Stardate 10.24.2026
Some of the best stories begin with a photograph.
Yesterday, while working on preparations for our new store opening, I had an unexpected encounter with Jamie, the University of Kansas golf coach.
He had a photograph on his phone of me making the familiar Star Trek gesture associated with the words “Live Long and Prosper.” Denise had sent it to him.
I never know where my daily writing or my growing collection of YouTube Shorts might lead. This time, a photograph had helped create a connection I hadn't anticipated.
Then I learned who Jamie was.
A Connection Through Jackson
I asked Jamie about himself, and he explained that he was Jackson's dad. Jackson had recently been hired for a seasonal position at our new store.
That gave us another connection to discuss. I was meeting the father of someone who had joined our team, and Jamie happened to coach golf at KU.
When Jamie and I spoke by phone the other day, I introduced myself by my last name, Mulligan. That gave him another reason to laugh when we connected in person.
In golf, a mulligan is a do-over—a chance to take another shot after a mistake.
The word has followed me throughout my career. I've used the idea of a mulligan when working with new team members, encouraging them to learn from mistakes and keep moving forward. Everyone makes mistakes. How we respond to them can make a difference in what happens next.
A simple introduction had turned into a conversation with an unexpected connection to my work and one of my favorite life lessons.
Building Something New
Our team had plenty to do yesterday. The new store was still under construction, so tents near the entrance served as our welcome center. Our general manager had appeared on the radio to invite people to join us.
People stopped by, asked questions, and signed up for memberships. The team stayed busy helping prospective members while preparing for the grand opening next week on stardate 10.29.2026 at 8am.
Every new membership represented another person choosing to become part of what we're building. These new members are becoming part of our family.
I was grateful to contribute and to see our team working together toward the opening.
In the middle of all that activity, the conversation with Jamie gave me another reminder of how relationships develop. We may set out to accomplish a particular task, then discover an unexpected opportunity to connect with someone along the way.
Jamie also shared something about golf at the elite level: his team is not allowed to take mulligans.
I understand the reasoning. Preparation and accountability matter when you're competing at that level. The goal is to learn from mistakes and make the next shot count.
I've carried that lesson into my own work. When I help someone develop, I want that person to feel accountable for the job while knowing that mistakes can become opportunities to learn.
One Day at a Time
My assignment has taken me away from home for an extended period. Each day brings new people to meet, new challenges to navigate, and experiences worth sharing with my readers.
Yesterday, a photograph sent by Denise brought Jamie and me together. Jackson provided another connection, and our conversation led to a story about golf, work, and the meaning of a mulligan.
I couldn't have planned that sequence.
Proverbs 16:9 offers a fitting reminder:
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.” — Proverbs 16:9 (NIV)
I make plans for each day. I prepare, do my work, and try to help the people around me succeed. Sometimes, a conversation takes me somewhere I didn't expect to go.
I'm grateful for those moments. They remind me to stay attentive to the people who cross my path and to remain open to what I can learn from them.
Join me here:
https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong
Captain's Addendum
Spock: Michael, your conversation with the golf coach demonstrates that even a routine encounter can produce an unexpected discovery.
Bones: And for once, Spock, the Captain didn't need a computer to explain the meaning of a mulligan!
Spock: I believe the Captain's experience supplied sufficient evidence, Doctor.
I've learned that a good mulligan starts with being willing to admit a mistake and take another shot. That applies to golf, to developing people, and to our own daily efforts to improve.
One day at a time. One percent better.
Live long and prosper.
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