Recently I had to return a package, which required a visit to the UPS Store.
I have no idea where the UPS Store is, since we’ve lived here for 18 years and I haven’t needed to go there yet.
So I Googled it.
I was stunned to zoom in on the location and realize it is immediately next door to my gym, which I go to every single day.
In fact, I even ride my bike directly in front of the UPS Store. Every Single Day.
I had to drive there to prove it to myself that it really was there!
I laughed out loud when I pulled up, as I couldn’t believe I had ridden past it for years and never seen or noticed it.
That tells me a few things about areas of focus:
- When I go to the gym I am serious about the task at hand – getting my workout in. Few things can divert my attention, even the Instagram girls filming their butt squat moves, or whatever they’re doing, for online content and views.
- I am solely interested in going to the gym and what it is there for, and thus I notice literally nothing else around me other than if it’s going to rain or snow as I walk in.
- It is concerning that I have not noticed a store that has been there longer than the gym, and perhaps I need to pay attention to what is occurring around me a bit better.
This simple happening made me realize how many things I am so hyper focused on, such as my business, writing, working, gigging…that perhaps I’m missing other things all around me that could be of great importance, such as:
A. My children growing up and wanting to go play outside
B. My health beyond just the gym workout, perhaps I would be better off not going to the gym as much as enjoying the outdoors more often
C. My friends around me in need of better friendship
There are plenty of other areas in which I can notice and improve, but it brought a new level of Promising to Be Aware of what is going on around me.
Here is the result of keeping that Promise since The UPS Store revelation:
- I have gone on 3 hikes in the past 2 weeks and feel much happier for days afterwards
- I have laughed more, as I take in the humor that is sent to me or occurs naturally
- I have had better conversations with my wife and children
- I have seen issues that I can take care of faster because I am listening better, even when it comes to my client’s challenges in business where I can step in and do one small thing to solve a great problem
- I have become a better coach, writer, speaker, just by noticing a few small things that I didn’t give attention to prior
All of this adds up, but it’s because of a Promise to focus better, while allowing my awareness to expand.
What is your Promise to notice what may have been invisible before?
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~ Jason Hewlett
Husband, Father, Writer, Mentor, Hiker
- Speaker Hall of Fame * Award-Winning Entertainer * Mentor
- World’s Only Keynote Speaker utilizing entertainment, musical impressions, and comedy to teach The Promise
- Author of “The Promise To The One”
6 Responses
Jason, im a little bit jealous.
As a former police officer, I feel there are times when I pay too much attention. Anyone out there could be a threat to my, or my family’s safety. My better half has grown used to me sitting with my back to a wall or covering the door at a restaurant. Even in retirement these habits are hard to break.
And you sound like you are my wife. I’ll comment on a house under construction in the neighborhood, and she has not seen it.
Best wishes for your new attitude.
That’s a great point. Candidly, I do that very thing when with family and we are together…I think I’m pretty vigilant that way. I also seem to notice the people that I’m concerned could be an issue for us. But when it comes to things like this store, I’m amazed I’ve never seen it, and thus, I wonder how many other things I’ve been missing. I appreciate your service as police officer and sure your family does as well.
Great reminder to be more aware and create more :Yes/Ands”
Thank you
Thank you my friend!
I do think you have neglected our friendship a bit. I definitely know how the UPS store feels.
Hahahahahahaha!