The Driver Cuts You Off On The Way To Work

bart berkey forgiveness hard rock hotel kindness leadership life lessons most people dont moving forward perserverence resilience success values Sep 06, 2024

Your first thought as a response might not be "LOVE ALL - SERVE ALL"...

While driving to work today, imagine how you would feel if someone "cut you off". What if that person used their hand not to wave as an apology but rather to "flip" you a certain finger.

Depending on your mood and peace level, you may react a certain way.

Now imagine offensive acts directed to you that are so much worse. Horrible acts of death and destruction. How would you react?

This is what happened to the Seminole Tribe of Florida in the 1500's. Strangers were trying to force them to leave their homes and their land.

After years of battles (on the field and in the courtrooms), this group has never quit.

To this day they are referenced as "UNCONQUERED".

In their history dating thousands of years, they never signed a peace treaty. Today, the Seminole Tribe of Florida runs one of the largest cattle operations in the U.S.

They own Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos, with locations in 74 countries and whose values align perfectly together.

They honor and practice their traditions.

They embrace their values.

They enliven their culture and they believe in; "LOVE ALL - SERVE ALL"

"We know that there are no mistakes. Bad things happen to good people and good things happen to bad people."

"That's just life."

"We're living in reality and we're not living in a fantasy."

We don't forget those times, but we don't bring that time with us to impact the way that we see the world today. Because there's no benefit."

Brilliant words and messages shared in today's podcast interview with S.R. Tommie, a/k/a Tommie.

She is a member of the Seminole Tribe of Florida and also the Founder/President of Redline Media Group.

Tommie talks about the ability to "forgive" and that SUCCESS is available to everyone.

The story she shared about the Seminole Tribe of Florida is about resilience and perseverance.

Here’s a bit more detail:

In the 1500s, the Seminole Tribe faced the arrival of European settlers who sought to displace them from their ancestral lands. Despite the immense pressure and violent conflicts, the Seminole people resisted.

They endured through the Seminole Wars, a series of conflicts in the 19th century where they fought valiantly to protect their homes and way of life. Their refusal to sign a peace treaty with the United States is a testament to their determination and spirit.

Fast forward to today, the Seminole Tribe has not only survived but thrived. They have diversified their economic ventures, including owning and operating Hard Rock International, which has a presence in 74 countries. Their success in the hospitality and entertainment industry is a remarkable achievement, reflecting their adaptability and business acumen. Moreover, the Seminole Tribe continues to honor their traditions and culture.

They practice their customs, uphold their values, and maintain a strong sense of community. The philosophy of “LOVE ALL - SERVE ALL” encapsulates their approach to life, emphasizing forgiveness, resilience, and a positive outlook.

Despite past adversities, Tommie’s insights on forgiveness and success highlight the importance of moving forward without letting past hardships dictate one’s present and future.

Her words resonate deeply, reminding us that while we cannot change the past, we can choose how we respond to it and shape our own paths to success. It’s truly inspiring to see how the Seminole Tribe has turned their history of struggle into a story of triumph and resilience.

What aspects of their story resonate most with you?

Watch the VIDEO highlight clip below and click on podcast links for full audio interview.

Scenario:

Imagine you’re dealing with a challenging project at work. Perhaps there’s a client who is challenging, or you feel overwhelmed by your workload, tight deadlines, or limited resources.

Applying the Seminole Tribe’s Story:

Resilience and Perseverance:

Example: Just as the Seminole Tribe faced immense challenges and never gave up, you can approach your work situation with resilience. Instead of feeling defeated, focus on what you can control and keep pushing forward. Break down the project into manageable tasks and tackle them one by one.

Forgiveness and Moving Forward:

Example: If a client has been challenging or has unrealistic expectations, try to approach the situation with forgiveness. Holding onto resentment can hinder your progress. Instead, have an open conversation with them, express your concerns, and seek a collaborative solution. This aligns with the Seminole Tribe’s ability to forgive and not let past grievances impact their present actions.

Embracing Values and Culture:

Example: Reflect on your own values and the culture of your workplace. Embrace a positive attitude and lead by example. Show kindness and understanding to your colleagues, which can foster a more supportive and productive work environment. This mirrors how the Seminole Tribe honors their traditions and values, creating a strong sense of community.

My philosophy emphasizes the importance of a positive mindset and serving others. Here’s how you can integrate this:

Positive Mindset:

Example: Approach your work challenges with a positive mindset. Instead of focusing on the difficulties, look for opportunities to learn and grow. This shift in perspective can help you stay motivated and find creative solutions.

Serving Others:

Example: Offer to help your client find solutions utilizing your expertise & resources. Provide additional support where needed. By serving others, you create a collaborative environment where everyone feels valued and supported. This can lead to client retention & long term success.

Key Takeaways:

By combining the resilience and forgiveness exemplified by the Seminole Tribe with my philosophy of a positive mindset and serving others, you can navigate difficult work situations more effectively.

Success is not just about overcoming challenges but also about how you approach and respond to them.

How do you think you might apply these principles in your current work situation?