- Fist Pump Friday
- Posts
- The Door That Changed Everything
Picture this: A young boy, dressed in his Sunday best, standing in the grand entrance of Doolans, a fancy restaurant and hotel - with floor-to-ceiling windows in their grand dining room overlooking the lush grounds…
That boy was me, and little did I know, I was about to learn a lesson that would shape my entire professional philosophy.
As we waited in the ornate lobby for our table (and likely wanting to keep her young, rambunctious son busy), my mother gently nudged me towards the door.
"Jimmy," she said, "why don't you hold the door for people coming in?"
With a mix of excitement and nervousness, I took my post.
One by one, the predominantly elderly clientele passed through. Their faces lit up as they saw this young boy holding the door.
"Well, aren't you a gentleman!" they'd exclaim. "Thank you, young man," others would say with a warm smile. (One person even tipped me a $5 bill! I was in my glory!)
With each praise, something inside me grew.
Though I didn’t know quite what that “something” was at the time, but now, looking back, it wasn't just pride; it was a realization. I was making people's day just a little bit better, a little bit easier. And it felt good - something I wanted more of!
Fast forward to today, and that lesson has become the cornerstone of my professional life.
In the business world, we're constantly crossing thresholds into new opportunities, roles, and successes.
But here's the million-dollar question: Are we always looking back to hold the door for others?
The Power of Looking Back
Think about it. Every time you achieve something in your career, you're not just opening a door for yourself. You're creating a pathway for others.
But here's the kicker – that pathway only stays open if you actively hold the door.
So, how do we do this in the professional world?
Be a Mentor: Remember that colleague who's always asking questions? Take them under your wing. Share your experiences, your failures, and your successes.
Share Your Story: Don't sugarcoat your journey. Be open about the struggles you faced. Your honesty could be the lifeline someone else needs.
Create Opportunities: Use your influence to open doors for promising talent. Sometimes, all someone needs is a chance to prove themselves.
Offer Constructive Feedback: Help others grow by providing honest, helpful insights. It's not always easy, but it's always valuable.
Celebrate Others: When someone you've helped succeeds, shout it from the rooftops! Their win is your win!
The Ripple Effect
Here's the beautiful thing about holding doors open in your professional life – it creates a ripple effect.
Each person you help is likely to pay it forward, creating a network of support that can transform entire industries.
This Week, I Dare You To…
Identify a "door" you've recently walked through in your career.
Look back. Who do you see that could use a hand?
Reach out to at least one person and offer your support or guidance.
At the end of the week, ask yourself, "Whose path did I make easier today?"
Remember, true success isn't measured by how high you climb, but by how many people you bring with you.
By always looking behind you as you enter new doors, you're not just building a career – you're building a legacy.
So, what doors will you hold open this week?
Kind Regards,
…And when you’re ready… Here are 3 ways we can help you leave a lasting impression this year…
📽️ Ignite Emotions with Video Storytelling - Transform your unique narrative into a visual masterpiece that resonates deeply with your clients, customers, and donors. Let's create videos that don't just inform, but inspire and drive action.
🎨 Elevate Your Brand with Eye-Catching Graphics - Stand out in a crowded marketplace with our bespoke, branded visuals. Whether it's for print or web, we'll craft graphics that turn heads and leave a memorable impact.
🕸️ Enchant and Nurture Your Tribe with a Stunning Website - Let's build more than just a website - let's create an immersive digital experience. Our expertly designed and developed sites don't just attract visitors; they engage, nurture, and convert your audience into loyal advocates.
Is it YOUR time? 👉 Send Us a Message Here.