Thursday Thoughts... Bloom Where You're Planted

During a recent trip, I found myself with some time to kill at the airport due to a delayed flight. I decided to grab lunch and ended up at the end of the bar seating beside the takeout window of a busy restaurant. It was the only spot available, so I took it. As I sat there, I stayed entertained watching the bartender working behind the counter. He was moving non-stop, serving drinks, taking orders, and managing what seemed like a never-ending stream of customers with a great attitude.

What really caught my attention was the intentionality he put into doing his job well, despite how busy he was. First, he carded every single person who ordered a drink. It didn’t matter if they looked 60 or 20 – everyone was showing their ID before getting a beverage. But what really stood out was his signature line: “Are you sure you don’t want two? After all, you have two hands.” He said this with a smile to nearly every customer who ordered a drink, and I’d estimate that about 40% of the people he asked decided to order a second one. Some even changed their “to-go” strategy and decided to sit down and enjoy their drinks along with some food.

Based on that assumption, in just the short time I was there, he increased revenue for the restaurant by at least 40%, and I’d guess his tips probably went up by a similar amount. I struck up a conversation with him and learned that he had been serving there for the past two years while putting himself through law school. His attitude, effort, and ability to “bloom where he was planted” made a huge impression on me, and it got me thinking about the impact we can have no matter where we find ourselves in life.

We often think that we’ll make a real impact once we get to the next stage in our careers or lives – when we get that promotion, start that business, or achieve that big goal. But the truth is, the opportunity to make a difference is right in front of us, wherever we are. That bartender could have just been biding his time, doing the bare minimum while focusing on his law school ambitions. Instead, he chose to show up fully and make a positive impact in his current role. He wasn’t just serving drinks; he was creating an experience for his customers, boosting the restaurant’s revenue, and making connections along the way.

No matter what stage you’re in, bring your best to the table. It’s easy to think, “I’ll work hard once I get to where I want to be,” but that’s not how growth happens. The bartender didn’t wait until he was practicing law to give his best effort – he did it right where he was, in a busy airport restaurant. It’s a reminder that every role we play, no matter how small or temporary it might seem, is an opportunity to practice excellence, build character, and develop skills that will serve us in the future.

The impact you make isn’t always about the “measurable” results you achieve; it’s about how you make people feel and the influence you have on those around you. That bartender’s cheerful attitude and clever sales pitch brightened the day for countless travelers, and his dedication certainly caught more than my attention. He turned a potentially forgettable experience into something memorable (immortalized in Thursday Thoughts ??), all because he chose to engage with intentionality in his role. We all have the ability to create a positive impact, whether it’s through the work we do, the way we treat others, or the attitude we bring to everyday situations.

We often hear the phrase, “Bloom where you’re planted.” It’s a great reminder that where you are now is not just a stepping stone to something greater – It’s part of your journey. By embracing the present and giving your best effort, you’re not only making the most of your current stage, but you’re also preparing yourself for the next one. The skills, work ethic, and connections you build now will pay dividends in the future. Just like that bartender honing his communication and customer service skills while studying law, we can all use our current situations to build a strong foundation for whatever comes next.

That Leads Me to This Week’s Challenge…

This week, I challenge you a cliché’… bloom where you’re planted. Whatever your role or situation, find ways to bring your best effort, attitude, and creativity. Look for opportunities to make a positive impact, whether it’s at work, at home, or in your community. Remember, you don’t have to wait for the next stage to make a difference – you can start right now, right where you are.

I’m thankful you took the time to read this, for choosing to work, and for being part of what makes this world amazing.