Thread by @TundeTASH

“The Importance of Being in The Right Frame of Mind at All Times.”

How I did not allow a car accident on my way to an interview affect my frame of mind.

Thread.

There are times when we work on a project or we are expectant on some good news.

While we wait, some occurrences can destabilize our thought process which can eventually affect our actions. Hence, it cripples our chances of delivering or benefiting 100%.

I was living in a different city that year. So, Toronto was like a place you visit once a while. I had visited some landmark areas several times, so I was familiar of the driving style.

Sorry, but they drive like Lagosians here. Only that it is very much controlled.

However, if we take out the laws and regulations, I believe this place will be something else.

The tendency is there.

So the job interview in question.

First, I had an extensive phone interview which I believed went well. I had been waiting to hear back. I was quite optimistic too.

Fast forward to two weeks later, I was invited for an interview in Toronto.

On that faithful day, I dressed up for my interview, threw my jacket at the back sit of my car & pulled out from my friend’s driveway

My friend who lives & works in Toronto had his office close to the interview location. So, it was only right we left his place together. I drove.

Drive was smooth. For someone who had driven for years in the country without being pulled over by the police, I can say I drive pretty decent.

On getting closer to the building, I missed my turn to the parking lot and my friend who sat in the passenger sit informed me.

I had missed my turn and it was just like few feet really. He signaled that I find a way to reverse rather than going all the way down the road to turn.

First mistake made was that I reversed.

As I reversed, I focused on my rear-view mirror and the side mirrors simultaneously. No car coming from behind as the road was tad free. So I was good to go.

Immediately my car aligned with the entrance of the parking lot, all we heard was a loud bang.

Interview was for 9:00 AM. Accident happened at 8.20 AM.

I panicked. Asked my friend if he was fine because the truck had destroyed the right side door area with the front fender too.

I knew then I wasn’t at fault, because I had seen a stop sign right at the exit of where he came out from. Perhaps, if he had obeyed that exit, that wouldn’t have happened.

I wasn’t ready to do much talking so I called the Police.

Police said to go to collision center if accident isn't life threatening & if car could still move.

Informed the driver I couldn’t go to the center right away. So, we exchanged contact. Before I left, he said we should go elsewhere to get it fixed rather than going to the center

Told him we could talk later so we exchanged driver license info as well.

Quickly parked my car, took my jacket and went ahead for my interview.

As I waited for few minutes, different thoughts came through, but I blocked them.

At that point, all I wanted to remember was all the points I had reviewed the previous night.

All that mattered was who I was and why I was there. Not the car. Not the incident.

When we find ourselves in situation that want to shake or move us, we need to:

- Focus on the solution, not the problem
- Practice positive self-talk
- Focus on the upside of a downside situation and:
- Don’t blow a negative situation out of proportion if you can avoid doing so

Had my interview in the best possible mindset & biggest smile.

Walked out & headed to treat the car issue.

Months later I landed the job, which actually ushered me into this present senior role, I asked my manager what the feedback was on the 2nd stage interview.

He said, "the lady that interviewed you told me you are one of the most confident and career driven person she had met."

I went on to tell him I had an accident that morning but he did not believe it. He said I should have called to let them know to cancel.

I just smiled.

Thing is, grass grows through concrete

When negativity strikes, we need to underestimate the threats & overestimate possibilities with the same tried-and-true strategies that highly successful people use to navigate obstacles.

Obstacles will come, but they should not define us!