Lead by Example

In earlier blog postings I’ve mentioned the fact that I have a reputation. At work, with my family, with my friends - I have a reputation. It is however a reputation that I am very proud of. It is a reputation of healthy eating. I am working hard to change it though. I want it to be a reputation of clean eating. That's even better.

Of course, a certain level of responsibility comes with that reputation. That is the responsibility to help others achieve a healthier lifestyle without being too pushy. If I’m asked questions, I’ll answer them but I rarely just offer up comments on what someone is doing or eating. The most frequent question I get though comes when I’m eating out with a group. Someone just about always asks me what is the right thing to order but then someone also makes fun of the way I order. I posted earlier that I am known as the one who orders special so some take bets on how many things I’ll change from the normal menu order. To each his own. I’m glad I can provide them some entertainment.

I’ve wondered at times if any of this sinks in with these people. I figured it doesn’t since they ask over and over what they should order. Now let me also point out that asking what they should order and actually ordering it instead of the chicken fingers and fries is two different things. However, this week I had an occasion to realize that some really are asking because they want to know; because they want to make healthier decisions about what they eat. Let me tell you what happened.

Those of you who know me know that I just returned from a great vacation. This is the one vacation I take every year where I leave all my work here. I forget it all, relax and have fun.

The only problem with this is that it takes a few days to remember everything after I return. I can look back through my emails, my previous meeting notes, even get an update from a coworker; it still takes a while. Even ordering a meal from an often frequented restaurant takes a minute. You know how it is. You order “the usual.” And “the usual” can differ from restaurant to restaurant.

This happened to me this week. It was day 3 of work since returning from vacation. A coworker and I were at a restaurant we frequent at least once a month, often times more. We’re there so much that the waitress walked up, stated that she knew we didn’t need menus, and proceeded to take our order. Of course being a Southern gentlemen, he waited to let me order first. I had no clue. I could not remember a thing except that they had these gosh awful, wonderfully tasting chili dogs called Godzilla Dogs. These things are so big you have to eat them with a fork.

No, I did not order that. I asked him to order first and said I’d wait to see what he ordered and maybe make it a double. Keep in mind that we had had no conversations previously about what to order. He very quickly ordered a Peppercorn Chicken burger (grilled chicken patty) on a wheat bun, no mayo, meat & lf cheese only, with a side of black beans, no rice. Oh, and unsweet tea. I could have hugged his neck. He did listen! I made it a double and had a very enjoyable lunch.

Lead by Example - Talk the Talk - Walk the Walk. People do notice. It does the heart good, in more ways than one.