"Pushing Too Hard" - Vol. 10, June 2005

A long time ago, an Emperor told a subject that he would give him all the land area he could cover riding his horse. The man quickly jumped onto his horse and rode as fast as possible to cover as much of the Emperor’s land as he could. He road without stopping, whipping the horse to go faster and faster. When he and the horse became hungry and tired, he still did not stop. He wanted to cover as much area as possible.

Finally, the horse and his rider came to a point when they could go no further. They both collapsed, exhausted and close to death. The horseman asked himself, "Why did I push myself and my horse so hard? I covered a lot of territory that is now all mine. But, I’m dying and I only need a small plot in which to bury myself.”

Too many of us deal with our careers like that horseman. Often, we push too hard to make more or to gain more power or achieve greater recognition. We neglect our health, time with our family and friends, our spiritual life, the beauty around us, and the pastimes we love. Some day, we may look back and realize that we did not really need what we thought. But by then, it could be too late to turn back the clock and retrieve the truly important things we will have missed while addressing the 'tyranny of the urgent'.

Work is necessary to give us a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment. It also provides us with money so we may enjoy the beauty and pleasures of life that God has given us. But life is not just about making money, acquiring power, or getting recognition. And most would agree life is definitely not only about work!

Here’s your customer service people skills S-M-A-R-TTip™: Consider the suggestion that joy, not happiness, is the essence and a key purpose of life ...a primary aim of human existence. To maximize your joy, you are wise to clarify your life purpose and core values, define your priorities, and be sure about what you are willing to compromise. Life usually is lived to the fullest as a balance of health, family, career, friends, play, and spirituality. And only you can decide how you will harmonize these often-competing stressors. Your life is fragile. And it is short. Do not take its continuance for granted. Remember: providing quality customer service is a moment-to-moment choice. And life is an unending series of choices. Make wise choices, now, about what is important while you still can.

“Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character for it becomes your destiny.”

Now It's Your Turn!: Can you sometimes relate to the 'seeker' in my parable? What do you think and how do you feel about what I have shared above? (My 'Comment Section', in which you can share anonymously, will open to you when you click on "Comments" immediately below this post.)

Until next time, how can I help you? (You can contact me by clicking here. Also, contact me directly to be added to Patton Associates’ S-M-A-R-TBriefing™ Mailing List.)

With our compliments and permission to reproduce, without change, including the following:
© Copyright 2005 Gary Patton, PattonAssociates.ca, People Development Coaches & Consultants

“Specialists in coaching professionals to success in the people side of team customer service.”

142-26 Livingston Rd. Toronto ON CAN M1E 4S4 Tel: 416-264-4633 E-Mail: Gary@PattonAssociates.ca