Be a Tigger

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Last Thursday, my company had our monthly meeting.  The Culture Club revealed the Mission and Values statement that they’ve been working on for about 3 years at our last meeting, and one of the partners came up with this notion of being a “Tigger” versus being an Eeyore.  Tigger is happy, energetic, always game for adventure.  His enthusiasm is infections.  He’s confident and fun to be around.  Whereas, Eeyore, is, well, not.

Anyway, on Thursday they revealed the new engagement initiative, which is that every month, a company “Tigger” will be nominated for embodying the spirit of Tigger, and living the Mission and Values statement.  Well, guess what, kids?  I WAS THE FIRST EVER TIGGER!!

Now I get to hold onto this little guy until someone else is picked.

I have to say, I’m super psyched about this initiative.  First of all, I get to be the keeper of a stuffed Tigger for the next month or so.  He’s soft and adorable.  He sits on my desk, and every time I see him, I smile.  I’m planning to take him to San Francisco with me next month and take pictures with him, a la Flat Stanley.  Secondly, I’m so pleased that my ridiculous, sunshiney self has been recognized.  In my own life, I strive to be pleasant and enthusiastic towards everyone I meet.  Some may say that makes me a kiss-ass, or a sucker, but it’s true.

I think the philosophy of being a “Tigger” is a really valuable one.  Maintaining a pleasant demeanor generally helps you get along better with everyone you meet.  It makes people feel happy and welcomed, and puts people at ease.  When I walk into a business and the receptionist doesn’t look up, or smile, or greet me, I’m instantly put off–it makes me feel uncomfortable, or wonder why I’m bothering to do business with a company that obviously doesn’t care about me.  This is exceptionally motivating to do the exact opposite in my own job.  I sit at the front desk of a financial planning firm that handles hundreds of millions of dollars, so I do my damnedest to make sure that every one of our clients feels special, welcomed, and wanted.

This philosophy also applies in running.  I know without question that if I go into a run with a positive mind-set, I’m more successful.  I don’t feel as tired.  I can go longer distances.  I enjoy myself more.  Whereas if I start out all gloom and doom, “Oh I’m so tired, I’ll never finish 10 miles,” it doesn’t go well at all, and I’m defeated before I even start.  It’s amazing how much of running is mental!

I’m not saying that I’m in a great mood all the time.  I’m not saying that I’m super excited to be at work every minute of every day.  That’s unrealistic and unreasonable.  There are definitely days when my inner monologue goes something like I hate everyone.  I’ll punch you in the face if you look at me one more time.  PUNCHES FOR EVERYONE!!  And I’m also not advocating letting people walk all over you in the interest of “being nice” and “getting along.”  I’m just saying that I try my best to have a smile on my face when I can, and even if it’s a fake smile in the moment, making someone else smile can make my smile more genuine.

So I encourage all of you to find your inner Tigger.  I guarantee that it will help, in running and in life!

Are you a Tigger, or an Eeyore?