#PV - Can't Shake

By John R. Nocero & Sandy Abell 

I heard a quote this week I can't shake - we are all learning to fly as we are falling. Think about it - we have no playbook for this and company's still want us to be productive as they stay profitable. The key in staying motivated now for me is staying a head of the curve. When people tell me I can't do something, or I am not good enough or I am letting them down, that is all the motivation I need. Negative reinforcement to me is an amazing motivator, as is anger. I am not a big positive feelings guy - it is not always going to be okay and you may not always get what you want no matter how hard you work. Life's unfair. but you can always put yourself in the best position to succeed by doing your best. To do your best, you have to find what works for you. I have a slew of memories I tap into if I just don't feel like it - those are the fuel that keep me going. And if someone down talks me as I am in that mood - that is gasoline on top of a roaring fire. 

 There is another key for me that works too and that is loving my environment and the people I live with. I rarely leave my house anymore. Thank god I love it. I rarely see anyone but the people I love. That suits me fine. Putting yourself in the best environment and spending time with people you love pays dividends. I am not sure why when we all have this choice to set up our lives with people we love, in an environment that we love, people still don't. 

My son joked I was built for a pandemic. He said that I had prepared all my life for this. I really don’t do anything. That is my idea of a good time. Being in the house with my family. Outside of that, my good time is being at the computer doing the basics. That is where I am most comfortable. And when you do the basics day after day, you’re no longer competing with the masses, you’re competing with the very small segment of humanity that understands and is willing to execute on the rare, but stupidly simple fundamentals. In a world where the mere acts of writing real thank you notes; asking someone questions rather than talking exclusively about oneself; and, apparently, reading someone’s book before interviewing them about it; have the ability to fairly shock and delight, the crowd you imagined would clog the paths of your pursuits turns out to be far thinner than you thought.

Sandy thoughts?

Sandy: I’m so glad that you are doing well during this strange time John. As your son said, you were built for a pandemic. We’ve talked before about the difference between introverts and extraverts. During the Covid time, it’s easier to be an introvert. Being forced to stay home, away from people, and still be able to do your work, is a gift to those folks. Since introverts are usually self-motivated and do their best when alone, this is the perfect scenario for them.

However, for people who are extraverts, and thrive on contact with others, this is a particularly difficult time. Extraverts are often motivated by their interactions with colleagues and friends, and they generate their energy from being with others. This time has been especially difficult for people who get their drive from others.

You commented on fundamentals, or the things that used to be fundamental. Things like writing thank you notes, asking questions instead of talking about oneself, etc. These things (and many more) used to be fundamental, but somehow they have gotten lost in current society. For some reason people are more self-absorbed than in years past, and things that used to be seen as common courtesy are no longer common. Ways of showing respect, being polite, and acknowledging others have gotten lost. Unfortunately, this leave us with a society that is less gentile and kind. However, when you choose to do these things, the are noticed and greatly appreciated.

In my world, the bottom line, whether I’m stuck at home on the computer, or out in the world interacting with people, is to always be respectful, appreciative, and grateful. It makes for a kinder world.