Don’t Let Garbage Trucks Cloud Your Judgment©

I ordered a cup of tea at Starbucks today.  After I paid, I walked over to the counter where the milk, sugar, and napkins are kept.  And as I made my way across the cafe, I saw a woman leaning against the counter waiting for someone.  She saw me, smiled, and stepped back so I could reach the milk.

She said, “Sorry about that.”

And I said, “That’s okay.  Standing there is a great way to meet people.”

She said, “You’re right.  I should probably try that.  It’s so hard to meet people around here.” 

“Really,” I said.  “Why?”

“People are so rude!” she said.

I responded with curiosity, “How long have you been here?”

“We moved down here yesterday,” she quickly said.

I then told her that I had lived in the area for five years, and that the people around here are nice.  In fact, they are as friendly as in any other part of the world where I have worked, studied, or visited.  And then I smiled and told her to make sure that she counts me in her “nice people” column! She laughed.  I told her my name was David.  She said hers was Jane.  I wished her well, and we said goodbye.

I walked out of the cafe and I was struck by one thing.  Jane seemed nice, but she jumped to a conclusion about more than a million people in less than 48 hours.

So, consider these questions.  When Jane decided “people are so rude” around here, how large was her sample of people?  And what was her attitude when she interacted with these people?  What was she saying?  What was she doing?  And will her judgment of the people here help her to make friends, or will it limit her ability to connect with people?

It’s possible that Jane had run into a few Garbage Trucks in the very short time she had been here.  However, her problem is that she let negative experiences with a few people cloud her view of the rest of the world.

You know better.  When you encounter Garbage Trucks in your life, let them pass by.  Don’t take them personally:  Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on.  When you do, you free yourself to enjoy your best possible life.  This is the best time for you to meet people. 

Comments

[David J. Pollay]

Hi Max,

Good for you! It’s so great that you remembered The No Garbage Trucks! Pledge! You made the world a more beautiful place when you did; you let the Garbage Trucks pass you by so you that could focus on what was important to you.

Thanks for the post!

David

[David J. Pollay]

Hi Lil!

Thanks for such a kind and supportive post.

I love what I do, and I enjoy the opportunity to interact with you and everyone who reads my blog and columns. We are building a great community of people.

And the science of Positive Psychology is a reliable guide to some proven and important ways we can improve our lives.

Thanks again for the post!

David

[Max]

Hi David,
I was taken by the response of the lady you met. It is so similar to people I've seen and heard at a popular food store. When the aisle was crowded they would refer to "those people...those people are so rude". Thank goodness for "The Garbage Truck Pledge"...at that moment I remembered it...and I moved on. Max

[Lil]

So great to read your blog: I have read and absorbed many of your messages. Your articles have served as a guide for me in many instances. You have a gift to inspire with your kindness and generosity of spirit.
Your knowledge of Positive Psychology serves us all well. Joy to you in all you do. Lil

[David J. Pollay]

Hi Mike,

Thanks for the great post! Steve is a good guy, and he is on a roll!

Mike, thanks for the compliment on the blog. And good for you for taking The No Garbage Trucks! Pledge. Stay connected to the blog, I think you’ll like what is coming. You might enjoy catching my newsletter too (you can sign up on the blog).

I look forward to connecting again Mike!

Best to you,

David

[Mike Michelozzi]

I found your web site & blog on Steve Siebold's blog which I love and WOW another fantastic blog - I took the pledge by the way! I love the Starbuck's story - fantastic! Pass the blessings AND attitde on!
mm