I feel stronger having walked through the valley of COVID. I’m not sure why, though. Maybe it’s the after effect of vulnerability. Knowing that I was at the mercy of many things outside of my control. Being reminded in a very real way that control is a mirage and realising that every day is a blessing. This prompts the question – “What must I do with my day, to make it count?” I feel a smile play with my lips as the picture of my good friend Babita Baruah pops up in my head. Her mantra comes to mind, whatever you do, big or small, “makeitmatter” is what she always says.
In the end, that’s what’s important. What was the quality of the hours I gave to whoever I chose to give them to? Did I just go through the motions? Tick the boxes? Or did I give it my brilliant best? No stone unturned. Nothing held back. All in.
I ask myself. How does this idea play out in my day?
Did I prepare for the introductory meeting to the best of my ability? Did I go into the meeting with something of value to offer? Even if that was curiosity and a desire to lift the game… Did I give my 100% for the entire duration of the 45-minute Zoom meeting?
All my attention. All my creativity. All my energy. That’s all it takes.
When was the last time someone gave you their complete attention? Just you. The centre of everything they had to offer.
It could have been a delivery guy that elevated the experience by being so completely committed to delivering good service.
It could have been the nurse who came home to administer an injection and the 5 minutes she spent with me made me feel like I was truly being cared for.
It could have been the friend or family member who checked in every day and showed how much they cared in 100 tiny different ways that say. I know you. I know what you need. I know what you don’t want. I am truly attentive and listening. I have got you. I give you my complete attention.
A feeling of peace, quiet and clarity emerges. Who do I want to be? What do I want to do with my life? Simple questions. Questions that don’t get asked when life is racing by. Some soul searching when I paused to pay attention. The answers will emerge once I start asking the right questions.
This is the gift I got from the last two weeks. A reminder that brilliance comes from the little things. Attention. Attention to detail. Attention to what matters. Attention to the people I chose to have in my life.
I promise to pay attention. To give all of me to all I do. This is the essence of service. I choose to serve. With a smile. With my complete attention. I am in the business of helping brands and companies get attention. I find it intriguing that giving attention is what gets it.
Time to get going once again in the attention economy. Pay attention, it pays well…
The views and opinions published here belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the publisher.
A trusted coaching and communications professional, Nikhil Dey is a certified life and leadership coach (International Coach Federation - ICF). Nurturing talent and helping clients achieve their goals is what makes him happy. He loves learning from students of communication, teaching courses and guest lecturing at various educational institutions. When he is not working you will find him on the tennis court or out for long walks with his family and four legged friends.
Previously he has held senior leadership positions at Weber Shandwick and Genesis BCW.
He can be reached on twitter @deydreaming
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