Yesterday I received an automatic email notification that an airline, canceling and changing flights, had changed the itineraries for our October trip to Yellowstone. Instead of landing at 2:41 pm in Jackson Hole, WY, which gave us ample time to drive to Mammoth Hot Springs near the park's northern gate, we would now land at 9 pm. After that we would face unfamiliar roads (never been there before), mountainous terrain (which may or may not have guard rails), and the possibility of snow and ice IN THE DARK.
My first response was the typical: I felt life was dumping crap on me and I was pissed! I wanted to call the airline company and scream at the customer service representative - who had NOTHING to do with the change - demanding that they somehow "fix" the mess they created.
Instead, I tried a different tact. I took a few breaths, got myself a fresh cup of coffee, and calmed myself before calling. I rationally explained my concerns and worked with the rep to find a resolution. Instead of focusing on what was originally in place, I opened up my options saying simply I needed to get from "_X_" to Yellowstone on that day before dark. She found flights to Bozeman, MT, which is CLOSER to my destination (practically halving my drive time), and landing at 1:24 pm (an earlier time).
Then came the next step, with the change in flight destination, I obviously needed to change the car pickup. I can imagine it's quite a walk with suitcases from Bozeman, MT to Jackson Hole, WY. My original rental company told me the new bill would change from $661 to $786! Irk!
Again, I could have gotten upset, but I swallowed the rage, said my magic words, "I'll think about it" and set about looking around to see what other options I had available. After all, the goal was to get a working vehicle, not a car from that particular company. And I found a better deal in the long run for $431.
By stepping away from anger and ranting/raving how I was inconvenienced, or bemoaning how life was punishing me again or just being a pain in the asterisks, I focused on a positive outcome - I need to get "X" done. I was able to work with others and not only meet the goals, but I saved both drive time and $230.
I am well aware that these remarkable results will not happen every time. But it does make me wonder how many times something like this was missed because I focused all my energy on ranting and raving instead of resolving things?
Focus on the positive
Forget the anger
And watch
- ESA
My first response was the typical: I felt life was dumping crap on me and I was pissed! I wanted to call the airline company and scream at the customer service representative - who had NOTHING to do with the change - demanding that they somehow "fix" the mess they created.
Instead, I tried a different tact. I took a few breaths, got myself a fresh cup of coffee, and calmed myself before calling. I rationally explained my concerns and worked with the rep to find a resolution. Instead of focusing on what was originally in place, I opened up my options saying simply I needed to get from "_X_" to Yellowstone on that day before dark. She found flights to Bozeman, MT, which is CLOSER to my destination (practically halving my drive time), and landing at 1:24 pm (an earlier time).
Then came the next step, with the change in flight destination, I obviously needed to change the car pickup. I can imagine it's quite a walk with suitcases from Bozeman, MT to Jackson Hole, WY. My original rental company told me the new bill would change from $661 to $786! Irk!
Again, I could have gotten upset, but I swallowed the rage, said my magic words, "I'll think about it" and set about looking around to see what other options I had available. After all, the goal was to get a working vehicle, not a car from that particular company. And I found a better deal in the long run for $431.
By stepping away from anger and ranting/raving how I was inconvenienced, or bemoaning how life was punishing me again or just being a pain in the asterisks, I focused on a positive outcome - I need to get "X" done. I was able to work with others and not only meet the goals, but I saved both drive time and $230.
I am well aware that these remarkable results will not happen every time. But it does make me wonder how many times something like this was missed because I focused all my energy on ranting and raving instead of resolving things?
Focus on the positive
Forget the anger
And watch
- ESA
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