This morning early, just after Starbucks opened, I was standing in line waiting to order my plain black, tall coffee. There was a lady two people ahead of me in line that was getting on my last nerve. She was asking a million and one questions. I was in a little bit of a hurry, and I didn’t want to spend the whole day in line. She was asking, “what is the difference between this and that”. I’m like, seriously? It’s a cup of coffee; you’re not going to be making mortgage payments here. I’m not sure about my mood, except I’m an off the chart “D” personality on the DISC profile. Well, I needed to get a grip on my attitude.
Thank goodness, now the line is moving… When the next guy made his order, food and all, I thought, can you not eat breakfast at home?! It sounds like I need a venti double espresso fast, or maybe not.
Before I kill somebody,
I need to do something nice,
and I need to do it fast.
I told the cashier that I wanted him to place this guys bill on my tab. They both looked at me like I slapped them with a bag of quarters. He said, “Excuse me?" I repeated my offer. The customer asked me "why?" and I replied, "I want to treat you." I didn’t tell him he was lucky I hadn’t killed him, hahaha. He then replied, “do you do this often?" I do actually. This turned into a great conversation about paying it forward.
Performing unexpected acts of kindness is definitely one of my favorite things to do. I want you to know one thing from this story, if you don’t get anything else at all.
My attitude changed.
Seeing the smiling face of the customer, the cashier’s grin and my perception of the situation changed immediately. I could have left with my coffee fussing and cussing (if I cussed) and the remainder of my day would have been shot. On my way out, the customer told me twice more, thanks. He said he would be sure to pay it forward. In my mind I’m thinking, look what $5 did to start his morning off with a smile and re-adjust my stinking attitude.
Tomorrow, pick up someone’s tab and watch them smile. You will be the winner.
Live on purpose,
Aaron
