By Jack Warkenthien
Since I was typing this article in the “eye” of the Holiday Season “storm”, I thought this would be an apt title for my SBT Magazine column this month. If you’re like me, you have candles around your place, from the living areas to the kitchen and even in the master bath (imagine the possibilities!). I challenge you, in this often challenging time of year, to be grateful for the light that emanates from you. At the end of the day, it beats the alternative – cursing the darkness.
Frankly, I didn’t like the start of my Sunday. On a chilly morning, it became even frostier when my wife and I started to discuss Christmas gifts, traveling, finances, and other family drama. No fun. Then I reached into my left pants pocket and felt the “Gratitude Rock” that my son, Nick, had given me last year for Christmas. In substance, it may be a smooth, black rock that’s no larger than a quarter, but the idea is HUGE. By packing it every morning and carrying it every day, I’m reminded to “carry” an attitude of gratitude with me, regardless of how dark it is around me.
Man, how BLESSED am I! I’m surrounded by a Family that loves me, warts and all (I know that’s hard to believe). We have a warm place to live, talent that allows us to support the lifestyle to which we’ve become accustomed, etc, etc, etc. You too are BLESSED. Just look around today. Oh, and by the way, you wouldn’t be reading this classy magazine if you didn’t exude good fortune and blessings. Congratulations! Here’s YOUR next step: procure your own “Gratitude Rock” (I know a source…………….), knead it gently between your fingers, and BLESS THE LIGHT INSTEAD OF CURSING THE DARKNESS.
I empathize with my fellow Sales Professionals out there who are facing a week with very few appointments and a list of phone calls to make. Even though I’m bracing myself for the “….call me back after the Holidays…”, am I the only one who plans to do business in December? Anyone out there catching up on your workload on a Sunday afternoon with a football game glaring in the background (can you say Snow Bowl)? It beats the alternative. At least I have Clients who need my company’s value equation. There are people who I’ll touch this week, whose lives may be transformed by an inspirational message of hope and prosperity.
Now excuse me while I continue my efforts in creating a Sales Playbook for one of my company’s favorite Clients of all time. Sure, there will always be dark clouds on the horizon and I can choose to worry about what happens “if”, but that’s a waste of time and energy. Bless the candle. If I focus on positively influencing the lives of Sales Professionals, that IS my purpose – making an honest living in the world’s oldest and most noble profession. That’s time well invested. The best way to shake your “blues” is to bring “green” into others’ lives. Green is the color of money, and I know that money does NOT buy happiness, but it allows you to be sad in some pretty exotic locations!
As I round the final turn on this article, I’m watching a huge 10-point buck, outside of my home office window, prancing across the yards in our ‘hood. Wow, what a sight! You can say what you want, but I believe that majestic deer is affirmation for me, and for you, that we’re doing the right thing by being grateful for all the light in our life and not focusing on the dark. Bless YOU and the candles that bring light to your life. Here’s to the best year ever, in 2014.
Jack Warkenthien, CEO, NextStep Solutions, can be contacted by email at jwarkenthien@nextstep-solutions.com or call him at 832-344-6998. You can also visit his website at www.nextstep-solutions.com.
