my sister and I were the first ones down the tunnel to board our flight for Norfolk, Virginia. Just as we were about to board the plane – a mechanic emerged from inside the aircraft and blocked the door with his arms. He turned to the flight attended and hurriedly stated, 'We got problems!'

I thought to myself, "Why did I have to be the one to hear that? Why couldn't I have been at the back of the line? I didn't need to know that!" Very soon, we were back in the terminal waiting and then ultimately back on the plane. I attempted to put my secret knowledge out of my head and waited for the pilot to give us an explanation. Pilots take courses to ease passenger's minds, right? They know what to say to calm nerves…

Unfortunately I don't think this pilot took that course. Soon his voice boomed throughout the plane, "Sorry for that delay ladies and gentlemen. We had to power on the plane. But, we have a generator on the ground right now and we are going to jumpstart the engines. Once we get them going, we will get up in the air and head to Norfolk and see what happens."

That was it. That was all he said. See what happens? We are going to get up in the air and see what happens? Couldn't we have just a little better plan than that worked out?

At this point all I could do was nervously laugh. One woman started yelling, "Oh no! We are going to crash!" There were sighs of desperation and nervous laughter spreading throughout the cabin like a tidal wave (And we hadn't even taken off yet). Thirty minutes passed and we were still sitting there – then came the voice of death (I mean the pilot) over the intercom again, "Ladies and gentlemen, I know you are frustrated – so are we – we know you are hot, we only have one engine going right now and it is working double time."

There were moans as it seemed we had all boarded the vessel of doom. It seemed that without question we were all seated in an aluminum casket seat buckled next to strangers. After all, the pilot said he was frustrated. He told us our one engine was working double time and his elaborate plan was to get up in the air and see what happens! Then we did. We got up in the air and what happened? Nothing - other than thrust and lift. We arrived in Norfolk and no sooner had the wheels touched the tarmac a round of applause burst out and as everyone simultaneously exhaled throughout the airplane.

Although, I do sincerely like to have a better plan than 'see what happens' worked out when flying – it really isn't such a bad life strategy. All too often, I will watch people chase their goals and are frozen with inaction because they don't have all the necessary pieces or guaranteed results. When in reality – they will never have all the pieces. Success will never be guaranteed. The best thing that you can do is just get up in the air and see what happens. Adjustments can be made in the air or should I say in the middle of the process.

If your effort is to build a business then listen closely, "Get up in the air and see what happens!" Don't give yourself all the reasons why you can't. Do not wait until you have everything you need – you never will!

If your mission is to start a friendship, say "hello", get up in the air and see what happens! Don't stress over what you will talk about – wing it with mid air adjustments. The results could be enormous. Do not allow yourself to stay on the runway because you feel the flight is doomed. The only doomed flight of friendship is the one that stays on the runway.

If your goal is to learn a new skill, "Get up in the air and see what happens!" It might not be as challenging as you thought. You might be smarter than you thought. It could be fun!

When traveling, I hope that my pilot has a more detailed plan than, "We will see what happens." Although in life it isn't such a bad strategy.

-- Ron White