What do the days after a winter holiday extravaganza look like? They look like lots of wrapping paper trash. It looks like ornaments waiting to be taken down and packed, decorations to be hauled off, mismatched presents to be returned, a diet to be started, and carols that are starting to get on your nerves. Scrooge enjoyed saying, “Bah, humbug” before his transformation; we can certainly identify with his view after the celebration. We face “back to work and back to normal” with a tired dread and a deep desire to turn off the alarm clock and go back to sleep.
But, wait! You have customers to serve. And, they don’t care about your “after the party” blues. They still expect upbeat, festive and enthusiastic customer experiences. You don’t get a pass because you had too much eggnog, or got another ugly sweater, any more than a Disney theme park character in costume gets a pass on a hot, July day. It comes with the territory. When you select a role that involves being of service to others, their expectations drive their evaluations. It all hangs on your attitude.
Your attitude is a personal choice. Think of it this way. When you wake up in the morning, life presents you with a menu. On one side of that menu is a dull, feel-bad, be-the-victim attitude that can make you no fun to be around. It is the playbook for the “blame game;” the instruction manual for “excuse use.” The other side of the menu is an upbeat, joyful, life-is-an-enchanting-adventure attitude that makes others enjoy being around you. It is your choice which side of the menu you select.
Your customers are hoping that you select the happy side of that menu today. And, if you do, they will join you in making today a positive experience. The day after Christmas might be laced with chores and more to-do lists, but you can change dreary to cheery just by making the decision to do so and acting on that choice. Happy holidays!