....to stick to one martini when dining with your boss

I had this experience tonight, and I didn't heed this advice. It wasn't bad, but after 2 Grey Goose martini's (all thanks to Miss Cupcake's dad for turning me onto those) I felt a little more loose than I prefer in front of the higher ups. It was very pleasant, and basically a celebration of doing a good job for me so I wasn't really worried about it. That being said, you can never take back the night you stood on the table and sang "Benny And The Jets" at the top of your lungs while all the other patrons looked awkwardly at your rhythmic air thrusting, so it's best to limit yourself to one drink. "If it can turn into such a nightmare why even have a drink at all", could be what you're asking. Well I will tell you why. A study done by the heads of sociology at Harvard concluded that people that drink alcohol are statistically 33% more successful than people that don't. The primary reason being the amount of business discussed, and closed over drinks. So don't miss the opportunity to unite yourself with the big man over a martini or jack and coke. Just play it safe so you don't end up becoming the guy he can't look at in the office the next morning.

So I hoped that helped someone out there. Today I'd like to tell you a story. My father, who also writes an equally successful blog (http://www.dad-imjustsaying.blogspot.com/) wrote a blog about how much we all enjoy story time, so I will piggyback his idea and just share one of my favorites.

After all the great successes, and more importantly the huge failures I've had in my life, I tried to sit down and define myself. You know, that thought you come to where you say, "who am I? what do I stand for." In the event of big failures in our personal life (divorce or accident) and professional (fired or failed business) we start to question these things. When I hit bottom, and was deep in self evaluation, I kept coming back to a story I used to tell all my friends that my Dad told me. So here it is.

One morning two men are walking down the street to the coffee shop. Headed their direction is a woman. The woman is dragging her feet and slouched over with a displeased look on her face (very similar to what we all feel like on Monday headed to the office). As the woman gets closer one of the guys looks at her and winks, then gives a big smile. Seeing this she immediately smiles back. Her posture straightens, and she appears to get a little swagger to her step. Once the woman is out of earshot the other guy looks at the first guy and asks "Dude, why did you do that? She's way too ugly for you. You can do so much better." To which the first gentleman replied, "Yes, but if she's a teacher, just think about what kind of day her students are going to have." This story always seemed so literal to me. And the meaning I took from it was this. You as a person have an effect on everyone you come in contact with everyday. Even if it is to a very very small degree, it is impossible to have a neutral effect. When I was deciding on what building blocks I would use to define who I am, this one seemed ideal. It wasn't something that required an immense amount of faith, because I'd experienced it so many times. And it was something I felt I could be genuinely proud of.

So as you ponder this story for the next few seconds remember this. If you are going to have an effect on everyone you see today, will it be a positive one? And let's take it the next step. If it is a positive one, will you take that little extra step to make a larger impact? Or will you just be pleasant, and forgettable. If you do choose to make a lasting impact, and make conversation with your grocery store clerk, or bank teller, I must warn you that it definitely comes back around. Be prepared for some fun doors and opportunities opening for you all over. This isn't a cure all. The DMV will still suck, and work will still be work. But, you may not just hate it so much you want to punch someone. Thanks for reading everyone. I love the comments (Dad and Gigi). Please feel free to write more, and don't hesitate telling your friends about this blog. I'd love to get some perspective from non friend/family members. Love you all. Goodnight.