Week 33 – A lesson from the Registry of Motor Vehicles
I’m replaying a popular blog and I hope you enjoy it!
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This week I had an opportunity to visit the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) – the office where you get your driver’s license renewed every five years. Before you read on, though, stop for a moment and notice the thoughts associated with a visit to the RMV.
Okay, now read on…
My license expired last November on my birthday and I’d been remiss in getting it renewed. Now and then I’d make a mental note to go, but then promptly forget about it. Well, Wednesday night, on my way home from dinner with my husband, Michael, I was stopped by a police officer for driving with an expired license. He was kind enough to let me go without a ticket, but strongly suggested I get it renewed ASAP.
The next day I headed for the RMV, dreading the visit. I imagined myself waiting in long lines, dealing with grumpy, overworked and underpaid employees, and spending half my day on what should be a five minute task.
I even worried about whether or not I’d pass the eye exam, which is silly because my eyes are just fine.
By the time I pulled my car out of the driveway, I was frustrated and miserable. Then, I remembered something important: I’d written a book called “You Can Create an Exceptional Life” with Louise Hay.
Duh.
In that moment of awareness I made a decision to break the spell. I started imagining an easy, fun experience (an exercise Louise strongly recommends before doing anything that might be stressful). In my mind I saw happy people waiting in line, friendly employees ready to help me, and I affirmed that it would only take a few minutes to get my license renewed.
I drove to the address, parked my car, and went inside.
When I walked into the RMV office, I saw at least twenty people waiting in line. I took a number and sat down next to a sweet elderly couple to patiently wait my turn. I closed my eyes and visualized an easy and comfortable experience. Within ten minutes I was called to the license renewal desk.
The gal who renewed my license was not only pleasant and helpful, she was jolly. Yes, jolly #x1F600;.
My transaction was finished in less than ten minutes and I left the building with a whole new attitude toward the RMV.
The trip got me thinking. There are so many places we go to with preconceived ideas of what the experience will be like – a visit to the doctor, the dentist, or to the accountant, to name a few.
Think about the appointments you have this week. Then notice the thoughts associated with these events.
It’s so easy to forget that our expectations are powerful and they can set the stage for our experiences.
Why not…
Expect ease.
Expect pleasant.
Expect good news.
Video of the Week
Here’s a video of a young man with an attitude and expectation that changed his life. You can watch it here.