Do you ever get irritated by the little things in life? I think we all do, even though we know better. It’s a part of the human condition and we could all use some improvement. I was doing a radio show in Atlanta recently when I got hit with one of these pain-in-the-butt, but no big deal situations. After the interview, I ran into a small problem and found myself overreacting. I caught myself in the process and immediately whipped out the camera to capture myself on tape. What can I say: I’m working on it! 🙂 My attitude eventually improved, but you’ll probably sense my irritation on this video. This is perfect example of what I love about mental toughness training, and that’s looking at your responses to problems through the eyes of objective reality, minus emotional interference. Steve Siebold ( 1:35 )
[media id=105]
It’s always good to hear a common denominator, that we’re all human and fall short of the mark. Like Mike, I figure there’s usually a reason. Upset is optional! We just have to remember that, and cope.
Somewhere along the line I adopted that well known line that “Nothing has any meaning until you give it meaning.” When faced with any situation like this I step back (Sometimes not totally successfully) and pose that question. Then I look at my irritation and give it another meaning. Helps in most occasions, for me at least.
Steve,
Does this mean that Porsches don’t come with spare tires? Not even the little round ‘doughnuts’? If they do, you really don’t know how to change a tire? Doesn’t Porsche give you the tools?
Or is their roadside assistance program that good?
Be Well and Happy Motoring,
Jaroslav
Jaroslav,
The Porsche 911 doesn’t have room for a spare tire. Instead, Porsche roadside service is the best in the business. They show up in 30 minutes or less.
I used to be an ace changing tires! My 1968 Delta 88 was a beast and I went through a few flats on that one!
Your Porsche has a flat is adversity? Really?
If your Porsche having a flat is adversity perhaps you should not present your self as a toughness expert. This is embarrassing…
Some of your fans, loyal followers are in foreclosure had vehicles repossessed and are battling real life altering adversity… We admire and follow you because we think there is some common ground, a connection and admiration.. We’re wrong. There must be a HUGE disconnect. If a mental toughness expert has to take time out of his day to complain about a flat tire on his Porsche….
Adversity? Embarrassing!
Mike,
Of course it’s embarrassing. That’s the point. If I told you I was irritated by something major, you wouldn’t have been surprised, would you?
GREAT message in a “not so great moment for you” Thats why you are THE MAN! SO PROUD to know you and be able to learn from you.
Love to you and Dawn
Dottie
Thanks, Dottie! The little things don’t usually bug me but I thought I would call myself on this one. Speakers in our business often come across as being the perfect example of whay they speak and write about, and they’re human just like the rest of us.
Oh, I know exactly how you felt. I had a similar experience a few weekends back. I attended this awesome event called the Siebold Success Network and on the third day, I encountered a huge problem that was a combination of an amputee problem and a luggage problem and there wasn’t anything I could do about it. I found myself frustrated, panicked and ticked off while I was watching time slip through my fingers. Yeah. I get how the little things in life can irritate the HECK out of you and even kick your butt if you’re not careful. I’m glad you weren’t driving that beautiful Porche when you got the flat 😉
Me, too! Thanks, Lisa.
Steve, how often do we experience this when we’re traveling on the airlines. A flight gets delayed because they found a mechanical problem with the airplane. I feel the pain of being delayed, just as every other passenger, and then I force myself to say out loud, “This is good.” I usually get awkward looks, but I follow my statement up with, “They discovered the problem on the ground.” Pilots have a saying: “I would rather be on the ground wishing I was in the air, than to be in the air wishing I was on the ground.” Once I have comfortably acknowledged the situation, I immediately ask myself, “What are my best options?” It’s usually tolerate the delay, book another flight, or head to the airport bar to relax!
Mace,
It’s funny you mentioned airport delays. I’ve slept in almost every major in the country, and I almost never get upset about delays and cancellations. It seems like it’s always the little minor things that rattle you sometimes. Thats what I love about mental toughness and thought/emotional control: theres always more to learn and practice!
Life sends us these little messages. this one is obviously ‘Steve please learn how to change a wheel on a porche.’ But yes the answer is ‘when you’re going through hell keep on going.’ if you let the little things get to you can you imagine the pressure a big negative problem will have. look at each small problem as a challenge to build, and learn. Life has a way of testing our metal at the most inconvenient times. Times like these require your brand of mental toughness Steve. as always you lead by example and your message was so timely in the troubled times people seem to be going through eh. Im moving back to Brisbane Australia next year, where the weather is fine and prospects for public speaking abound. Hope to meet you and Dawn there someday and look after my porche
cheers John
John,
The 911 doesn’t have a spare! I’m used to be an ace tire changer! You should have seen my old 1969 Delta 88!
We’re headed down to Sydney on the 18th. Will you be in town?
I try to say to myself: When one door closes another door opens. In your case, what could you do now that your schedule changed which wasn’t possible before the flat tire catastrophy? 😉
Good self-talk, Leo! It amazing what you can do when you take control of your thinking. The flat tire catastrophy was more of a joke on me than anything else, but you’re right on the money. When one door closes another opens.