Matthew stole my vacation, but he can't steal . . .

Well, Matthew stole my vacation, but he can't steal my joy. I've been noticing a number of folks around me whose lives seem to get turned upside down by the slightest hiccup in their daily routine. I do like a level of routine, but when you're in business for yourself, it can be difficult to have a consistent routine. 

It may be you, or you may have that co-worker who is always irritated as soon as something in the day doesn't go as planned. It can be annoying when things get off course, but what's the worst thing that can happen? OK, if you're flying an airplane, that's different, but if you're working in a cubicle or working a less perilous job, a hiccup is likely no more than a hiccup. 

Here a few things to think about when life gets off course:

• Ask yourself, "What's the worst outcome?" If a client is late, you may have to reschedule or adjust an appointment with a following client. Most folks are pretty understanding. Or, you may have to call the client to let them know they'll have to reschedule because you have back to back appointments. I just did that with a habitually late client. It is not your burden to carry. They're late, not you.
• If a product, an offer or addendum you're waiting on doesn't show up, you may have to put something off for a day. You may miss a deadline. Sometimes, there is nothing you can do about it. I recently missed an addendum submission deadline because in the two days I had to submit the addendum my mother was rushed into the emergency room unresponsive. I stayed in the hospital the better part of two days until she regained consciousness. I missed the deadline and my clients didn't get their home repairs approved. No problem. I did them. That was the price I paid for missing the deadline. It didn't alter my world that much. It cost me some money and some time, but there was nothing I could do to prevent missing the deadline. I wasn't leaving the hospital to send a document, and I didn't have good cell service to use my phone or tablet. And quite frankly, at that point, I wasn't thinking about addendums. I was thinking about life and death. OK, it happened. Move on. There was no reason to allow it to ruin my day, and there was definitely no reason to harm someone else because things weren't turning out in my favor.
• Your car breaks down at the busiest part of your selling season. OK, call a repair shop and get it in for repairs. Borrow a car, rent a car or reschedule appointments. Things happen. Things happen to all people, including your clients who are very likely to be understanding. If not, there is nothing you can do about their attitude, but you can control yours. 

You see, your fate is not always in your hands, but your response always is. I would encourage you to rise above those things that want to drag you down and refuse to take a bad day out on on others. I will get my vacation, but it may not be right now. No worries. I've got plenty of things to do to keep me busy. I would love to be enjoying sunny Florida today, but a slightly windy and sunny Virginia will do just fine for now. Beside, I needed to mow the grass anyway.