Keep Your Focus on Your Goals
Good Advice from Michael Jordan
“The game has its ups and downs, but you can never lose focus of your individual goals and you can’t let yourself be beat because of lack of effort.” Michael Jordan
While doing some Internet research, I came across this quote by one of the greatest basketball players in history. It reminded me of someone I watched when my husband and I were having lunch at Cracker Barrel earlier in the week.
Our server, Linda, unlike many of the other servers, approached each and every table with focus and purpose as if it were her most important destination and the place she most wanted to be. There was energy in her walk, warmth in her smile, and interest in her eyes. She was completely engaged in her job.
Linda’s Story
I’ll give you some background on Linda. For 35 years, she worked at a restaurant not unlike Cracker Barrel. My family and I frequented that restaurant and we always asked for Linda. She was simply the best server in the place. About a month ago, we learned Linda had left that restaurant due to some unacceptable corporate decisions and gone to Cracker Barrel. We followed her.
Our wait at Linda’s “new home” was about 30 minutes. Tables were available much sooner but we waited for Linda, right along with many of her other former and new customers. When at last we were seated and she saw us, Linda gave us the smile and warmth we had come to expect (along with a big hug). When we said we were sorry to hear about her experience with the former company, she said, “That was then and this is now. I don’t look back. I stay focused on what’s ahead.”
Never once did she complain about her experience with the former employer, and not for one second did we see anything less than joy and excitement in every move she made. She was completely focused on us and excited about her new job.
Shared Wisdom
Linda’s never met Michael Jordan but they certainly have a lot in common. Both understand that life has its good and bad moments, but you can’t let them cause you to lose focus or give up. You have to keep moving forward with purpose and full-throttle effort. That’s how you make dreams come true. And that’s how you become the best at what you do.
If you’re experiencing some career ups and downs or your job search isn’t going as well as you would like, instead of losing focus or giving up, take a tip from Michael and Linda. Keep your eye on the prize and achieve the success you deserve.
Sue Montgomery is founder and president of Resume Plus (www.resumeplus.com). She is a professional resume writer and career coach who markets people for the jobs they want. Contact Sue directly at 937-254-5627 or email sue@resumeplus.com.