Will you try this?

Here we are midway through 2024. How do you feel? Really? No, I’m serious; I want you to stop for just 60 seconds and analyze your feelings. What are you telling yourself right now? With a seemingly endless supply of tension, hostility and rancor in all aspects of our lives, it can be very easy to find yourself in a funk, or worse, depression.

Happy Monday.

Psychologists tell us there are two easy ways to pull yourself out of a mental slump:

Gratitude

Service – doing something to help another

Today is the day you review/update/modify your plan so you can have a successful week. For many, the pit in their stomach developed on the way to the office. Whether that office is in your home, or you drove to an office. We believe most of us have an underlying purpose or goal to make a positive difference in the lives of our clients, prospects and communities.

Here are two simple things you can do to make a difference.

Sincerely compliment someone

Show appreciation for what they are doing

As you structure your call list this week, would you try this? Create a list of clients and prospects, call them, find something you can compliment them for, and then thank them for that contribution. You can do this on the phone, or for extra credit, write out five hand-written notes and mail them today. In my experience, nothing gets a more positive response, and nothing makes a person feel better than a sincere compliment and appreciation for what they are doing. Here's an example for a car dealer:

Brad, I admire how your company has embraced the various causes you help promote. I'm particularly moved by your work for children in the area. I wanted you to know how much I appreciate you and the job you are doing.

This will catch them off guard because they are not used to it, and that's precisely why it's so powerful. There's no sales pitch, just a compliment and appreciation, and be ready to hang up – if it's a phone call. If you sent a card, be prepared for them to call you to thank you for the note. If you aspire to make a difference in the lives of others, nothing is more powerful than a compliment and appreciation. You may also uncover additional ways to provide service and help to your clients or friends. Will you add that to your activities this week? Even just a few? Then please let us know what responses you receive.

Your courage and willingness to try new things have always been impressive, and we so appreciate you taking the time to interact with us. Your feedback and experiences can help us shape a future we can all be proud of.

Thank you. We look forward to hearing from you. Email us at Jeff.Schmidt@rab.com.

Jeff Schmidt is the SVP of Professional Development. You can reach him at Jeff.Schmidt@rab.com. You can all so connect with him on X and LinkedIn.