Been There, Done That

Monday Morning Match is a quick post – maybe a quote, inspirational story or idea – intended to spark some motivation inside each of you so your week gets off to a fantastic start on Monday morning.

We Are All Crying Babies

I flew on a crowded Southwest Airlines flight from Columbus to Denver yesterday morning. There were a lot of children and babies on the flight. Makes sense when you consider that summer vacation season just began and Sunday is a great day for families to travel. It wasn’t long until the cabin was filled with the sound of loud voices, chatter and babies crying. As a parent myself who has flown with two kids, one of which hates flying, all I could think was “been there, done that.” The thing is, I never got upset on the flight, rolled my eyes or complained. I just put my headphones in, sat back and enjoyed the flight.

We were all crying babies at some point. We’ve all felt pain or fear or hunger or sadness that we just couldn’t explain to those around us in words they could understand. We have been in a strange situations, a different place, a new environment. In other words, we’ve been out of our comfort zone.

If you’re a parent or grandparent you can probably empathize with parents who are trying to soothe a crying baby. Based on your experiences, you know that person is usually doing everything they can or know to make the baby stop crying. They feel the eyeballs upon them. They can hear the whispers. They can sense the frustration in the room. Trust me, they don’t want the baby to be crying uncontrollably either. Remember…I’ve “been there and done that.”

Think back to when you were a “baby” at something? Those first few times you were put in a spot in a new career or occupation? Rarely does anyone feel 100% comfortable in a new situation, do they?

Your first speech in front of an audience in Public Speaking class?

The first time hitting of the tee at a golf course in front of strangers?

Your first date with someone you really, really liked?

That first time you wrote a purchase offer for clients?

That first listing presentation?

Trust me, you were just as uncomfortable as that baby on an airplane but you knew how to control your emotions so you didn’t cry. (Or maybe you did…in private.) You probably didn’t cry… but the nervousness and anxiety was real. The helplessness that you felt can’t be duplicated for a “practice session” or a “dress rehearsal.”

Been There. Done That.

As you read this, you’re probably past your first day on the “job.” You most likely have deals in the bank. Your last day on the job might be closer that your first day on the job. So how will you deal with crying babies?

Remember that you’ve been there and done that.

Remember how you felt that first day in the office as an “independent contractor”? No time clock to punch. No foreman to report to. Just show up when you want and do what you want. Were you as nervous about taking a lunch break that first week as I was? Did anyone show you where the bathroom was? (I think I walked to Burger King for a week because I wasn’t sure which bathroom was the ladies and which was the mens) Were you unsure about the policies to use the fax machine or the office copy of the MLS Book?

Do yourself and  the real estate industry a favor this week and look around. Are there any “babies” in your midst? They might not be crying but I can guarantee you that they are there. Instead of staring daggers at them for interrupting your silence, reach out to them and let them know someone else has been there too. The good news is, before they know it. they’ll be able to sit back and enjoy the flight.

Keep building relationships, solving problems and having fun…as if it was the first time.

Photo Credit: DerekGavey

Photo Credit: Memekode