Last night my three-year-old son woke up with a bad dream, softly crying out for mom and dad. When I shuffled into his room, still half asleep he just said ‘lay with you.’ Of course buddy. He curled up next to me in bed, and reached out for my hand as he immediately dozed back to sleep.
It’s 3 am, and now that I’m awake, I know I won’t be able to fall back asleep. Tomorrow I will be tired and there’s nothing I can do about it. But as I’m laying here holding his hand that thought transforms and a big smile comes over me. I’m reminded in moments like this, of a mantra that I’ve been holding onto for a few years now, ‘we get to do this.’
Our third and one of my favorite core values at TWS is Revel In.
When things are not perfect, it’s a reminder to be grateful.
No matter what we are up against, remembering that we get to do ‘this’ puts the struggles into perspective. It’s a mentality that allows me to find enjoyment in the challenge and ultimately revel in even the worst days.
When the shit hits the fan, be grateful for the mop.
When a client calls upset with something we’ve done, I’m grateful for the opportunity to take that call, the opportunity to solve a problem, and the opportunity to change and grow as a result of it. (Adapt or Die, our 4th Core Value)
I get to do this.
I get to take that call. I get to hear from upset clients.
I get to hear the challenges of my team. And I have the privilege of working on bettering the company.
I have the privilege of making some of the hardest decisions in our company.
If we can remember to revel in these moments, they may not be any easier, but we’ll be reminded that it’s all worth it. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
It’s not all about the hard stuff though.
In the best of times, it’s a chance to revel in the successes of our clients. Knowing how all of our hard work helped support their wins. And finding ways to feel our own personal achievement in it.
A client launching a new product line. Opening in a new city. Investing in expensive new technology to further specialize. Winning awards in their industry.
Even cashing out, and selling their business to move on to the next chapter in their life.
These are all huge milestones for a business owner. All worthy of celebration.
And from behind the scenes we celebrate our hard work on behalf of them.
It’s not always easy. We work our tails off not for a mention in the press release, but because we are achieving important things for clients we care about. With or without the recognition we Revel In the work itself, and that feels good.
Your work is bigger than yourself. It’s even bigger than your clients. Its impact is felt across their employees, their families, and their stakeholders too.
Take a moment and try to wrap your mind around how many people are actually affected by your efforts. That’s something I can Revel In.
To my team, I see you all living up to this. I can tell when your heart lies in the right spot. Even if we disagree, it’s only because we all want what’s best for our clients, we’re just seeing it differently. And the harder you fight for something, the more I know you care.
To my clients, thank you for the opportunity for us to put our hearts and minds behind your business. Your dedication to success is shared by us but is generative from your own commitments to yourself.
And to Ian, while I certainly do not encourage your late-night antics, I’ll always be there for you. I might grumble at times, but I wouldn’t change a thing.
