As I sit lethargically at my desk, admonishing fans and admirers in the wake of my victory over 1 1/2 pounds of Americana, I can’t help but reflect, as I often do…

I have just eaten the famous “Big Ugly”. A  1 1/2 pound behemoth of a hamburger made famous by “Bub’s Burgers and Ice Cream” in Carmel. Rather than write a tell-all bestseller of  this momentous feat, I thought I would use the experience to talk about what my battle with the big ugly taught me about business, marketing, and life. Here’s what I learned in six minutes and fifty seconds:

1. In any endeavor, preparation is key….I wish I could say I waltzed into Bub’s and handled the Big Ugly like it was any other lunch, but that’s not true. I had to respect my opponent, and I prepared for our battle. I made sure everything I did  from the moment I woke up prepared me to reach peak hunger at precisely the time the burger was placed in front of me. I think the same is true in any endeavor, especially business. A lack of preparation is one of the main reasons business ventures fail. A great coach once said  “luck is when preparation meets opportunity” and I think there’s a lot of truth to that.

2. Don’t ever, EVER let a daunting task scare you…I’ll be honest, when I first saw the Big Ugly in person, yeah, I got a little scared. But I wouldn’t let  fear determine the outcome of the Big Ugly challenge. I looked that plate-sized burger up and down, and said to myself “let’s dance.” If you can’t control fear, fear controls you. That is true whether you’re trying to eat a massive burger or deciding  to open the sporting goods store you always wanted.

3. Don’t pay attention to anyone who says you can’t…There were definitely some people in my ear trying to use their own experiences with the Big Ugly to scare me or throw me off (cough::Kelly::cough). But to no avail! In life, many people you meet tell you that you can’t do something. People told Henry Ford he would never develop a reliable V-8 engine.  People told Elvis he’s never make money singing.  People told Helen Keller’s parent’s she would never accomplish anything.In each case, the persistence of these individuals in the face of adversity is the stuff of which success stories are made.   Have you written your success story?

4. Once you commit, stand behind your commitment.…At Roundpeg, we have spent countless hours over the last 3 months talking about my Big Ugly Challenge. (Note from Lorraine, perhaps too many hours) .

By the time the moment actually came, I really had no choice BUT to finish the whole thing. Anything less would have been a complete and utter failure.

A great general once sailed accross the sea to conquer an enemy. Once his troops had all landed on shore, he ordered all the ships burned so there was no other choice but to win…or perish trying. So OF COURSE they won.

The same thing happened today at Bub’s. I’d talked a big game, and I had to back it up. Giving yourself no other option is a pretty motivational tactic.  (That being said….a contingency plan in case of an emergency isn’t the worst idea in business. We can help you with that.)

5. Define your goal, and don’t let anything distract you from accomplishing it…Walking in to Bub’s today, I knew what I had to do; and nothing was going to stop me. With the support of the Roundpeg crew, I charged through like a champion, never stopping-or, really, even breathing.  Finally, I accomplished the feat for which I may become most well known.  And it all began three months ago with a singular goal I was determined to achieve. The FIRST step toward success is always a goal. Always.

6. And finally…

You can’t go wrong wearing pants with an expandable waistband….No-brainer.

In conclusion, I’d like to thank all my fans for there encouragement and support. And in case you are curious,  I am officially announcing my retirement so  I can be inducted into the Adventures in Dining Hall of Fame.

Until next time…stay hungry, my friends.