Many of us have taken our licks and lost the big game, or got hurt, sick or fired. This is actually a big part of winning and anyone who has won big or had success of any kind will tell you they have lost big, too.
I remember the day I got fired from Hyatt Hotels, my dream job…three promotions in 2.5 years and I just loved the challenges each day gave me. That day my mom called. I had never been fired before and I was crying. I didn’t see it coming. Corporate politics, I told her…
She told me two things:
- One day you will look back on this day and laugh. You will realize this is all part of the learning process and growing up.
- You have to be honest with yourself. Be accountable and learn from the mistakes you have made and improve in some areas where maybe you’re not yet as good as you need to be.
Game changer!
The bottom line is, you always have the excuses as to why you fail or fall. It’s always someone else’s fault, or “they had it in for me,” the company is messed up or nobody knows what they are doing.
But, more times than not the truth is your friend (even though it will piss you off first).
Self-improvement and self-analysis is key. It's okay to lose, don't lose the lesson.
Learners are earners. That’s exactly what I did: I got to the book store and started reading about how to be more positive, how to be a better leader and manager.
Yeah, I took my firing personally, but I also didn’t dwell on it. I just set my sights on improving and getting better.
A good book on the subject: We Got Fired by Harvey Mackay.
And a good song: Lost by Coldplay with Jay-Z
See how those resonate with you.
