“Circumstances are beyond human control, but our conduct is in our own power.” - Benjamin Disraeli
Earlier today I was recounting the story of an interesting experience I had in Mexico City some time ago. It certainly reconfirmed the necessity of patience in all aspects of our lives.
Whilst I was out and about I stopped for a quick shinning of the shoes. It’s one of the things I enjoy when in Mexico City. You can get an incredible luster to your footwear for less than US$2 and that’s including tip.
That particular morning there was a fellow Yankee waiting in line behind me. Don’t know the man and don’t believe that I want to after his display that morning.
I was sitting in the chair; the young man offered me a newspaper to read (i.e. customer service), I declined and he proceeded to work on my shoes. He was very thorough in cleaning and then setting up for the shine.
Then the guy waiting started critiquing the shine. “Hey buddy, he’s not using the right colors,” “that’s the wrong wax,” “he’s gonna ruin your shoes,” “you better stop him before he messes up your shoes.” And he continued on.
My response was, “We’ll see.”
He was actually getting antsy about my shoe shine. It was physically bothersome to him.
The colors did seem to be off a bit. The wax, well, I simply don’t know enough about wax. After countless shoe shines in Mexico, I figured the kid knew what he was doing, so I simply waited.
In the mean time, the young man stayed on task. Washing, waxing, brushing on the colors, buffing and bringing the color out in my shoes. My patience paid off. By the time he finished, my shoes had a brilliant shine and the color was as it was supposed to be.
Now, my fellow American was a bit surprised. How could this happen? How could this be? The kid must have been lucky.
First I’ll say this; for someone to his panties in a bunch over someone else’s shoe shine is absolutely fascinating. Next and more importantly, have patience in pursuit of your goals. You require time to create momentum and begin to see measurable results.
WARNING: being patient DOES NOT mean hanging out and simply waiting for your goals to break down your door. Just as my young friend shining my shoes continued on, even when it appeared that things may be going awry, you must focus your efforts toward your goals consistently.
Remember that the process for success in life or in competition is identical: strategy, training, commitment, execution. Know what it is you want, prepare with that end in mind, commit to the goal and take action.
And remember, be actively patient.
The time is now to Show Up, Suit Up & Step Up!
David Martin
info@empowermax.com
