Recently, I had brunch at a fantastic little lakeside restaurant in Southern Kentucky. It's called Paradise Point. My family loves the hot dogs, but I love the breakfast! Most of all, I love the spirit of this place. I love the way it makes me feel, and I love the conversation with owners, Sebrina and John.
John used to be a very successful chiropractor before giving it up for artwork and hot dogs. On our most recent trip, we ended up sitting with John and sharing stories about, well, mostly nonsense. However, John said something that day that keeps rattling around in my head. He told of something he observed with many of his patients over the years. Most wanted to be fixed, but seldom wanted to change. You see, they would come to him with a physical ailment and expect him to fix it. Way too often, they would return and need the same thing "fixed" again, but were rarely willing to make the necessary life changes to keep from having the same problem.
You can probably see where I am going with this one. As salespeople, we are often looking for that magic new thing that will make our situation better. We are looking for that quick "fix" or that special adjustment. The reality is, usually the special adjustment we actually need is in our effort, our attitude and our commitment to the tactics that work.
Now, let's go a bit deeper. In each of our lives we are often looking for the quick buck, the secret recipe or the magic sauce that we think will deliver us the life we desire. The truth is there is no replacement for recommitting ourselves to the things that made us successful. Work harder than everyone else. Provide more value than what people will pay. Treat people the way you want to be treated. Smile more often. Laugh more often. Encourage more often. And chase our dreams with an unrelenting pursuit.
There's always going to be a "quick fix:, but a commitment to lasting change is the only way to achieve the level of success we all desire. Oh, and I must encourage you to join me in living by the saying John often puts on his paintings, "Don't Postpone Joy"!
Thank you John for the hot dogs, but mostly for your willingness to share. Life's short ya'll, so Swagger On!
Written by Derron Steenbergen, President of the Swagger Institute
The Swagger Institute is a full service business development company specializing in sales training, motivational speaking and organizational development.