The Perils of Bringing the A Game

Ever drive down the highway, come up on a car (or truck) running much slower than you, but as soon as you you attempt to pass, they try to block you? Happens ALL the time. Why does it happen? The highway can be 5 lanes wide, and there’s only the two of you. Plenty of space, but apparently you’re getting under someone’s skin. What did you do wrong? Absolutely nothing. What’s worse is if there are 2 or 3 running in a pack, they will ride side by side to make your pass more difficult.

If you are in driving school, and you are doing quite well, have you noticed that there’s a group of people talking about you? “Arsekisser…he thinks he’s all that. Can’t wait until he screws up.” It’s interesting that just because you are doing well in school, people are hating on you. Why can’t they be happy for you? If you are a positive person, negative people are going to hate you.

“What is the purpose of this thread, Six?”

Well, you didn’t know who your haters were UNTIL you started to excel. You sat there, conversed with people, added them on social media, told them about where you live, friends and family and significant other(s), and suddenly they began to hate you. Do you want haters to go through your friends list, telling lies to your important people, or trying to connect with your lady? They will. Be on guard with your info.

A decade ago, before Peelot bought the Hook, I used to spend the weekend at the Flying J in Baytown. We weren’t moving until Monday. Saturday, we would sit in the lot, grill food and drink beer. Suddenly, every Monday, 4 weeks in a row, I am getting called in for a RANDOM alcohol test. Random my arse. I quit wearing company tees and ball caps, took the company emblem off my truck, and quit associating with drivers who ran for the same company. They will eat your food, drink your beer, smile in your face, and hate you.

What did I do to make the haters line up in force? The goal isn’t to do a job, the goal is to be good at whatever it is that you do. I took the job seriously. I read every oversized permit and provision sheet. I trip planned and studied every turn on the route. The thing was, I wasn’t trying to be better than anyone, I was just doing the best I could. There were drivers who were IMO better than me that hit bridges. I never hit a bridge, never got a stretch load high centered, never had a claim, never got stuck off-road.

The thread where the Asian guy is having issues with his trainers made me think about this. It seems to me that he was actually trying to learn the things he’s going to need on his own and the trainers are attempting to hold him back. Can you imagine being a student and your trainers are hatin’?

Anyway, you new people, information should only be given on a need to know basis. Be cautious about giving out personal info. Be careful about telling people who you drive for and your location. Especially if you have the goal of being good at what you do. You WILL have haters. If and when you haters manifest themselves, you know you are doing a good job.

Luck in battle.