Flat Tire Thankfulness

Today was one of those days.  You know, one of those days filled with frustrations and plenty of SMH (i.e. "Shaking My Head" for those of you that aren't Millennials).  We rented a car to drive from Atlanta to Michigan to visit family for the Thanksgiving holiday.  When the trip ended and we returned the care, I discovered that our car that had been parked at the rental place had not one but TWO FLAT TIRES!!!

Fortunately the rental company had an air compressor.  I started airing up my tire.  I continued airing up the tire.  Minutes late, I was still airing up the tire.  10 minutes later, the tire was inflated to its proper PSI.  It was time for the other tire.  It didn't take as long because I stopped before it was completely inflated.  Impatience was running wild.  It was inflated enough to go to a gas station with free air . . . air that came out of the nozzle much quicker. I mentioned to the rental company that their air compressor was the slowest ever.

That Time My Wife Got Her Way ... and I Was Glad

"Every man wants a wife who is beautiful, understanding, economical and a good cook.  But the law allows only one wife."

I hit the jackpot.  My wife is all of those.  However, I am also like most husbands in that I think I am always right.  

She puts up with my delusions and still loves me.

She knows how to pick battles and doesn't protest every silly thing I say or decision I make.  If she did, she'd constantly have a picket sign in her hand marching around the sidewalk in front of our house.

A few years ago, she put her foot down and didn't let me get away with making a silly decision.  It was the best thing she could have done because the results of that decision have been life-altering.

Rewind back to when we were dating.  She wanted kids.  I say I wanted kids, but I really didn't because I am too focused on my career.  I got my way for years.

Eventually we decide to look at adoption.  I know people that are in the system for years and don't get a child.  I figure that maybe we'll be in the system for years and get too old and at that point, it'll be easy to convince my wife that it is not the right time.

Shortly after receiving final approval to be considered adoptive parents, we got a call that a mother wanted us to adopt her child.  Not only was this unusually quick for a newly approved couple, but the child is going to be born in just a few days.  

CLICK HERE TO READ ALL ABOUT THE LAST-MINUTE ADOPTION

I step up my game and put on the full-court press as to why this isn't the right time. You name the reason and I probably used it.  "We are starting to play conference games".  "We don't know enough of the mother's background".  "The room isn't painted yet".  "We don't have a crib". "We haven't discussed parenting strategies enough"

My wife was having none of this.  Who was this lady?  What alien was living inside of her and not letting her budge on my eloquently phrased persuasive arguments?  

I finally ran out of time. I had failed. It was delivery day and there was no turning back.

Wow, what a messed up perspective!  Looking back on it now, our son has been a blessing in more ways than I could ever have known.  As educated as I might be or as successful as I've been in my career, this situation proved to me that I don't know everything and that you should be careful what you wish for . . . especially when it is motivated by selfishness.

What are you fighting against in your own life?  What selfish motives might be getting in the way of accomplishing some great things?  Who are you not listening to that might be speaking wisdom into your life?

Thank God that I didn't get my way.  

Thank you God, for bringing both Jaylen and Tabitha into my life!

CLICK HERE TO READ THE ENTIRE ADOPTION STORY OF JAYLEN.

Jamy Bechler is a John Maxwell Certified Leadership Speaker and Executive Coach.  Contact him at CoachBechler@CoachBechler.com to find out how you or your team can be more successful.   You can also subscribe to his leadership insights & newsletter by clicking here.

Bechler Speaks at the University of Illinois

Motivational speaker and leadership trainer Jamy Bechler recently spoke to Big Ten student-athletes at the University of Illinois.  As a long-time college basketball coach and administrator, he connected with the student-athletes using insightful and relevant illustrations.

The Fighting Illini student-athletes learned various concepts and practical ideas on how to be better leaders and become people of influence. Bechler emphasized that each one of the players is a leader, not just the captains, upperclassmen or starters.

In quoting the world-renown leadership expert, John C. Maxwell, he said that "leadership is not about titles, positions or flowcharts but about one person influencing another."  Each of the players possesses the ability to influence themselves and their closest friends to do what is right, which then creates a leadership ripple effect. These daily choices to lead and influence in a positive manner then creates a championship-type culture.

“I thought the information that Jamy gave us was incredibly valuable”, said women’s basketball head coach Matt Bollant. “He has a great way of communicating what's important to be successful as a team or in business."

In addition to speaking to the women’s basketball team, he also spoke to the softball team, who earned a trip to the NCAA tournament last season in Tyra Perry’s first year as head coach of the program.

Jamy Bechler now travels across the country speaking to high schools, colleges and businesses. He also works with the Atlanta-based non-profit leadership company, The Greentree Project, to provide coaching to companies and leaders looking to minimize complexities and produce more results. They also regularly conduct team experiences for businesses and organizations at their executive retreat center.

To contact Jamy Bechler about speaking to your group or scheduling a team building experience for your organization, please contact him at Jamy@CoachBechler.com. 

7 Tips for Applying for Your Next Job

I have been involved with numerous job searches, both as a candidate and while serving on committees.  Whether you are looking for a part-time job, a job in your current industry or thinking about changing careers, you have to figure out a way to differentiate yourself.  Nearly every job that is available will be a difficult up-hill battle to secure.  The odds are sometimes stacked against you because there is so much competition, but there are some things that you can do to help you increase your odds slightly and give you a better chance. Obviously, not all bosses, hiring committees or jobs are alike, but there are some general rules that applicants should follow if they want to give themselves a fighting chance to get an interview.

1. Read the job posting and do what it says.   If it says “no calls”, then don’t call.  If it says “postal mail” or “email only”, then adhere to these requests.  If you have to fill out an institutional job application to be considered (normally a requisite at state schools), then do this.