First Day in Mt. Olympus

My wife always believed in my writing ability (thank God).

Her confidence built up my career because I came into work every day believing I can do it. I can deliver what they want because my wife told me that I have the ability to deliver. 

Most of the time I did. She’s not delusional. I am born to do this, but it took somebody like her to make me realize it. 

For the first time in years, I’m being invited to a work trip. A chance to meet my co-workers in person and maybe co-work for a week. 

For some reason, the idea of seeing them made me anxious. I wasn’t sure if I was worthy to be around these people. 

The way they all execute their work looks intimidating and amazing. 

My wife tried to calm me down by telling me they might feel the same way about me, or I am indeed worthy to be around excellent people because I am at their level. 

So I met with them, and no. I am not at their level. 

Each one has a not-so-humble background and work experiences from brands, people, and places you’ve definitely heard of. 

And the fact that we’re in a 5-star hotel and resort doesn’t help at all. 

The only good thing I got going on for me was that they thought I was a 6’4’’ white dude. But that was debunked in a second, as you can imagine. 

So I was petrified in my anxiety. I decided that my play from that moment on is to just listen to people. They’re all interesting. If I can just keep listening to how smart and excellent they are, I can survive this week. 

This proved to be helpful because the more they talk, the clearer it is to me how these people got to the level they’re in. 

Some of them were always told they’re not good (relatable). 

Some of them are handling greater pains outside of work (I’m praying with you). 

Some of them turned out to be interested in me, too. 

When you’re around excellent people, knowing that they’re with somebody they can talk to puts them at ease. 

There are no walls, guards are down, and everyone’s just trying to understand everyone and everything around them. 

Three long-standing personal principles are again proven in this work event: 

1. Life is like a banquet. Sit at the humblest seat first and let the one who invited you elevate you to a better table. (That’s Luke 14:7-11)

2. Since life is a banquet, just take a little out of everything. Try not to zero in on one type of food. Eat with different people, small talk, make little meaningful exchanges. 

3. Do not be interesting. Be interested. 

Excellent people have this knack for making something small grow into something meaningful. Since they all have superpowers, there’s nothing you can’t do together.