Anxiously Engaged

 

"You must expect great things of yourself before you can do them." - Michael Jordan

This will be the single most important post I make on this blog, because within it I will share how I have finally achieved what I set out to do here at the TJ Motel. First let me share what working with Paul's Paint has taught me. Then I will apply it to my care, as steward and General Manager, of the TJ Motel.

For five weeks I rose at 5:15 AM, went to work at 6:00, worked non-stop from then until 11:30 where we had our 30 minute lunch, and then proceeded to labor from 12:00 to 3:30, 4:00, and even 5:00. In the hours of labor we did not take breaks. Paul's wage per hour was so substantial that my desire to be that valuable kept me moving a solid 8 to 10 hours per day.

I sweat, I grew strong, I formed new work habits, and I lost weight. And in those five weeks I did not once think of quitting. I was anxiously engaged in the work. I could visibly see the results of my labor. I could determine how much quality to put into the work.

I became faster, more efficient, and finally learned how to communicate effectively with laborers within the construction zone. I did not get in trouble, nor did I inspire a new policy. I was there to do a job, and earn my keep, and that is exactly what I did. Those five weeks with Paul taught me to appreciate the work for the work, and become engaged in doing it well.

When the work became sparse two weeks ago I was back at the TJ full time. Being gone eight to ten hours per day for five weeks let some projects stack up, and for the first two days I had a hard time being the General Manager again.

But I was not discouraged. I knew that if I kept moving, like I did with Paul's Paint, that I would get on top of the job.

And So I Did

As I began putting tasks to rest, catching up on what needed doing I became suddenly, and anxiously engaged in my work. Visibly the quality of the motel improved. The feeling changed in the atmosphere from 'just getting by' to 'this is the place to be.' I had taken my lessons from Paul's Paint and applied them to the TJ.

In other words I was at work to work, and I was at work for the work. My confidence surged as I began to understand what seemed simple to so many others; be there to do the job, do not define yourself or your happiness by it. Rather glean your satisfaction and happiness from your labor. I am confident that I can take any position, work it until I master it, and be happy working. Just working.

There Is A Lie Out There

There is a lie that says you will not be happy unless you are doing something you love. I disagree. I think the job is what you make it. I think you get out of it what you put in. If you put in 80 percent negativity, to 20 percent positive experiences, you are going to hate your job. That's the truth to the lie. The lie is an ill defined assumption.

I have altered my perception of doing what I love, by putting love into what I am doing. I have achieved a higher level of excellence here than I ever thought I could achieve doing a job I was less than thrilled about. I am anxiously engaged in making this business what I want it to be.

Stress And Mistakes

Over the last two years I developed a tick above my right eye if things became too stressful. My right eyebrow would pulse just at the corner of my eye. Thub thub. Thub thub. My tick is gone. I can handle stress and pressure like I've never been able to before.

When I made a mistake in the past it mortified me. It was embarrassing. It caused me stress. I must have had more cortisol in my system than a second-rate professional athlete in the first 13 months here at the TJ. Now I handle mistakes, and confrontation with ease and grace. The veritable school of hard knocks has taught its lessons well, and I am learned.

Most Important

It is true for me to say that some have found my posts a little disconcerting. I have laid bare my mistakes, spoken and unspoken. I have revealed my weaknesses and strengths. I have been open and honest about where I was, what I have learned, and where I am. So let me ask you this; if a politician can come clean about his bad habits - alcoholism, adultery, drug addiction, poor financial discipline, dishonesty, desertion, and draft-dodging - and get elected to offices of leadership within the halls of government, then why shouldn't I be honest about who I am, what I have learned, where I was, and where I have arrived?

It is better that I should learn these invaluable lessons here at the TJ than in my new position wherever it may be.

For Hire

My feelings are that I have grown as much as I can, and it is time to hang this job up and leave. We are going to the Sugar City area in Idaho where I will continue to blog about my work, and career experiences in my new position. If you want a great, well-educated candidate with strong managerial experience, sales skills, and superior customer service skills please check out my personal resume blog at tjustinhaxby.blogspot.com.

Stay tuned!