BE LESS “I”, BE MORE “I”

Imagine this scene: a guy along with three of the smartest engineers that he has ever known. They are waiting on a table for lunch, at the same time are talking about a lot of things: mine planning, new technology, new perspective about Peruvian mining industry. Each one was very proud of their ideas and their plans for each mine where they work.

In the same scene: a very busy waiter who is serving the meal person by person, table by table - yes, only one for almost 30 people in that place -. In another table: the drinks are waiting impatiently for being served. However, nothing looks to interfere with the “knowledge’s atmosphere” which had been created there.

The lunch time is close to ending. The drinks are in the same position. The four engineers have finished their lunch; they are sitting, talking, laughing; but, inside of them, arguing to the only single waiter, who is still attending other tables, about what time he will serve the drinks. (Just for a second I invite you to analyze that scene: Sounds familiar, doesn’t? In these days, anyone wants to wait. Even worse, when we are having lunch).

In that time, the guy decides to do something: stop the conversation, and got up from the table. He started to count. Then, he went to the table where the drinks are and began to serve them one by one. One of the engineers started to claim loudly: you, an engineer, a professional, how can you act as a waiter? It is not your job! He responded: “because we are thirsty. I do not just think about me”. At this time, the four realized of a valuable lesson.

Now, stop for a moment and think a little bit: each of us can see in pages like this many articles: among technical papers, announcements, people proud about their new jobs, people asking for a new one. Moreover, my favorites: people who are sending images about leave the “comfort zone”. This particular, and imaginary zone whom everyone has in his or her heads, when we feel “comfortable”, “happy”, but surrounded it by prejudices, fears, and doubt about what will be over there. We can talk or read or debate for hours and hours about this topic, or, maybe, just a lunch as I did. (Yep, I was that guy whom I mentioned before).

However, I do not write this article to talk about me or argued about my colleagues or the lunch services. I write this for a single reason: My friends and I realized that moment: do something like this, something so “unusual” and simple at the same time, makes the difference. Leave the comfort zone is tough, seriously, is tough; but have great rewards about experiences and the possibility to go beyond. Stop arguing, listen who is worthy to listen and do what to have to do.

Now, if we apply this concept: how different will be the relationship with our family, our workplace, our society, and most important with ourselves. I do not talk about to act like a waiter and start to serve drinks. I talk to start to act differently. Just do not overthink. As a famous brand or an actor said: “just do it”. Many people will say that you are insane; but, maybe, they are more insane for do not think and act (most important) before of us. Perhaps, they had the same idea, but the outcome will not necessarily the same for us.

Well. “that’s all folks!”. Thanks for reading this lines. It was fun to write it, even more fun remember that day. Thanks to my friends for that lunch, their ideas are something that I appreciate so much. Finally, thanks for that phrase, my old friend (Yep, the title belong to him). You told me “some day I will understand what you are trying to say me with that phrase”. I think this day is today. Thanks a lot. Have a nice day.