It’s almost a subconscious reaction these days.
I sit in the car, buckle my seat belt, and adjust the rear-view mirrow. As soon as I hit the ignition button, I flip on the radio and make sure the Sirus/XM Satelite Radio is tuned to Channel 31. Most of the time it is because that’s the channel that was on the last time I was in the car.
Almost everything on Channel 31 is a familiar tune.
There are the ones that everyone knows like Free Fallin’, Refugee, Runnin’ Down a Dream, I Won’t Back Down, and of course, American Girl to name a few.
Then there are some of the “deeper cuts” that true fans of Tom Petty would recognize from the very first chords. Alright for Now, Nightwatchman, Letting You Go, Even the Losers, and my favorite, Southern Accents.
Another awesome thing about listening to The Tom Petty Channel (31) on Sirius/XM is the Buried Treasure show. When Tom was still alive, he recorded a weekly show where he would feature and play some of his favorite music that influenced him and the band over the years. It’s insightful, funny, and is a neat way for fans to hear Tom’s voice since his unexpected death on October 2, 2017. Luckily, Sirius/XF has over 250 of the shows recorded which they run daily. You can also access all of the shows on the Sirius/XM website or listen to Channel 711 on the app.
Sure, I still flip the channels as I’m driving, walking or working and listening on the app. Some of my other “go-to” channels when I need to hear a different voice include #23 (The Grateful Dead), #24 (Jimmy Buffett), #25 (Classic Rewind), and #17 (The Bridge). I even enjoyed Channel 13 the last few weeks as Taylor Swift was a featured artist in conjunction with her new release – Tortured Poets Department – and the kickoff of her European tour.
All these channels just make me feel good. I smile. I sing along. I have many pleasant memories of good times (and good people) in my life come flooding back to mind as I hear the music and listen to the words.
What Channel Are You Tuning In To?
I’m not talking about music now. I’m talking about the voice or message that you put into your head every day?
Do you have a favorite mentor or coach who just seems to always say what you need to hear? Those axioms or reminders that keep you for getting distracted and remind you to focus on the right things?
Maybe it was your original manager or broker, or perhaps it was a trainer or coach who helped you learn to internalize the words, scripts, and dialogues that give you the confidence to have more conversations, schedule more appointments, and capture more clients to help.
It’s okay to have other “channels” to listen to every now and then. In fact, it’s probably smart to have a few programmed in to your favorites buttons so when you need a little boost, a pick-me-up, or a subtle reminder, those “right words” are just a click away.
Maybe its a podcast that drops consistently each day of the week, waiting to get through your ears into your head and heart? A weekly email that finds it’s way into your inbox at just the right time? A talking head that pops up on your Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok feed and says something that just might kick you into action?
Who is that person you could text when you need a positive word of encouragement or love at just the right time?
We can’t be too quick to flip the channel or tune out when something comes in clearly among the loud static in our industry right now. It might be a tweet across your feed or an overheard conversation from a co-worker talking to a client on the other end of the phone that makes you listen a little more closely. That’s the buried treasure that just might hold the wisdom or “right word” that we need at just the right time.
Tune In to Channel You
“Always listen to your inner voice.”
Oprah Winfrey
Of course, it’s not a bad idea to listen to your own voice every now and then. That internal voice that is there to encourage and remind you that you can do what it takes to be successful.
Don’t mistake it with that voice that speaks negative thoughts, brings doubt, or unwelcomed ideas. If you hear voice that gaining volume, reach for the remote and hit “shuffle.” Get back to Channel 31..or 23…or whatever your “go to” channel is.
That’s where the greatest hits are waiting for you.
Turn it up and don’t be afraid to sing along.
