"Well, How Did I Get Here?"
And you may find yourself in a beautiful house with a beautiful wife
And you may ask yourself, "Well, how did I get here?"
I pinch myself pretty regularly.
I'm two weeks shy of my 19th anniversary in sales, and I can't help but stop and think of just a few of the cosmic events that had to happen to get me where I am today.
Not much more than 19 years ago, I was pretty happy not being in sales. I was pursuing a career that was not going to be extremely financially rewarding but one I was very good at. For one reason or another, when it was time to make a change, a sales opportunity that I didn't ask for was presented. After initially scoffing at the idea, I decided to take a shot. The rest, as they say, is history...
But what about the rest? What actually had to happen?
Someone had to see something in me that I didn't; a few people, really. Somebody had to see potential in what I thought was impossible. Then someone had to give me a shot and believe in me when I wasn't sure I could believe in myself. Thanks, Ken.
So many colleagues, leaders, bosses, and others have shaped my path since then. There are too many to count or mention, really.
Some were direct mentors who showed me how to sell. I've studied others from afar, even those from ancient history. Then there are others who I never thought I'd meet but now take my calls and return my texts.
Some have shown me perspectives I'd never seen before. Others challenged my very foundations. I do my best to hear them out, appreciate their perspectives, and learn what I can.
My life, like anybody else's, is filled with challenges. Personally, I think those challenges are exactly what keep us coming back every day. But when I think about the good fortune I have to be facing these challenges, I feel pretty damn lucky. They're opportunities to continue to grow and learn lessons I apparently haven't conquered yet.
I live a life I never thought possible. Not just in a financial sense (although that helps), but the perspective I've gained on selling (and what that really means) has led to a new world of possibilities and human interactions. And it's all because of the people I've met along the way, their insights, and my willingness to be influenced by them in some way or another.
The overwhelming feeling in my belly right now is gratitude, and that's often what gives me the staying power to continue at the occasional breakneck pace.
How often do you pinch yourself? How often do you stop and think of the people along the way who believed in you when you didn't know how or who were generous enough to show you something they thought would help you? When was the last time you thanked them?
Now would be a great time to do that.
