Attitude Matters

An associate comes into our office each and every day cheerful and smiling.  Happy to see everyone and generally bubbling over with enthusiasm. This in a down market where I have trouble even finding an associate in the office no less one with a great attitude. I of course had to corner the happy soul one morning for a sit down. When I asked how they managed to keep their spirits so high every day I was let in on what has become one of the simplest measures of a persons worth I’ve found. “Well”  the associate said, “you see…. every morning I wake up with just one goal in mind for that day and the fun is in going through the day toward it. That makes me challenged and cheerful because I know what I need to do and I can see how close I’m getting to it as the day goes on.” They explained, “I love competition and what better more willing competitor could I find than myself?”

I thought it was a refreshing way to look at the day ahead but I couldn’t understand what the goals were. I asked if it didn’t get tiring trying to find new goals that could actually be achieved every day?  “Oh no” I was told “that’s the easy part. The goal doesn’t really change, it’s just the opportunity to try again that changes. A new day, another competition!”…….I asked if they would mind giving me some idea what this daily goal was. This is what I learned……..

“Well, everyday I set out to help as many people as I can. When I wake up in the morning I know what yesterdays total was and I know what I need to do today. The fun and excitement is in getting there. So far I’ve helped three people on my way to the office today, which is why I seem so happy, I’m on a pace that’s ahead of yesterday total.” 

“When do you get time to work ?” I wanted to know.  …… “Oh, I’m working all the time” I was told. “Each time I help someone I get a new friend and sometimes they refer me to someone they know who may need my help in other ways. Maybe they have a house to to sell, or need a rental or mortgage, but the point is the more people I help the busier I seem to get. So, I guess I’m always working as long as I keep track of the days goal.”

I was amazed that this simple approach to each day could be could be that rewarding. This person was obviously a bundle of enthusiasm, a pleasure to be with and very busy.

“Oh, is there anything I can get you before I leave?” they asked me.  “No thank you” I said “but I do have an appointment, maybe you’d like to come along? I can use all the help I can get”.