Grit

Every once in a while, and unfortunately not more often, we all get what I call “CRAZY GOOD SERVICE.”  If you are at a high-end restaurant or hotel, you expect it…heck, you paid for it!  If you are however only doing a normally hum drum errand it is unexpected.

My goal this year is to take notice and do something about those experiences that make you simply think, “He/she gets it.”  Gets what? Get’s the fact that serving with excellence makes everything better! Below is a really short story of an experience I had that I thought was really cool:

Back in October I was at my son’s homecoming in Stillwater, Oklahoma. We stopped by Walgreens to pick up a few items he needed. We were in the back and the lady working at the cosmetics counter came out of her area to assist us (although we didn’t need or ask for help). We told her what we were looking for, and here’s where it gets kind of awesome. She went back to her station and apparently went looking for coupons for the product. When we walked by with what we came for, she flagged us over, gave us a coupon that saved us quite a bit of money, rang us up and engaged in a conversation which in the process gave us some eating recommendations for local “comfort” food. Here’s the thing:

1, It was evident that she was just doing this out of her normal routine. She wasn’t getting an incentive of some kind for being what I thought was above and beyond. (She was an approx. 65 year old and likely a grandma to some lucky grandkids!)

2.  I’m still amazed that she went out of her way to research coupons. Who does that? What a blessing for the customers she serves.

3. She demonstrated in what was likely less than 5 minutes that she cared. She was a true AMBASSADOR for Walgreens for her city.

Obviously, this story stuck with me- I did put it in my notes of possible future blog ideas, but after reviewing it again, I am again inspired. I hope you are too. How can you be a better ambassador?  I’m thinking right now I could be a better neighbor. Not sure how, but I know I don’t do much other than routine hellos. Think about it and I’m confident something will stand out!

(Photo Creds: Pinterest: mindbodygreen)

Many consider Lincoln the greatest president in American history. He led the country through its greatest moral and military crisis, essentially saved the country from destruction and directed it toward restoration. Lincoln grew up in meager circumstances, failed at business twice and had what most would call a nervous breakdown. He lost when he ran for Congress, lost twice when he ran for the Senate and lost as a vice presidential candidate. Lincoln was then elected the 16th president of the United States, led the country to reconciliation and won re-election. (Information from the good ole’ Internet- word for word.)

Everyone loves a COMEBACK. Kansas City Royals fans are familiar with comebacks, as our team won the 2015 World Series after losing the 2014 Fall Classic in a heartbreaking game 7. This week, as we are on the topic of “considering” I thought I would share a personal comeback in hopes that it will resonate at some level. Here we go…

To be honest, my personal comeback probably doesn’t fit the dictionary definition of a “comeback,” but to me the word describes my story perfectly. So here it is… Nearly three years ago, I left my career of leading what is considered by many (and for sure me!) Kansas City’s premier medical practice. Leaving was so hard, but I felt called to join Humana, which is where I am today.  (I’d be happy to share offline the details of that with anyone who wants to hear it, but I won’t go into it here.) Just know that it was definitely a calling, or else I wouldn’t have considered leaving. The people I worked with and the mission we served was flat out amazing.

Since I felt that I was supposed to be in this new role, I had this crazy expectation that the experience was going to immediately be incredible. I was going to pop in and get to work, add value to the company and grow professionally. I was seriously shocked that it didn’t play out that way at first. It felt like I landed in an unfamiliar city, half-way around the world, without knowing the language, the landmarks, or really anything that I could understand, let alone contribute to. As you all probably know by now, it is really important for us all to feel that we are doing meaningful work, contributing at our highest level!

I struggled and learned, navigated new waters and created some new pathways. The experience was one I wasn’t familiar in my career, and one that I am not sure I want to experience again. At almost the two year mark (note: patience is not my greatest strength), the path finally became more clear. I had a new leader which was a key factor, but more importantly I was finally contributing and bringing value to the team and company at a level I was comfortable with. To me, this was a major comeback. I went from not knowing my way “around” or if I was even at the right place, to knowing exactly what I needed to do.

One important part of this story is that I stuck it out. I’m still sticking it out. When you know you are supposed to be somewhere, whether it’s a relationship, a career, a healthy living path, or anything else. It’s important to be obedient and stick with it, but most importantly, to make a comeback that helps you get to where you feel you are making a difference.

Comebacks are important. Do you have a comeback story? Maybe you are in the middle of one? It’s hard, but the humility factor grows, and that my friends, is a critical character quality to hone!

Why didn’t I think of this? We certainly had three red cozy coupes! I used to think I was creative and then as the years go by I am often stunned at the ideas that we all get to enjoy! What fun. Needless to say this little guy made me smile and I hope he makes you smile too!

Today I wanted to touch on the idea of “shifting expectations.” As we consider living out a life of excellence, we have some options. We have the power to make a simple shift in the way we see a situation in order to move forward in a positive direction. The “I get to” blog last month touched on that very concept.

I wanted to point something out here… many people think of this decision as “settling”- slight shift, but a big difference. Settling has a negative connotation and makes us feel like we lost somehow. Instead we shift that thought and make a healthy decision for our sake and everyone around us to move on and as a result we move foward! That is excellence.

My hope is that for this week (let’s take it one day, one week at a time…) you will shift along with me as our expectations for the system might overwhelm us. In this moment, shift to a focus on joy. Not the hurry, the hustle nor the chaos, but on the beauty created in the moments that fill our lives.