You’d think that, after thirty years of delivering seminars all over the world, it would get old and less exciting for me. Oh, some deliveries are easier than others, but last week was special. Last week’s seminar provided me with plenty of motivation to do my best because I found myself in one of the most beautiful cities in the world: I was in Bern, Switzerland. Once there, I quickly realized that the beauty of the city was exceeded only by the kindness of the people who reside there. What a week it was, and personally, I believe the fine folks got one heck of a show from Rob Jolles. After all, I had a reason to try.
A Reason To Try in Bern, Switzerland
Being invited to travel so far to do your job provides tremendous motivation to try your hardest. I had nine hours in a plane to think about how important this delivery was. I had time to think about the added travel expenses involved in bringing me to Switzerland. I had time to think about the faith my client had placed in me by seeking me out after reading my book, and wanting to implement my ideas within their organization. I even had time to think about my personal pride of being an American citizen, and I wanted to represent my country in the proper way.
You would think that I had plenty to worry about in those nine hours, but the opposite was true. I had a reason to try to do my very best, and I was grateful to have this added motivation in my mind. As a matter of fact, I’m always grateful to have a reason to try.
Occasionally, I’ve had clients who have said comments like this: “I don’t want to make you anxious, but the head of distribution will be attending your session,” or “I hope I’m not making you nervous, but so much is riding on your delivery.” Nervous?! One would think so, but I am actually happy when clients share that kind of information with me. It gives me a reason to try. My concern is when I don’t have a reason to try.
Well, I sure had a reason to try last week, and with that reason to try, I gave that client every bit of energy I had. I think the sessions I delivered exceeded everyone’s expectations. I even had another nine hours flying home to think about it. What I thought about was this; what happens when you can’t find a reason to try?
What happens when there is no head of distribution in the room, or there isn’t a lot riding on your delivery, or you aren’t traveling to some exotic land, or you aren’t carrying the personal pride of your nation, or you’ve done a job for so long you can’t find a reason to try?
Somewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, I figured out the answer to this important question. We always have a reason to try because the greatest motivator is our personal pride to do our best. That pride exists within all of us, and it shouldn’t need prompting from other people or situations. At the end of the day, it comes down to how we sign our work. We are the only ones who truly know how much effort we put into something. We just need to remember to dig deep, and look for that energy and enthusiasm inside each of us. Our reason to try really needs no prompting from others because it comes from within.
Rob, as usual a good comment. Regarding the use of the word “try”. Once upon a time I coached prisoners at the Camden County Jail. The inmates were mostly convicted for drug dealing and or possession. Whenever we made a suggestion and one of the members of the class said he would try, the whole class would chime in and say, “trying is dying”. Because they all knew that trying to quite using was not quitting and dying was a possibility. Furthermore, when we say to an invite that I will try to be there, we know that to try and be there is a premeditated excuse not to show up. So, to do ones best in lieu of trying, would be my words of choice.
Well said Harvey. I use that word because “trying” refers to effort, and effort is one of the few things we have complete control of. You’ll notice at the end of the BLArticle® a reference to doing our best. The fact is, the writer in me likes to dance with the words a bit, particularly in the title, which would have been a little long as, “A Reason To Try And Do Our Best.” As Paul Harvey would say, “Now you know… the rest of the story!” Thanks for the comment Harvey.
I would replace the word try with the word do. When we make a commitment to ourselves and others it will reflect a “I will” attitude. If we focus forward and announce that we will do it, it then promotes us to succeed even if there are obstacles or challenges along the way. It isn’t if, it then becomes when.
AS always – great job, Rob!
Somwhere along the way – I remember getting a cariacature picture – of a ‘Hobo’
looking in a mirror and seeing himself! It was titled….
….”The Guy In The Glass”!
All we need to do – along life’s pathway – every time anything important comes up – to see how we responded to the occasion – is to “look in the mirror” – at “the guy in the glass” – and that will provide the answer!
JM
“C.T.”
When a guy like John Monsul takes the time to not only read this BLArticle®, but every BLArticle®, and always shares his feeling, he gets what he asks for. Here is the poem John has referenced. It’s a beautiful poem, and one I think we can all appreciate. http://www.theguyintheglass.com/gig.htm
Rob- spot on assessment. That personal push is one of the most powerful motivators there is. While I do appreciate the “thrill” of the challenge/crowd, without the personal push to grind it out the envisioned cheers from said crowd will turn to boos pretty quickly! Great reminder to always push yourself, do your best, and then be satisfied with where you are.
Thanks for the perspective!
Rob,
Thank you for your inspiring thoughts.
Couldn’t agree with you more. One thing I would add. It doesn’t matter how motivated and committed I am, I will still do a terrible job if I don’t have the right amount of food and sleep. People always overlook that- I’m on a crusade to make people eat regularly and properly. It makes everything about your entire life so much better.