Recently, a friend of mine went on a job interview she really wanted, and she ended up as one of the finalists for the position. Unfortunately, the company picked someone else, and she didn't get the job. Only a short time later, the person who did get the job left and the position reopened.
I asked if she would call and apply again, and she replied saying that the person didn't deserve her call.
It's important to focus on getting what you want, not necessarily getting what you want when you want it.
In 1984, I applied for the Hard Rock Cafe Assistant General Manager job. I went to two interviews, and I felt like I nailed them both. I didn't see a scenario in which I wouldn't end up with the job.
However, it was the hottest restaurant opening at the time, and I didn't end up getting it.
In the meantime, I worked as an F&B Director in Danbury at a Holiday Inn. I was ready to give up the profession altogether as I sat on my mom's bed one night.
At the time, my mom was working for a search firm called Snelling and Snelling, which helped people get jobs. She told me that when businesses start, "things change. If you stay ready, you won't have to get ready."
She suggested that I should go back. "You should go back and see what's going on over there... my bet is that a bunch of things didn't work out as planned," she said.
I was so disappointed and my ego was bruised because I didn't get the job. Instead of getting caught up in expectations, I should have appreciated what I had accomplished.
Over 2,000 people applied for the manager role, and only 5 were picked. I was one of the finalists. Looking back, I should have been grateful to have even made it that far.
My mom must've told me over 20 times to go back. I should have listened sooner, but the 21st time she told me to I decided to take action. I did it just to get her off my ass, but I'm glad I did.
Sure enough, she was right. Things had changed, and soon after I checked in with the Hard Rock Cafe I was hired as Assistant General Manager.
I have always said the Hard Rock job was a game-changer for me. My life wouldn't have been the same had I not gotten that job. I have my mom to thank for it.
You can't let a bump in the road put you on the side of the road.
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For more on this story and for more stories that will inspire you to chase your dreams, check out my books The Business Playbook and You Gotta Have Balls. Also, my third book will be on the way shortly, so keep on the lookout for that!
Quote of the Day: "There's always going to be bumps in the road. There's always going to be this and that, adversity. You just overcome it. It's what I've done all my life" - Odell Beckham Jr.
