Frame of Mind Coaching

Every once in a while I move into a pattern of behavior for a certain period. Specifically with respect to the way I eat. For example, I can decide I am cutting back on carbs for a few months and get rid of all pasta, rice, bread, and potatoes from my diet. I can also decide that I really love having grapefruit in the morning and do it daily for a couple of weeks. I just get that way until I simply feel like switching it up and trying something new.

Anyway, today was only day three of one of those patterns. For the past two days, on my route to work in the morning, I would go through the drive-by window of Country Style and order a large green tea and a toasted multi-grain bagel with butter. The conversation usually starts with “Good morning, can I take your order?"

This morning something so different happened as I came close to the drive through window. The voice coming out of the order box said “Would you like a large green tea and a toasted multigrain bagel with butter?"

I was amazed. How did she know? Could she see me? I wasn't even at the window yet. I was in my car. Did they have a secret video camera? How did she know who I was? How did she remember my order? It had only been two days.

“Yes! That's precisely what I want. Thank you!" I gazed around to notice that she could see me from the window inside the restaurant and she recognized my car. I waved and gave her a thumbs-up as a result of my excitement over getting my order exactly how I wanted without me even saying it.

I came near the window and saw her. She had a big smile on her face. As she gave me my order I said, “You are impressive. How did you know?"

Here's what she said, “You ordered it two days straight…"

Wow. Talk about taking honor in the work you do. Talk about service. Talk about mindset.

At the end of the day, this is a woman who serves coffee to people. Still she finds a way to engage in her job and make it something that's significant and fun for her. This is what we teach at Frame of Mind Coaching. It is not so much what you're doing that is vital but rather how you think about what you're doing that matters.

A common coaching question that people ask me is how they can be pleased when what they are doing is basic and insignificant.

My answer is that value is derived from the meaning you give it. The woman at the drive through counter provided outstanding service today, made someone smile and created a blog-worthy experience. How valuable is that? Those moments can happen any where, any time, any place no matter what you are doing.


Kim Ades, MBA, President of Frame of Mind Coaching and JournalEngine™ Software, is one of North America’s foremost experts on performance through thought management. By using her unique process of coaching through journaling, she works with clients to unveil and switch their thought patterns to ignite significant change and life transformation. Visit www.frameofmindcoaching.com to assess your frame of mind and sign up for your own free, secure, online journal.