Do it Anyway
Here we are…just trudging through our daily routines, doing what we do. It’s easy to get lost in the everyday monotony of our own jobs, lives, and careers. As my grandmother used to say, “…life gets tedious, doesn’t it?”
We begin to wonder if the work we do, the hours we put in, and stress we endure really mean anything to anybody or anything. Does our boss care? Do our coworkers or friends truly appreciate us? Do our Guests and customers really value us? Do our students love and respect us as much as we care about them and their future?
OneMoreStep thought for this week:
When life gets tedious, and you think others don’t care, appreciate, or value what you do everyday…do it anyway.
When you’re asked to do things outside of your job description or above your pay grade, for no extra pay…do them anyway.
When people laugh at your dreams, goals, and aspirations…dream them anyway.
Value Creation = Magic
The essence of going OneMoreStep stems from taking the focus off of “us” and putting it on “them”. Life is so much more fulfilling with this approach vs. the alternative. So when you’re putting in the extra hours or taking on stress so that others don’t have to…so what if people don’t show that they appreciate your efforts? Who cares if you never know what they really think about your performance…YOU’LL KNOW. Soon enough they will too.
When we keep ourselves from making it about ‘us’ and genuinely focus on creating value for others – that’s when we make magic. That’s when we look ourselves in the mirror and give ourselves a high-five because we know we created value and made an impact on somebody else’s day, career, or life. That’s reward enough…so when people don’t show you they care or appreciate what you do – do it anyway.
On the Job
Whether it’s Corporate America, small business, or entrepreneurship – the boss, owner, or customer always demands MORE from us. Whatever we think our limit or capacity is…if we want to stay afloat or get ahead, going OneMoreStep becomes a necessity. So when you’re asked to put in the extra hour or do something outside your job description or pay grade, rather than holding out for more money or recognition before you do the work…do it anyway. Why? Because we’re creating value, that’s why.
We have to do the small stuff, before they trust us with the big stuff. Before we ask for more salary…we should focus on creating more value. Popular author and successful entrepreneur, Gary Vaynerchuk, (author of Crush It, The Thank You Economy, and creator of WineLibraryTV.com) says about this topic, “…give, give, give, give, give…and then ask.” Consistent value creation, especially for your boss or your customers, will absolutely, positively result in promotions, more money, and recognition…eventually. Patience is the key.
Dreams…Goals…Aspirations
I’m a firm believer that if people want something badly enough, they’ll make it happen. Sure some dreams, goals, and/or aspirations can be lofty and the deck may very well be stacked against us…but who says with the right amount of faith, trust, and good old-fashioned hard work, we can’t make those dreams a reality? The beauty of this country, and really this life is that we can truly do whatever we want to do…it just takes time, effort, and maybe a little bit of luck. As Walt Disney himself said, “…it’s kind of fun to do the impossible.” So when people laugh at your aspirations or goals, and when you think your own dreams are too far fetched…dream them anyway.
We get one shot at this thing. We only go around once. As long as we know in our heart of hearts that what we do day in and day out - from the smallest contribution to the dramatic, game-changing initiative – as long it creates value and we know we’re doing the right thing…regardless of what others think about us or whether they give us credit or recognition for our contributions…DO IT ANYWAY.
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain
Have a great day.
Taylor
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When I was picking up glasses and emptying garbage at a bar, I was treated very badly with little respect from the guests. I was very much looked down upon. I even had one guest pour beer all over me when I was picking up empties from him. I hated that I was being ridiculed, but I did the job anyway. I would tell everyone, "One day, I am going to get a job on the radio and I am going to have my own morning show!" Everyone laughed at me. One year later, there were 20 huge billboards all over Savannah announcing, "Big Tommy and Kelley in the Morning!" I could have given up on my dream, but I dreamed it anyway! Not less than 2 months into the show I was at the same bar, as a guest this time through. The same guy who poured beer on me was at the bar. He approached me, inquired if I was Big Tommy from the radio and offered to buy me a drink. I declined. And unbeknownst to him, I paid HIS tab and left. Did I have to do that? Well, I did it anyway!
ReplyDeleteGood post, T.Scott (not Walker). That Mark Twain quote has always been one of my favorites!!
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