Great Advice

  I felt stressed, depressed, riddled with anxiety, on a wobble. Work was crushing me in a crucible of new technology, new role, change of clients, change of focus, change, change, change—and I was scared. My palms and feet were sweaty. I felt insecure, uncertain, afraid I would fail.

 

    In this midst, I reconnected with a good friend named Wayne. We worked together several decades ago. He’s a phenomenal golfer, plus +2 handicap, qualified for the US Senior Open, has caddied for many great golfers, knows many great golfers, teaches golf to youth, and has his head in the game. We exchanged texts—he with photos of him and his wife on vacation, and me in response with stress on my face from my office (I made it a joke, but he knew I wasn’t joking).

 

    Here’s what Wayne texted in response to my joke:

    “You only have control over two things: your attitude and your effort. Not results, or anybody else’s attitude or effort. You are a professional when it comes to those two things.”

 

    Dear reader, do yourself a favor and read that again.

 

    Wayne’s advice completely revised my frame of mind. I could not have received better advice. My attitude and my effort. Nothing else.

    I so desperately needed his advice. Ironically, he said I’m the one who taught it to him. I guess I forgot…

    I so desperately needed his reminder.

 

    “You only have control over two things: your attitude and your effort. Not results, or anybody else’s attitude or effort. You are a professional when it comes to those two things.”

 

    Thank you, Wayne.