Coaching Corner: But I don't want too!!!
By “Coach” Marilou Butcher Roth
For several years now, I have found going to the grocery store extremely displeasing! It might be tolerable if it didn’t need to happen so frequently, and if I didn’t enjoy cooking as much as I do. I would start to get grumpy just thinking about going, and realized that something needed to change. And the change was apparently my attitude!
In speaking with a very wise friend about this one day, she mentioned she had gone through a similar experience and found that when she decided ahead of time (intention) that she would find joy in this task by making eye contact and smiling at the other shoppers, who perhaps were in the same boat as she was, her entire grocery adventure became delightful! Well, it was worth a try!
So, I packed up my bags, grabbed my shopping list and off I went. As soon as I entered the store, I noticed a woman with her head down, looking rather dismayed. She looked up for a brief moment and I took that opportunity to catch her eyes and smile — she totally changed! Her head stayed up and she flashed a beautiful warm smile right back in my direction. Hey! This may actually work!
I made my way up and down the aisles, loading my own cart, and also bringing my awareness to others, smiling as I went. Each of my smiles was met with an equally bright one and before I realized it, I was headed to my car. Ever since then, my shopping time has become less and less tedious.
You may enjoy grocery shopping, I hear there are some of you who do! Although this is great, I can bet there is something in your own life that you find yourself not wanting to do. Come on — you can admit it, you certainly don’t like every little task that needs to be performed!
So how can you decide to change your attitude about whatever that dreadful task might be? What type of intention can you set to make the experience go better for you (and perhaps others)? This week give it some thought and see what comes up for you and then put it into play!
And…as always…enjoy!
Marilou Butcher Roth
Marilou Butcher Roth is the owner of The MBR Group, a coaching and training company working primarily with REALTORS who have a desire to work and live from a more inspired place. She is also the Broker/Owner of Group REALTORS in Cincinnati.
Marilou is a member of the Ohio REALTORS Board of Directors and past chairman of the organization’s Communications Committee.
