I Can Handle It

The last few weeks have been insanely busy — rewarding, exhausting, and, of course, unpredictable. To make matters more challenging, I’ve also been under the weather.

What I thought was a 2–3 day bug turned into a nearly three-week lingering “blah.” I’m good now, but it was the unwanted gift that kept on giving.

Having to keep stepping on stage to deliver impactful, high-energy talks and workshops — despite feeling well below 100% — hasn’t been easy. It forced me to find peace with how I felt versus how I wanted to feel. Instead of arguing with my current state, I had to learn how to collaborate with it and make it work. I still had to perform at a high level, even when I wasn’t at my best.

It became a great opportunity to actually practice what I preach.

On one of my flights from Chicago to Flint — a trip that’s less than 45 minutes — I ended up stranded at Chicago O’Hare with what turned into an eight-hour delay. During that time, I looked at alternate flights, renting a car, taking the train, and heck…even walking. In the end, I just waited, hoping the flight would eventually happen so I wouldn’t have to spend the night in the airport.

After delay upon delay and gate change after gate change, I got to the point where I just wanted to scream. I wasn’t mad at anyone, but I knew it would feel better to let it out. Instead, I sat down, closed my eyes, and got still.

I started thinking about the next day. My two improv partners were flying into Flint from different parts of the country, and my daughter was flying in to meet us as well. All I wanted was for them to have smooth, delay-free travel. I didn’t want them dealing with the same frustration I was experiencing.

So, sitting there, I had a thought:“Send me their delays. Let me absorb them. I can handle it. I’d rather they all arrive on time tomorrow — so send their delays to me.”

Was I actually controlling their travel? Of course not. But it shifted my mindset. With every additional delay, I found myself thinking, “There’s another delay I’m absorbing for them.” It was a simple mental trick — but it completely changed how I felt about my situation.

My flight eventually took off eight hours late, but I didn’t have to sleep in the airport. The next day, Jesse’s flight from Florida was on time. Frank’s flight from Newark was on time. I picked them both up within 30 minutes of each other. Trinity’s flight from St. Louis was also on time. Their travel couldn’t have gone more smoothly.

As you can see, I successfully absorbed all their delays 😉

The lesson for me — just like when I was sick — was that I can still perform and do what needs to be done, even when I’m not at full strength. And when I find myself in a frustrating situation, shifting my focus away from myself and toward how I can support others completely transforms my attitude — and my experience.

Feeling sick. Dealing with travel delays. Not fun. But also not the end of the world.

When I shift my focus away from myself and redirect it toward helping others, I feel better almost instantly.

So when you find yourself in a funk — dealing with an annoyance or inconvenience — ask yourself how you might be able to bring ease to someone else.

Why?

Because you can handle it.

—Travis