Written by: Mindy Schrager, Senior Level Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
A rental car experience reminded me of how we can find insight in the most unlikely places. During a recent trip, I did something I’ve never done before – exchanged a rental car. As I reflected on the experience, I realized it contained some important life lessons.
The experience
With the option to choose cars, I made my way to the appropriate section of the rental car lot. My preference is sedans, so I chose a brand I know. I started it up, played with some settings, and then heard a loud noise. With that, I decided to try another.
Once I made my second car choice, I drove to the exit booth. It was taking some time to move through the check-out process, so I asked if there was a problem. The staff member informed me that the car was noted as unsafe, and they couldn’t allow me to take it. The resolution was for them to find me another car and bring it to the exit booth. After I was checked out and on my way, I noticed a sound that made me uncomfortable, but it was too late to turn around.
To recap the rest of the story, after continuing to feel uncomfortable, my next steps were to have others listen to the noise (mixed response) and see about getting a replacement locally (no luck). Then, after I saw two warning lights (minor ones I’m told) and thinking through the amount of driving I had planned, I made a decision and obtained the information needed to exchange the car.
As I reflected on some aspects of the experience, including my reactions, I realized this rental car experience had highlighted some valuable lessons, which I share with you.
Lesson No.1 - Listen to your intuition – The most important reminder for me was to listen to my intuition. I remember one of my bosses telling me how important it is, but have often tended to consider the opinions of others over my own. The “car sound” was no big deal from one person’s point of view, which initially caused me to diminish my own sense of discomfort. I then worked through a litany of other reasons why I should just deal with the car I had. But in this instance, my intuition won out, in part because of lesson No2.
How often do you listen to your inner knowing? Are there situations in which you think someone else’s opinion is more important than what your gut is saying? Do you try to talk yourself out of your intuitive choice, thinking the situation is really no big deal, not possible, etc?
Lesson No.2 - Understand your criteria – For me, safety (especially with a car) is a key criterion. With a bothersome sound and two alerts, my sense of unsafety was heightened. Another one of my criteria is being proactive, addressing situations before they become more problematic. I knew the rental agency had roadside service, but I preferred to avoid having to call them in the dark of night and instead proactively obtain a more reliable car.
What are the criteria or values that drive your decisions? How do those criteria differ based on the situation (choosing a car versus planning a fun-filled vacation)? What happens when your criteria are compromised?
Lesson No.3 – Beware of your triggers – During my various attempts to get a resolution through the hotel’s rental location and by calling the 800 customer service number, it felt like I was hitting a brick wall. The 800 number had no option for the type of issue I was experiencing, and the local rental location had no available cars. After a few emotionally charged interactions, I realized that an early life trauma connected to being backed up against a wall was being triggered. The awareness helped me step into a more resourceful state, accept the situation and see my options more clearly.
Whether your triggers stem from old or new experiences, how effective are you at recognizing how they impact your current circumstances? Once you know you are being triggered, what strategies do you use to shift from reacting to responding? Can you own these shadows, or do you project and deflect them onto others?
Lesson No.4 – Choices – When studying NLP (Neuro-linguistic programming), we learned that “choice is better than no choice.” I knew the choice I wanted – to have someone deliver a new rental car to my doorstep. However, ultimately, that wasn’t an option. With no cars locally available and feeling unsafe in the one I had, even though it was inconvenient, I had to accept that returning the car to the airport location was required.
When there is only one choice available, do you find yourself stepping into acceptance or resistance? Do you prefer to have one option or multiple options to choose from? If you were inconvenienced by a choice, would you proceed or look for other approaches to getting your way?
Lesson No.5 - Trust things will work out – While it was inconvenient, all the pieces came together. That included rides offered by friends and family members, clear instructions for returning the car provided by the hotel rental agency, and an appointment cancellation providing me the perfect time window to drive to the airport. Ultimately, the exchange itself was easier than the decision process to get there.
Are you the type of person who anticipates, goes with the flow (trusting things will work out), or a little of both? After a situation is over, can you extract the lessons, trusting in the wisdom you received? How would stepping into faith help dispel any fears or concerns?
Lesson No.6 - Persistence – I often see messages in threes and also know the expression – “third time’s the charm,” but in this instance, it didn’t hold true. What did hold true was being persistent in finding a resolution that worked for me, chosen from the options offered. In this instance, the fourth time was actually the charm.
How would you rate yourself on the scale of persisting versus giving up? What tells you when it is time to let go and move (i.e., persistence is becoming resistance)? When something doesn’t work out the first time, what strategies do you use to adjust while holding onto your outcome?
Who would have thought that a rental car experience would contain so many golden nuggets? Six lessons hidden in the unlikeliest of places.
If you want to learn more about extracting the lessons from your life experiences, consider attending my Meeting the Shadow workshop.
© 2024, Systems of Change, LLC
Mindy Schrager, Senior Level Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Mindy Schrager is an ICF PCC credentialed coach, Systemic Facilitator, Aura-Soma practitioner and founder of Systems of Change, LLC. Mindy’s focus on and passion for transformational work is built on years of experience creating strong, well-balanced teams, combined with a powerful personal discovery journey. Her experience and training have been focused on creating positive change in life and business experiences working with individuals and groups. Mindy loves to shine a light on hidden patterns and the root cause of dysfunction and then help create new pathways to growth.
