How You See It
I had an experience last night that perfectly exemplifies a concept I talk about often. I was at a steakhouse with a few buddies, and we worked our way into a fun conversation with our server. This dude was fantastic! He showed great hospitality, expertise in the menu, and exhibited an energy that made us excited to be there. Then, in the middle of the conversation, he mentioned something interesting.
His son recently asked him a question: "Dad, why don't you complain about your job all the time like Mom does?" First, ouch! Second, that's a wild observation. His response to his son? "I love my job! I get paid to make people happy!" Based on the context he provided, his wife has a more prestigious job and is considered more "successful." Yet, here he is rocking out his server job with joy, passion, and meaning.
It's how you see it. He could look at his job with a glass-half-empty perspective and say, "I bring people food" or "I wait tables." Some people say those things to themselves and wallow in misery. This man, however, obviously approaches his job with joy and vigor. He understands his role in people's lives, how he can add value, and he executes. I already want to go back to visit with him. I want to take steps to be within his aura. I want to feel the way he made me feel. That's meaningful, and I'm so glad he recognizes that. No matter what society says, that man is ultra successful in my book! He's made it!
Everything is how you see it. You can see things in your life one way.....or another. You can obsess about all the sucky parts of your job......or delight in the good parts. You can dwell on all your crappy co-workers.....or focus your attention and energy on the awesome ones. You can compare your job to someone else's job and look on in envy.....or you can recognize that countless people would love to be in your shoes. It's how you see it.
Perspective is everything, and we all need the occasional wake-up call. Maybe today is yours. One of these days it will be mine. It's all how we see it.
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