The traffic was heavier than usual, probably due to the late morning rain. When I finally pulled into the parking lot at Ruby Tuesdays, I was already 15 minutes late for an important lunch meeting. To make matters worse, I couldn’t find a parking space any where. When I finally rushed in and pushed through the crowd, I saw my friend waiting patiently. Because I was late, I had spoiled our plan of getting seated before the lunch crowd arrived.
My first words were, “I’m so sorry. With the rain, the traffic and no parking spaces available, I just couldn’t help it.” Once we were finally seated, I went into greater detail with all of my excuses.
Suddenly it hit me. SHE had managed to get there on time and never complained. It was then that I realized the importance of taking responsibility for my actions. I COULD have been there on time, or for that matter, I could have even been early, if I had only chosen to take responsibility for my decisions earlier that morning.
If I had chosen not to respond to that last email or waited until I was in route to realize I had to stop and buy gas, I would have easily arrived first. I could have brought a book or publication to read and spent the time wisely as I waited for my friend to arrive. What is more important is that this would have shown her that I respected both her and her time.
On my way home that afternoon, I thought of all the excuses that can be used for not doing what is intended.
For future appointments, make a commitment that you will accept responsibility by planning ahead so that you are always the first to arrive. If you do happen to be late, instead of giving excuses, give accolades for their punctuality. I hope this lesson will be as valuable to you as it has been for me as a way of showing respect to others.
Martha Lanier is president of IGNITE Your Potential, Inc. where she works with individuals to expand their vision, take immediate action and achieve extraordinary results. Learn more about her coaching services at www.IgniteYourPotential.com. She can be reached by calling 770-886-6033 or sending an email to martha-at-igniteyourpotential-dot-com. Copyright 2007 IGNITE Your Potential, Inc. All rights reserved. Permission is granted to copy the information provided in this article, in whole or in part, when this statement is included in its entirety.
