You Just Have To Be Ready
Martine Cloutier-LeBlanc
Life Captivator & Mental Toughness Specialist of the Restaurant Industry/helping restaurant owners, operators, and thought leaders in the industry with their physical, emotional, & psychological journey
Sometimes you go into situations NOT knowing what to expect. Which can be good if you're the type of person who can adapt fairly easily
However, if you're someone who gets bothered and uncomfortable with the unexpected, then it may become very challenging for you.
Let's think of this as if you were a boxer. When you get into the ring to fight your opponent, you may take a round or two to observe and get accustomed to the technique you're seeing.
But, maybe you're not like that and you prefer going straight in and attack.
Well, both techniques are seen in boxing and in the restaurant industry.
In this article, we'll discuss the emotional and psychological view
What you want to keep in mind is that you have to understand what is coming your way and practice a few details
Jaron "Boots" Ennis is an American boxer who was recently crowned IBF Welterweight Champion (on July 13th 2024). As soon as he entered the ring, he went straight towards his opponent, no waiting.
SOMETIMES, YOU DON'T HAVE "TIME" TO THINK, YOU HAVE TO RESOLVE THE MATTER RIGHT THEN AND THERE - WHICH MAKES YOU NERVOUS, ANXIOUS, AND OVERWHELMED
And this is not easy, especially if you like to think ahead and plan. Then, going straight after the matter at hand can emotionally destabilize you.
In a sense, if you're in the restaurant industry, you already know this is going to happen. You're going to be destabilize at some point in your career.
You know you won't be able to think about everything first, then think a little bit more, then have the opportunity to execute or change plan.
ALL of that is a luxury, lol!
Things move and even if you prefer being notified before it changes, a lot of time - it is not going to happen.
In "Boots" case, he chose to not underestimate his opponent. Even if he and/or his coaches had studied who he was going to face-off, he went ahead and "jumped in" the water.
Because let's be honest here, you can study your opponent all day yet they can change things just so you won't know what is coming.
The same happens in the industry. You may want to study everything and follow the newest innovation, trend, topic; but then BOOM, everything shifts to something else and you are left there not knowing what to do.
And all of that happens because you were too much "into" studying everything.
Sometimes you have to let things happen.
Of course it is uncomfortable. But when its starts to be uncomfortable, it is exactly when you want to learn to do things differently.
You want your emotional shift to do something it has not done before - breath.
Intentionally starting to be conscious of your breathing patterns. When you are in the moment, you don't stop breathing of course, but you definitely start breathing more heavily.
Learn to acknowledge that and control it.
Understanding and controlling your breathing
You still don't want to take all day to make up your mind and make a decision. You'll notice you are becoming more calm and less agitated. Which then, helps you be more prepared for whatever it is you are facing.
As if, within a split of a second, things are in slow motion which is making you more secure in what you are about to do and/or say.
It will require you to attempt it a few times. Because at first, it may not result like you want it to be. You may still feel rushed and bothered. However, the more you're putting this technique to good use, the more you'll see yourself becoming more poised and grounded - ready to execute.
When Jaron "Boots" Ennis, his father (which is his trainer) decided to return back home and fight, they wanted to give back to the Philadelphia boxing fans yet no knowing it would attract a huge crowd.
SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO TRUST THAT OTHERS HAVE YOUR BACK. YOU'VE DONE GOOD BY THEM AND THEY'LL USE THAT TO THANK YOU
It can be stressful to perform in front of your own
"Boots" did just that in his last match. He returned home and fought in front of over 14,000 people. And delivered!!!
Now, you don't have to necessarily impress 14 thousand people, lol. However, you can choose to consistently impress and provide great service to those who are attending your restaurant and/or those you are choosing to help in the restaurant industry.
To be ALWAYS on is taxing and extremely demanding. And it is not everyone who can perform as such.
At the same time, you don't have too much choice. If you decide to underperform and/or not give it your best, then those you are serving are going to choose someone else to have their needs met.
And that may be where you are struggling psychologically. You don't know how to ALWAYS be on.
Even if there is not a perfect answer for this one, you can still do your best to be as attentive, aware, and knowledgeable as you can.
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By doing that, others are noticing you.
They see that you are paying attention.
They see that you are asking questions and making an attempt to learn more.
They see that you are remembering details and information they have shared with you a while back.
They see ALL of that and are taking notice.
And that is helping you perform - it is helping you to be ON.
It is allowing you to know who you are helping and serving.
Which is making them appreciate you even more. Each will show their appreciation differently. Some will
All of that may seem "unexpected" to you; however, it is not. You have planted various seeds that are now growing.
You've provided those seeds with water and sun and now you can see what is happening.
YES being ON at all time will tire you and even exhaust you from time to time. But then, you have to think back and see who you've been helping and how their life is changing.
Psychologically it may not be the easiest thing to do yet oftentimes it is the right thing to do.
In the restaurant industry, you are not using your fists to fight; however, you're fighting with your heart and your mind.
YOU ARE POURING EVERY OUNCE OF YOUR HEART AND YOUR MIND TO ENSURE OTHERS ARE WELL TAKING CARE OF AND THAT IS HUGE
In boxing, boxers risk their life every time they're choosing to step into the ring. They know the risk. Yet they are there performing.
As
you are the boxer in the ring. You are choosing to show up for your guests and/or your clients.
You are choosing to GIVE IT your all because in reality, there is NO other way than to SHOW UP!!!
Sometimes, you'll go right after the matter at hand while other times, you'll breath a little so you can have extra time to compose yourself.
One thing is clear though, by you paying attention to those you serve
Your character is being shown and you're getting thanked for it.
If you’re still wondering what I can do for you — no worry, I’m not offended. After all, we may have never met. So I understand your hesitation, lol.
And if the above does not convince you, it’s totally ok. I’m not sweating :) While you keep thinking, I’ll help others who are tired of doing this all by themselves.
Have a beautiful weekend and week ahead :)
Martine