“Pragmatic Sales Psychology” short episode series, writing #23
On a recent trip to my home state of Indiana, I did something that ties in beautifully with this writing. As a reminder, this writing is based on number eleven of thirteen which correlates the best-selling book “13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do” to the sales profession. I found the book by Amy Morin fascinating, not only in that she is the only psychotherapist in the psychology field that is writing and speaking specifically about mental strength, but also because many of the topics she addresses are topics addressed by sales trainers and managers worldwide daily. About that trip…
I did something I had never done before but will, Good Lord willing, do again. I did not listen to the radio, a CD or talk on the phone to make sales calls (hands free of course). The only conversations I had, for the 7 ½ hour drive from Nashville to Warsaw in northern Indiana, were with my wife Tammy. The rest of the trip, I meditated and scrutinized internally. On what? All areas of my life and its significance, or lack thereof. I did a self-examination of every major area of my life: marriage, spirituality, career, history-both personal and professional, recreational activities and my relationships… both good and bad, plus my health, including my habits. It ended up being some quality alone time which I believe positively affected most all of these categories, especially my approach toward people, which is critical in my job and my function as a fundraising entertainer. The results are intensely personal and not the point of this writing. The point is that Amy Morin’s advice on this topic proved to be spot on for me and I suspect it would be for you too.
It’s not a coincidence that all major religious disciplines embrace meditation and inward examination. It is documented that Jesus, and all the major religious inspirational personalities at the center of those respective religions, spent time in isolation. It gave them strength, resolve and balance. If it was good enough for them? Obviously rhetorical, but how does this tie into sales? Glad you asked. A salesperson who has a balanced life does better at work. Burn out is real and needs to be avoided at all costs because as Muhammad Ali said, “Fatigue makes a coward out of any man.” (gender not being the point). I guess I’m agreeing to add a new element to the adage about working and playing hard, the third one being to find that thing that allows you to center yourself and keep some modicum of balance. “Work Hard, Play Hard and Self-Examine” would be a great recipe for sales success.
In our digital age, with all the proclivities we have to be “plugged in” and be social with every available free minute, I submit that you try some of these things:
Turn off the TV if you aren’t watching it. The quiet time is healthier than incessant background noise.
Do as I did, ride in the car without any music, conversations or things to divert you away from your inner self.
Take a walk, no cell phone in tow.
Take a break from all electronics.
Stop booking social activities for every open date on your calendar.
Mentioned above are just a few ideas. NFL running back great Eddie George, all 6’4”, 240 pounds of him, found Yoga to be a release and regenerative recreation. Healthy too. Many fishermen find the solitude on the water between casts, rebating or landing a fish rejuvenating. Taking up an instrument or writing in a journal are also good solitary options that offer the possibility of self-awareness and have great mental strength benefits.
The point of this writing is to encourage you is to get into the regular habit of programming some alone time. It will allow you to center and search the inside of you. You will find out some things about who you are and who you want to be, which is critical to establishing personal goals. I predict that if you don’t already book alone time and then decide to, that those around you will notice a more stable and happier person. Alone time is certainly nothing to avoid or fear.
“All man’s miseries derive from not being able to sit quietly in a room alone.” – Blaise Pascal
- Don’t Be Color Blind - March 14, 2024
- LeadFlow Clients Add Locations in a Shrinking Industry - March 6, 2024
- Vanity Analytics are Not the Real World - February 21, 2024