It’s SHOWTIME!
The company I work for put on a mandatory two day sales training seminar for the entire sales group. Although I’m not part of the official sales group, I felt compelled to attend. I thought it could be beneficial to-sit in and listen, maybe pick up a thing or two. Over the past 3-5 months sales has been an area of business that has really interested me and learning the ins and outs of that specific field might be worth my while.
The Client Executive salesman who rounded out the lectures could have been a professional motivational speaker…he was that good. He shared stories, real-life examples, movies, and music. He talked about his past and the events that got him where he is today, which is extremely wealthy and powerful. But despite all of his successes, he was completely humble and extremely appreciative of the disappointments in his life, as he was able to learn and grow from them.
One message he spoke on that really hit home to me was the idea of making the most out of each day. I’m sure that sounds cheesy and very Carpe Diem, but it’s a premise that many of us constantly overlook. I try not to be an I’ll get to that tomorrow type of person, but sometimes I fall into that trap. As I get older I am finding that my days are getting shorter and shorter. Not because I’m sleeping in later or lying down before Conan, but instead, because each day is filled with so much damn busy work. Remember busy work in school? The teacher’s out sick but still managed to leave directions for the substitute: Have the kids do three multiplication worksheets then read chapter 12 and answer the five questions after the chapter summary. That’s what my days feel like now: Wake up early, feed the dogs, go to work, oil change over lunch, busy till 5, race home to let the dogs out, heat up leftovers, hockey practice at 7, take out trash, kiss the fiancé, iron clothes for tomorrow, and repeat. Somewhere in that clutter of to-do’s is a life, it’s just sometimes hard to recognize. 
The speaker at the sales training told a story of a gentleman who inspired him. It was a time in the man’s life when he hated waking up in the morning. He dreaded the start to each day. If life was a pool, he was the guy who sticks one toe in the water and slowly and painfully sinks in. As he was telling the story, I couldn’t help but compare myself to this man. I hate the mornings. Anyone who knows me knows that I’m not a big fan of talking or thinking before 10. I just ease into everyday as if I have all the time in the world.
One day the man decided to turn things around and attack each day with positivity and excitement. He started waking up and writing a list of what and who he wants to be that day: I want to be polite, charming, and understanding. I want to be a great husband, a wonderful father, and an energetic salesman. Then he’d splash water on his face, take a step back from the mirror, extend his arms to his side and say “IT’S SHOWTIME!”
I loved the image that story planted in my mind. The idea that someone can cold-turkey morning gloom and find a way to motivate themselves. But I also think that it applies to more than just mornings. Changing the way we attack life can affect our entire day, the people around us, and the events that shape our future. In order for it to happen, we have to make it habitual and create new routines. Like the man from the story – I’m sure there are going to be days when he didn’t sleep well, feels ill, and just doesn’t want to be all peppy and energetic. But aren’t those the exact days he absolutely needs to force himself into a different mindset? Maybe it’s as simple as sticking to his routine that jumpstarts his attitude and leads him to getting the most out of the day.
The world is our stage and the curtains open every morning when we walk out our front door. I don’t know about you, but today I’m going to be great. IT’S SHOWTIME!
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All I can say is impressive.
You aren’t a morning person? This shocks me. Say a child wakes you up in the morning with music (they all have to start somewhere), doesn’t this make you happy?
I am a total morning person and I love being that way….my husband however, doesn’t love it. I totally think it makes for a better day when you wake up happy and start your day positive!
Great entry JT. Like it.