Jim Callahan has more than 40 years experience as a convenience store and petroleum marketer. Through a special arrangement, what follows is an excerpt of a current article from Convenience Store Decisions magazine presented here for discussion.
Did you ever wonder how older co-workers keep going long after many of their younger cohorts seem to have worn down and out? I'm talking about us bent-but-not-broken senior citizens who have seen it all, but still feel like we have a lot to prove. Now, let's get this straight, this isn't a column aimed at taking the younger generation to task for a lax work ethic, but rather an opportunity for me to share some of the simple secrets of success I've acquired from my many, many, many ... many, years of experience in this wonderful industry. This is, indeed, a "pay-it-forward" occasion.
The secret to success for employees in retail is all in their attitude. If you're not familiar with Seattle's Pike Place Fish Market, you have to take a few minutes to learn about the special retail environment these young men have created by, of all things, tossing fish.
![[Image: Fish Culture]](/public/images/discussions/16062/fish-worker-still.jpg)
In one of the videos, a young man working at the market came to work under the weather and, despite not feeling well, said with all of the enthusiasm he could muster, "I can do this." He continued with a comment we should all live by. "We get to choose our attitude every day and today I'm going to be great." With those words, that young man enlightened and furthered this old warrior's education.
I hear so many healthy, young people constantly inform the world of how tired they are. To me, tired is a euphemism for bad attitude. Tired is an excuse that allows you to lack motivation. Some people never make the leap from tired to inspired, but I'm sure we all know some folks who have, and that's who I'd like you to focus on for now.
For instance, eleven years ago we hired a young lady who, like most young people, had some growing pains. I'd like to tell you that I immediately saw her enormous potential, but I really didn't. She had to convince me over a period of time that she was inspired. Somewhere along the way, this young lady, Claudette, got the message and today she is a vital part of overseeing our busiest truck stop. She is as close to indispensable as you can get. She disciplines herself to put the job and her livelihood near the top of her priority list. I applaud her growth and hope to see more of it.
So, for folks looking to get ahead in the convenience store industry, be like the young man in the video. Choose your attitude and tell yourself, "I can do this."