Have you been faced with a difficult situation and felt the odds were insurmountable and given up? I know I have. Here is a true story told to me by my son Ben who is the sales manager for TAT International.

” A few years ago I attended a neighborhood street festival only a few miles from my house in a Bohemian part of town. I thought this would be a good opportunity for me to earn some extra money without having to cover a lot of traveling expenses. I called the organizer who was happy to let me into the show, even though I was a late applicant, she said I could pay my entry fee the day of the show.

I arrived at the show early, paid my $50 entry fee and set up my booth. I had some time before the show began so I walked the show. I counted 25 vendors including myself and was shocked to see there were a total of five airbrush tattoo artists. I felt like telling the promoter to keep my money, pack up and go home. I told myself no, I’m staying and I will make the most of this situation.

I decided to just have fun and not focus on making money. I talked to every person who walked into my booth. I joked with all the kids and made small talk with their parents, I had fun talking with my neighbors and was interested to learn about what they were doing. I had a great time at the show.

Because I didn’t focus on making money at this show, I did not even think about counting my money until I got home. I was totally shocked to find that after deducting my booth fee, I had made over $500. Not bad for a small one day neighborhood show with light attendance and heavy competition. I was so happy I decided to stay and make the most of a questionable situation. I had fun and made money.”

Although Ben’s initial goal was to do the show to make money, he changed his game plan when he was faced with the circumstances of the show. In the end he accomplished both of his goals because of his attitude. What do you think the results of this show would have been if he had stayed in his booth all day, grumbling to himself and complaining to his neighbors about the poor prospects of the show? I know he would not have any fun and I seriously doubt that he would have made very much money. In a difficult situation sometimes a change in attitude and focus can make a big difference in our results.