Patience, Serenity, and Performance Driven
By: David Lanpher
You may ask why I chose those two words to go with “Performance Driven.”
Over the years, no matter what industry I’ve worked in, I’ve always been inspired to do my best. Maybe it’s because I’m somewhat of a perfectionist – at times, I have to remind myself that I can only do so much. My wife and sons would tell you it’s because I’m so competitive, even in my career. For example – I’m always working to improve my monthly scorecard, even though I can’t control some of the factors. I’m always trying to learn so that I can advance my career or improve my family’s circumstances. Good or bad, my theory has always been, “if you’re not playing to win, then why play?” The older I get, the more I agree that philosophy is a little over the top – especially as my wife of 40 years and I are starting to see the light of retirement at the end of the tunnel.
Next, let me explain what the word “patience” means to me (fellow Nussbaum drivers and dispatchers will understand this). We get caught in all kinds of slowdowns – construction, accidents, waiting to get unloaded – just to name a few. It takes a lot of PATIENCE to work in our industry. I do my best to be patient and always treat people how I want to be treated, regardless of the circumstances. For me, this is all part of being performance-driven in everything I do for Nussbaum and in my life. I see many drivers who are stressed in every aspect of their job, which doesn’t make for a healthy career or life.
Some of you who know me, along with my family, would gently remind me that I’m not always patient. This is very true. That’s where the word SERENITY comes into play. Serenity means “the state of being calm, peaceful, and untroubled.” I’m sure some (if not all) of you have heard of a short prayer called “The Serenity Prayer,” which says:
God grant me the SERENITY to accept the things I cannot change,
COURAGE to change the things I can, and the WISDOM to know the difference.
I say this short little prayer every time I get frustrated or impatient. It doesn’t always help right away, so sometimes I’ll say it over and over until I remember that I’m not in control of everything. Over the past 20 years, I’ve learned that I can only control my reactions – not the outcomes. (Yes, it’s taken me years to realize that). Go ahead and say it: “Wow, Dave, you’re really a slow learner!” Maybe so. I prefer to say I was just stubborn more than a slower learner.
Either way, I’m very glad that patience and serenity help me stay performance-driven in my life, career, and retirement when that happens. In closing, my suggestion would be to practice this little prayer and patience. You will be less stressed and more at ease at work and in life.
