After a tough lunch with myself, I headed back to the office. I was so discouraged. I’d started my sales training company just six months earlier, and I’d already hit the wall. It just wasn’t working for me.
That’s when I ran into Bob—at least I think that was his name.
“How’s it going?” he asked.
“I’m scared to death,” I confessed. “I love learning new things, experimenting to see what works best, and then sharing it with others.”
“But after that, I’m bored. Bored stiff. It’s a curse—a bad one. You can’t succeed in any job if you don’t stick around to capitalize on what you’ve learned. I’m headed for a downward spiral.”
That’s when Bob butted in, “Jill, I work with lots of different companies. They need people who can quickly analyze a situation, search for alternative approaches, and lead others in a new direction. It’s your strength.”
And then he left.
I was in shock. I wasn’t used to seeing my worst quality as my biggest asset. It was a true pivotal moment for me. It shook up all my thinking.
I kept asking myself, “If this is my strength, how can I use it?”
Ideas began to pop up. Before long, I’d refocused my efforts on product launches—all new, all the time.
I was in heaven, doing my best work. My clients appreciated it too because I could help them quickly achieve their objectives.
I wouldn’t be where I am today without that 5-minute conversation. And I never saw Bob again.
ACTION: Have you ever had anyone positively impact your life by what they said to you? If so, share your story with me.
