Friday night I was taking a red eye flight from Los Angeles, California to Newark, New Jersey.  Prior to dropping off the rental car I stopped at a gas station to fill the tank.  I was approached by a man who was unshaven, almost toothless, scarred face and for the most part disheveled. The conversation went as follows.

The Man:  Let me pump the gas for you.

Me:  No, its okay.  I can do it.

The Man:  I would really like to do it for you.

Me:  Oh, you work here?

The Man:  No, I am a disabled veteran trying to make a few bucks.

Me:  You said you don't work here?

The Man:  That's right I just work for whatever people will give me.  Some people don't let me pump their gas, others do.  Some will give me a tip and some don't.  I just do what I do and God takes care of the rest.

Me:  I am impressed.  You have a great attitude.

The Man:  Son, I only got two things.

Me:  Oh, what's that?

The Man:  I got the life God gave, my attitude and what I do with that life.

Me:  Well you sure have a great attitude.

The Man:  What other choice do I have?  If it isn't good attitude nothing else will be good.

Me:  You sound like a minister.

The Man:  Ha, ha!

Me:  What is so funny?

The Man:  You better get inside and give them your credit card or you will miss your plane.  You have to go inside to the convenience store, they will put your credit card in the machine and I will be able to pump your gas.

Me:  Ok, I will be right back.

As I approached the store a young women approached me and asked, "Can you spare some lose change?"

Me:  Sure, I will catch you on my way out.

I gave the attendant in the store my credit card.  As I was about to leave I mentioned I was very impressed with the man outside who wanted to pump the gas for me.

The Store Attendant:  Yeah, he is here every morning and stays late every night.  Some people get upset with him because he wants to pump gas for them.  Sometimes when I get a really irate customer I have to send him away but he always comes back.  He is just trying to make a living while others just want someone to take care of them.

Me:  Like the girl outside?

The Store Attendant:  What girl?

Me:  Are you telling me no one has complained about the girl outside that asks for lose change?

The Store Attendant:  What girl?

I left the store and gave the young girl outside the door a dollar.

When I got back to my car the man was pumping the gas for me.

The Man:  It is almost filled and you can be on your way.

Me:  I really appreciate what you are doing.

The Man:  I am happy to do it.  Your tank is filled.

Me:  No, I really mean it.  I am really happy to meet you.  Thank you for pumping the gas.

I gave the man a tip which came to about 20% of the gas bill.

The Man:  Hey man, thanks.

Me:  No, thank you.

As I drove away the man gave me thumbs up and a big smile.

What was the lesson here for me?

Here was a man that was somewhat down and out.  He was willing to take a chance and do something for someone on the outside chance he would be compensated.  He has a history of being totally committed to someone and was willing to take the risk he would not be compensated for his efforts.  He knew that sometimes in spite of his best effort some people would not want him as part as part of their formula.  For the man it didn't matter. He trusted if he continued to do what he needed to do, it would all work out.

This is what I got out of this experience.  The key to achieving high levels of performance is having a great attitude, not worrying about what people may say about you, being willing to be there for others, following your instincts, and not worrying about rejection.  If rejection comes get back on your horse and do what you do.

I would really like to know if you have benefited from my experience.  If you have tell other people abut this Blog.