[Flash] UPS Driver’s Five Decades of Wisdom

• 59 years
• 1+ million miles
• 5+ million deliveries
• 0 accidents

Tom graciously attributes his safety record to UPS’s excellent training program and accountability. But we must also credit Tom’s common sense and his job love.

When The New York Times asked about his achievement, Tom offered the following tips for success behind the wheel. We can easily apply his wisdom for our own triumph in life.

1. Scan the big picture. Keep your eyes moving. 
We often fixate on details and miss context. Being aware of the changing landscape can allow us to make better decisions.

2. When the light turns green, count 1-2-3 before moving.
If we pause to count in any situation, we can take action deliberately, not emotionally.

3. Check the mirrors. 
We all have blind spots, and moving forward without looking for them limits our potential.

4. Let erratic drivers pass.
We can’t change people, but we can protect ourselves.

5. Keep your mind focused.
It’s dangerous to drive on the road or go through life while staring at a screen. Being present gives us the power to choose our next steps purposefully.

6. If there’s rain, snow, or sleet, slow down.
We cannot control some changes; we must adapt, adjust, and persevere accordingly.

7. Assume the other guy is daydreaming.
Other people do not perceive the world as we do and assuming they do fuels miscommunications, conflict, and altercations.

8. Use your turn signal.
When we communicate our intentions and expectations, we engender trust and strengthen relationships.

Tom doesn’t just have a safe driving record. He has job love: pride, purpose, and passion from executing his job in a way that makes a difference.

Safe driving, job love, and wisdom… three things that would benefit us all!

© 2021. Ann Tardy and Mentor Lead. www.mentorlead.com