Law Of The Garbage Truck

This article was sent to me by someone, I thought I would share it with everyone...

Take the time to read through the story below. See how you can make your living more enjoyable by just applying the simple "Law of The Garbage Truck" in your life.

Thank you.

LAW OF THE GARBAGE TRUCK

"Let the Garbage go by..."

By David J. Pollay

How often do you let other people's nonsense affect your mood? Do you let a terrible driver, uncouth waiter, curt boss, or an insensitive employee ruin your day? Unless you're the Terminator, for an instant you're most likely set back on your heels.

However, the mark of a successful person is how quickly he/she can get back their focus on what's important. Sixteen years ago I learnt this lesson. I learnt it in the back of a New York City Cab. Here's what happened.

I hopped in a Taxi, and we took off for The Grand Central Station. We were driving in the right lane when all of a sudden, and I mean without warning, a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My Taxi Driver slammed on his brakes, skidded and missed the other car's back end by just inches.

Then, the Driver of the other car, the guy who nearly caused a huge accident, whipped his head around and started abusing us. How do I know? Ask any New Yorker, some words in New York come with a unique expression!

Now, here's what astounded me. My Taxi Driver just smiled and waved at the guy. So, I said, "Why did you just do that? The guy almost bust your car and sent us to the hospital!" And this is when my Taxi Driver told me what I now entitle, "The Law of The Garbage Truck."

Many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of trash, filled with frustration, bursting of anger, and packed with disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it. And if you let them, they'll dump it on you.

When someone wants to dump on you, don't take it personally. You just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. You'll be glad you did. I assure you.

So this was it: “The Law of The Garbage Truck." I started thinking, how regularly do I let Garbage Trucks run right over me? And how frequently do I take their garbage and spread it to other people: at work, at home, on the streets? It was that day I said, "I'm not going to do it anymore."

Well now I distinguish “Garbage Trucks." I notice the junk they're carrying. I see them coming to unload it. And like my Taxi Driver, I don't make it a personal thing; I just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on.

One of my favorite Football players of all time, Walter Payton, did this every day on the football field. He would jump up as swiftly as he hit the ground after being tackled. He never dwelled on a hit. Payton was ready to make the next play his finest. Superior leaders know they have to be ready for their next meeting. Excellent parents know that they have to greet their children when they come home from school, with hugs and kisses.

Leaders and Parents know that they have to be fully present, and at their best for the people they care about.

The bottom line is that successful people do not let “Garbage Trucks” take over their day. What about you? What would happen in your life, starting today, if you let more “Garbage Trucks” pass you by?

Here's my bet. You'll be happier. I guarantee it.