Inspiration at Work, Home, in Relationships

Have you ever noticed that sometimes life is just clicking away smoothly and everything seems to go just right? You're happy, you're smiling, life is good.

Then, there are other days when you wonder why you got up in the morning? Maybe you spill your coffee, or trip as you walk, or drop things consistently, or run into a lot of angry people. As the day goes on, your patience wears thin and you start snapping back and making snide remarks. It's enough to make you wish the next 24 hours would hurry up and pass quickly so you can start another day on a better note.

I'm no scientist or anything, but I've heard it said that "for every action, there is a reaction." Huummm.... Do you think it's possible that our own actions create a corresponding reaction from others? Yep, I'm a believer. I've seen it happen too many times to deny the fact that our own attitudes, actions, beliefs, and interactions with others create our experiences.

Just the other day, I ran into a new way that rental car agencies are selling upgrades in an effort to make more money. In the past, I had no patience with sales people. They were persistent and insistent and I just wanted them to go away and leave me alone. This time, I consciously chose to take a different approach. I decided to watch the salesman's technique and enjoy his sales pitch as if I were an audience member watching a live stage show. Instead of feeling imposed upon, I felt amused to see what he might come up with next. The whole thing turned out to be quite entertaining.

The young kid started out by establishing rapport as we walked out to the lot full of rental cars. He asked where I worked and whether or not we had a corporate account. I did all I could to dispel his delusions that the Community College where I work might enter into a long-term contract whereby we would use his rental company every time our employees traveled.

With that option out the window, he then proceeded to try to increase revenues by convincing me to upgrade to a higher category of car. I listened as he described all the power features of the upgrade and all the conveniences of a more spacious vehicle. Then I told him that I really didn't want a bigger car because they don't fit into most parking spots and I wasn't willing to hassle with parking during my 5-day stay in the area.

Okay, so now he only has the part about insurance to try to increase the revenue on this sales transaction. So, he starts his spiel about how much extra time it takes if I get into an accident and I'm only insured by my company, and I cut him off to let him know that I'm not interested in the extra insurance.

Then, I drop the bomb: Hey, I tell him, did you know that I teach Marketing and I've been observing your salesmanship technique? You did a pretty good job of soft-selling, and didn't piss me off by insisting when it was clear I had my mind made up. That's a great technique. Of course, your efforts are wasted on me, since I know the tricks of the trade, but I commend you for your efforts.

The guy ended up shaking my hand and walking off quite pleased with himself. I, too, was pleased that I didn't spend more money than necessary for a rental vehicle. It was truly a win-win situation, where both of us felt good about the whole interaction.

How was this possible? Because I made a very deliberate choice to take 5 minutes out of my life to give this young, ambitious salesperson the opportunity to give me his best pitch. I chose not to judge, blame or resent him for doing what his company encourages him to do. I just patiently observed him and didn't take anything personally. How hard is that?

Let's contrast this with what I used to do in the past: So, I'm peeved that the airlines only have flights that take off at ungodly hours and I've been up since 4am just to get to this place by 9:00am. I'm tired, I'm cranky, I'm feeling like one of many cattle being herded into the rigors and routine of travel. Now I've got this young punk who thinks he can squeeze another dollar out of me so he can look good to his boss. I know that salesmen need 3 no's before they will back off, so I anticipate the sale pitch and say, "No, no, no! There are your three no's and now just give me my car and let me get the heck out of here!" I'm cranky, the salesman's pissed, and everything starts spiraling downhill fast. Nice way to start a get-away from the usual routine. It sets the tone for the whole day.

Well, what do you think??? Do you have examples of specific instances where you turned around a potentially negative situation? I'd love to hear about it!!

Hugs, love, and light--tc

Welcome to AchieveYourPassionBlog!

Welcome to AchieveYourPassionBlog!!

This is a series of random thoughts about specific ways that we might bring positive experiences, healthy relationships, and more fulfillment into every aspect of our life. The goal is to remember that we all have an inner light that is shining brightly. As we walk along our unique path in life, we choose whether we will allow fear, rage, or doubt to dim our light, or whether we choose to see life as a series of rich experiences that provide us opportunities to learn, grow, and make our inner light shine brighter.

Soon, the related website, AchieveYourPassion.com, will be up and running to provide additional tools and resources to "light the way along your unique path."

Enjoy!! Hugs, love, and light--tc