Choosing Our Attitude

Recently, while traveling home from Sydney, I was reminded of the power we have to shape the reality we experience. Sydney airport, as many of you may know or have read in the news, has been facing significant challenges with security screening delays. On two separate occasions in the past month, I arrived to find the queue stretching around the departures hall, out of the building and into areas that passengers usually don't see. 

The first time, I was somewhat prepared, thanks to alerts from my team and media reports. The second time, however, I was caught off guard when I found myself once again facing a long wait. 

To fully understand this story, you need to know that I don’t have the best history of staying calm in airports. Looking back, there have been many times when stress levels peaked due to delays. After long days or weeks, the last thing I wanted was to be faced with more setbacks. 

However, I’m proud to say that neither of these recent experiences negatively affected my mood. I successfully practiced what I preach—accepting the situation and focusing on what I could control. Around me, other passengers were frustrated, some venting to one another, others on phone calls, likely sharing their hardships with colleagues or loved ones. 

Given the slow pace of the process, I had plenty of time to reflect on how differently we were all experiencing the same situation. I thought about the many times I had complained loudly, resisted reality, and let frustration take over in similar circumstances. While I was still tired and eager to get home, my decision to remain present and go with the flow made the situation far easier to endure. 

The man behind me, on the other hand, had a much more stressful time. I overheard him telling someone on the phone, “I’m in the world’s longest security queue ever, thanks to these ridiculously incompetent people.” It was clear that he was setting himself up for a rough experience. 

While it’s easier said than done, the truth is we all have the power to choose the thoughts we entertain and the emotions that follow. In this instance, I chose to enjoy the slow pace, trusting that the diligent airport staff would get everyone to their gates in time—and they did.