We all have good and bad days — that’s unavoidable and is called life!
Much of what happens in our day is in our hands to control. We cannot control other people’s behavior and actions, but we can choose how to respond – that makes all the difference.
That’s the point of the case and the reason for this story.
Here’s an excerpt from my new E-Book: “Your Life and Happiness Are in Your Hands.”
It highlights how I turned a horrible day into an amazing one:
Rob HourmontI’ve been self-employed for most of my life. Only once did I accept to be employed and work for a large corporation. That was hell!
I was a little down and out, struggling to get on my feet when I moved from Bali to Florida. My cash flow wasn’t good — clients for my health coaching program trickled in very slowly.
At age 49, I took a degrading job as a floor salesman at a sporting goods store. I had an interview with the store manager — he was a pleasant guy and took an instant liking to me and offered me the job.
We were of similar age, yet I was far more experienced than him in sales, business, and sports. I was clearly overqualified for the job, and we both knew it.
I explained I would only stay for 3 to 6 months until I got my coaching business up and running, and I was back on my feet — he agreed.
The following Monday I started and met the assistant manager — what a nightmare that was. This sad excuse of a man was anxious, stressed, and constantly rude to the staff, including me.
He was 20 years younger than me, a total prick, and impossible to please and got off by treating employees like crap and acting like the big boss – a nightmare, to say the least, and angry creep.
Customers hated him too. How he could hold down his job was inexplicable to me.
As you might imagine, I didn’t last long in this job. Finally, after 2 weeks of harassment, nasty snidey comments, and accusations to my face or via the radio to all the staff by this incompetent man, I had had enough.
I took my radio and name badge off, dropped them to his feet, told him he was an asshole, and to fuck off. Then I walked right out the front door.
The last thing I remember was the staff clapping and cheering, shouting — “Well done, good on you, Rob!” That was a satisfying and inspiring moment.”
The moral of the story?
I didn’t accept the abuse — I was miserable, because of this nasty man, despite the fact that the rest of the team was great.
However, enough was enough, and so I said NO!
You can work with a crew of 40 highly engaged and motivated people, but if there’s one big asshole ruining your day every day, you must get out and run far away!
How to treat staff and allow them to experience good days?
1 — Don’t be a dictator.
2 — Be friendly, respectful, and kind, not an aggressive self-absorbed idiot.
3 — Never criticize a team member in public or on a radio that everyone can hear.
4 — That’s abuse and unacceptable behavior for which you should be sacked, and I hope you have been in the meantime!
The 10 Time-Tested Methods to have a great day every day:
1 — Get up early and go for a fast-paced sunrise walk.
2 — Enjoy your coffee or tea and water.
3 — Meditate for 10 minutes and practice positive self-talk telling yourself how much you love YOU and what you want to achieve.
4 — Be grateful for what you have — you don’t need much other than a healthy body and mind.
5 — Eat real food, not processed carb and sugar-laden junk food.
6 — Cook your food at home, and save money — savor every mouthful.
7 — Work on your body and fitness a little daily by walking, swimming, resistance training, yoga, or mobility work. It doesn’t take much time and will make you feel spot-on!!
8 — Send some time in the sun, without sunscreen! Most sunscreens are toxic, so enjoy an hour in the sun shining on your skin. It brightens your mood, and you tank up your vitamin D — an essential hormone.
9 — Take a few rest breaks every 2 hours.
10 — Read, write, and talk to people close to you. That’s always inspiring and frees your mind.
Final Thoughts
It’s true that every day can’t be great if you set your mind to it and control your emotions.
But we are responsible to try our hardest to make each and every day pleasant and fulfilling.
It’s all in your mind and your hands. You have the tools to make life great.
Make sure you use them wisely!
Rob
