LAW OF THE GARBAGE TRUCK - Let the garbage go by...

By David J. PollayHow often do you let other people's nonsense change your mood? Do you let abad driver, rude waiter, curt boss, or an insensitive employee ruin yourday? Unless you're the Terminator, for an instant you're probably set backon your heels. However, the mark of a successful person is how quickly shecan get back her focus on what's important.Sixteen years ago I learned this lesson. I learned it in the back of a NewYork City taxi cab. Here's what happened.I hopped in a taxi, and we took off for Grand Central Station. We weredriving in the right lane when all of a sudden, and I mean without warning,a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxidriver slammed on his brakes, skidded and missed the other car's back end byjust inches.Here's what happened next. The driver of the other car, the guy who almostcaused a big accident, whipped his head around and he started yelling badwords at us. How do I know? Ask any New Yorker, some words in New York comewith a special face.Now, here's what blew me away. My taxi driver just smiled and waved at theguy. And I mean, he was friendly. So, I said, "Why did you just do that?This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!" And this iswhen my taxi driver told me what I now call, " The Law of the GarbageTruck."Many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, fullof frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbagepiles up, they need a place to dump it. And if you let them, they'll dump iton you.When someone wants to dump on you, don't take it personally. You just smile,wave, wish them well, and move on. You'll be happy you did. I guarantee it.So this was it: The "Law of the Garbage Truck." I started thinking, howoften do I let Garbage Trucks run right over me? And how often do I taketheir garbage and spread it to other people: at work, at home, on thestreets? It was that day I said, "I'm not going to do it anymore."Well now "I see Garbage Trucks." I see the load they're carrying. I see themcoming to drop it off. And like my Taxi Driver, I don't make it a personalthing; I just smile, wave, wish them well, and I move on.Good leaders know they have to be ready for their next meeting.Good parents know that they have to welcome their children home from schoolwith hugs and kisses.Leaders and parents know that they have to be fully present, and at theirbest for the people they care about.The bottom line is that successful people do not let Garbage Trucks takeover their day. What about you? What would happen in your life, startingtoday, if you let more garbage trucks pass you by?Here's my bet. You'll be happier. I guarantee it.