Author: Garth Beyer

It was the baristas first time making a cortado and she told me.

That’s risky, isn’t it? Should I lower my expectations because it’s her first? Should I feel connected knowing that she would appreciate my feedback? Should I hold high expectations and give her fist bumps for a job well done?

In the capacity of firsts, I think it’s a safe bet to tell others it’s your first and not act like you’ve done a million before. Firsts are precious moments. They are yours and they can never be experienced again.

As for the second? Then it’s time to act as if it’s your 2,000th.

Stay Positive & Give Yourself That Grace (It’s Often What’s Needed To Ensure There’s A 2nd…3rd…4th…)

It might sound bad… but if it works, does it matter?

Someone might think “Ah, you know, it sucks, but if it’s not one thing it’s always another.” That’s a pretty pessimistic view, but if it helps them move through the struggles with less burden, it works, doesn’t it?

“I don’t care what they think,” might be an asshole statement if you listen to it without viewing how this person is doing some of their greatest work to date.

So, I repeat. It might sound bad… but if it works, does it matter?

Stay Positive & Work The Way You Need

What if, if nothing more than for the sake of this post, you think about every interaction you’ll have today.

Can you imagine what would happen if you went bearing a gift with each interaction?

Some of those you’ll interact with you might know obviously what to bring them. Others, it’s the mere thought exercise that matters. The intention will empower you to find a solution.

In fact, I’ve never once experienced a situation that I couldn’t figure something out to give.

A six-pack of beer. A compliment. A hug.

You might not tip you grocery store bagger but wouldn’t you think that saying “I appreciate that you’re here and helping me” might be received as if it were a gift?

Stay Positive & No Need To Carry A Santa Bag Around…

Work as if you’re wrapping up before you take vacation.

Enjoy the day as if you’re starting work back again tomorrow.

Immerse yourself in the activity as if it’s the last.

And here’s the hard part: no matter the activity.

Stay Positive & It’s Always Worth The Squeeze

There’s skimming because it’s lame. The writer put more words there than necessary. Parts are greater than the whole.

Then there’s skimming because you are absolutely sucked in. You’re craving to know what happens next. You’re skimming to test out the hypothesis that it can’t get better than it already has been.

Let’s assume, for the sake of a point here, that everyone skims.

Which skimmer is your writing triggering?

Stay Positive & Skimming Isn’t Always A Negative

When they assume you’re not busy, then they also assume you can be extra attentive.

Which means you have two options.

In the event you actually are busy but they can’t perceive it; communicate it to them. This is expectation setting basics that lead to both parties having a greater chance of success.

The second is to actually be extra attentive; to surprise and delight; to figure out a way to go above and beyond. No one expects (or wants to expect) you to be on your phone, take a seat, and wait until you’re needed.

People’s experiences die when you stand still.

Stay Positive & Above & Beyond

One of my friends who became well-known in the restaurant space started a YouTube channel for opening Pokemon cards.

One of my marketing idols posted something I’d never expect him to: Recipes.

Are they right to? Wrong to?

It breaks their consistencies. People come to expect certain things from them. Doing that level of unexpected creates distance with those who have been loyal to the original content.

And yet, it appears that those who extend themselves out of the norm continue to succeed.

They connect with new people. They create new meaning. They develop new capabilities.

All to say, it’s easy and quick to assume something outside of the norm won’t work.

When it reality, it’s because it’s outside of the norm that it works.

Stay Positive & Go Ahead And Launch It