Be Like Lincoln
“I don’t like that man. I must get to know him better.”
This quote came from Abe Lincoln and it has really made an impact on me, both personally and professionally.
I first heard it last year when I was in Ohio.
At that point in my life, if I someone wasn’t very nice in my first interaction with them, I wouldn’t give them my best self in the future.
After all, they weren’t nice to me, why be nice to them?
After seeing that quote, I realized the mindset I currently had accomplished nothing.
Sure enough, around that same time, I was given a client from a trainer whom I had subbed for before.
In my first interaction with this client, they had been a complete nightmare.
I couldn’t do anything right. It was one of the longest sessions of my life.
So I wasn’t exactly looking forward to training this person on a regular basis. However, I had just been infused with some Abe Lincoln greatness and had a new outlook.
I told myself that I was going to give this person my absolute best and deliver them an unparalleled experience. Maybe they were just having a bad day or something when we first met.
As soon as they walked in the door, I said their name with excitement, like I had been waiting all day just for them. For the rest of the session, I acted like they were the only thing that mattered in the world.
It was like I was training a completely different person!
They were so much more upbeat and fun to be around! I couldn’t do anything wrong this time around.
And the rest was history.
That person ended up being a long-term client, friend, and someone that I really enjoyed training.
Whether we judge someone for how they look, act, or INTERact with us, we can’t let that negative thought process determine the rest of our relationship with them, especially if we have to see that person on a regular basis.
People are allowed to be “off”, have bad days, and be themselves.
Give them the benefit of the doubt.
I am always working on getting better at this, as I still sometimes have a tendency to write people off who I find to be “not that nice”. And I am sure it has cost me several new friends and clients.
I guess it is never a bad thing to try and be more like Lincoln!
Be your best,
Kasey, CSCS
Liked what you read?
Learn more about what I am all about and pick up some great tips to transform your physique by signing up for my 5-day e-course HERE
Find me on Facebook
Connect with me on Twitter
Subscribe to my YouTube Channel