By: D.J. Harrington
This week was a wonderful reminder of things I’ve done during my lifetime. When Vince Edivan, ARA Executive Director, asked if I would be willing to be interviewed on the ARA Unscripted podcast, I was delighted to accept because it was an audio/video podcast. During the interview, I had a renewed sense of hope about my life and future, spanning 40+ years in business.
Before it was an accepted business practice, I had already branded myself as the “Car-diologist” decades ago within the auto industry. Typically, branding oneself didn’t happen back then. Vince asked about my upbringing with siblings and my parents, classes, speeches, client base, how I moved forward in the speaking business, and how I became a certified speaking professional. The interview also included how I transitioned from industry to industry as well as to Fortune 500 companies. He asked about most of the classes that I have done, particularly Secret Recipes, where I dressed in a chef’s hat and apron and presented to attendees from various industries. We also spoke about the class and props that I’ve used when I presented, “What Hat Are You Wearing.”
Eventually, he turned the discussion to one of my five books, Prescription for Life, Garden for Success, and my long bookmark-style business card, with a poem on the back.
The interview went fast for me but lasted almost an hour and a half, so we covered almost all the details from my events, classes, speaking engagements, and books.
Today, I want to leave you with my favorite words of wisdom.
On the back of my book, Prescription for Life, which is full of my articles and published by the Recyclers Power Source Magazine, is a quote of mine that reads:
“Watch your thoughts; they become words.”
“Watch your words; they become actions.”
“Watch your actions; they become your habits.”
“Watch your habits; they become your character.”
“Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.”
As I view my life in the rear view mirror, I’ve come to realize that this book while it was written for the auto recycling industry, it was also written as a prescription for my own life.
Also, located on the back of my bookmark business card that I’ve handed out for decades is a printed poem written by John Hall. It’s called “A Day’s End,” and reads:
Is anyone happier because you passed this way?
Does anyone remember that you spoke to him today?
The day is almost over, and its tolling time is through.
Is there anyone to utter a kindly word of you?
Can you say tonight, in parting with the day that’s slipping fast.
That you helped a single brother of the many that you’ve passed?
Is a single heart rejoicing over what you did or said?
Does the man whose hopes were fading, now, with courage look ahead?
Did you waste the day, or lose it? Was it well or sorely spent?
Did you leave a trail of kindness, or a scar of discontent?
As you close your eyes in slumber, do you think that God will say,“You have earned one more tomorrow by the work you did today?”
As I finished recording the podcast, I heard my wife, Sheila, say that I had done a good job. It was a tiring hour and a half. Of course, Vince stirred the pot to keep me going and brought me back if I veered off track. I appreciated that I was asked for the interview because I was able to recall many memorable moments of my life.
If you are feeling down at this point because of stuff happening in your life, don’t worry. I’ve been there too. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a personal thing or a business issue; if you have people in your life that care about you and your success, you’ll make it.
I’ll finish off with Drink, Swear, Steal and Lie. Drink—drink from the cup of success, because you deserve it. Swear—swear that you’ll tell someone every day that you love them before you put your head back on the pillow. Then Steal—steal 15 minutes a day for self-improvement. And Lie—when you lie down tonight, thank God that you live in America where we have the freedom to do whatever is needed to keep going.
I did that segment on a Sunday night in a Baptist Church. It went over well, but not before the Pastor took out his handkerchief and started dabbing the sweat that appeared on his forehead. It ended well, though.
Here’s a reminder from me, D.J. Harrington. During my lifetime, I’ve tried to surround myself with positive people, and I’ve made it. If I can, you can too! It might not happen for you at the time that you want, but what really matters is how you will finish this life.
Let’s finish the best that we can! You with me?
D.J. Harrington is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Phone Logic, Inc., an international training company based in Atlanta, GA. He serves as a consultant and trainer to over 1,000 privately-owned businesses throughout the country, training personnel at all levels of the company, from the dispatcher to the customer service and sales staff. Please visit his website for more information at www.djsays.com.
