Today Was A Good Day! Relationships and Opportunities

Relationships and Opportunities

I have had a few good days recently but I'm very excited about today.  I'm sure you're wondering why and I don't want to prolong your wait so here we go...

First of all, I went to a going away lunch for a coworker.  You may be thinking, "How is that good?"  Well, I don't mean the part about the person leaving.  He will be missed and I'm sure he will do great things at his new location...plus he's coming back!  I heard this coworker speak a few times and he always repeated something that stuck with me.  He said, "It's not about the work you did and the deadlines you meet or bust.  It's about the relationships you build and the people you meet.  Those are the things most people will remember."  I think that is a very valid point.  When I think about the places I've been, I automatically start thinking about the people I met and the fun we had.  I remember the jobs but not as clearly as the relationships.  I have met some great people in my life...my early life...I still have a lot left!

Next, I want to talk about seizing opportunities.  In life, we may see a lot of forks in the road.  These are our options and our course in life is shaped by the actions we take.  Today, I hit a fork in the road.  I attended a meeting and during it, I noticed there were some great people that I could meet and possibly network with because...it's about the relationships we build!  After the meeting was over, everyone had the opportunity to meet and greet each other.  Well, I'm still a bit shy so networking is out of my comfort zone.  It was easier for me to walk away...and that's what I did.  I left the building and went to my car.

I was at the fork in the road and I made my choice.  Was it the right choice?  I didn't think so.  While at my car, I kept thinking, "I should have stayed and networked."  Based on a book I recently read, the word "should" is normally negative because most of the time when it's used, it's describing something you regret.  So, as soon as the word "should" came out of my mouth, I recognized it and I changed it to "could".  So my statement was "I could have stayed and networked."  Then I thought, "Well, I haven't left yet!  I still can!"  So I took my nerves, pushed them aside, and decided I would not walk away.  That's not who I am!  I walked inside the building...still somewhat shy...I'm not going to force my way into a conversation.  When the time was right, I introduced myself and I had a good conversation.  Then I introduced myself again and had a good conversation.  This happened repeatedly.  In the end, I think I made some good connections and had the chance to meet and talk to some great people.

To some this may seem like a small feat, but to others, this may give them the strength in a similar situation.  Maybe you can tell in my writing, I am really excited about this!  I almost ran away from the opportunity but I recovered.  Regardless of how the relationships and connections I made today turn out in the future...I grew today!  So, today was a good day!