Our country saw many changes because of terrorism. The tragedy of September 11, 2001 will be remembered for ever. Many things have changed since then and travel has not remained the same again after that day.
I struggled every time since that tragic day and avoided traveling by air for my business trips. I dealt with my business meetings by telephone calls including conference calls and emails. I was just looking in a teleconference room, then called by my vice president. He was really concerned and said the business was going down as we were losing the personal contact with customers and potential accounts.
According to my vice president, it was important to have face to face interaction. The company foundation was based on this. He told me not to be afraid of air travel as it was getting destructive for the business. He went to all meetings himself without fear. He was not afraid of air travel as he never wanted the terrorists to win. He told me that earlier he was afraid but now confident enough to fly high.
His words were very effective for me and I thought his words were very true. I knew that only I could save the company if the air travel could save my business. I wanted to be fearless and immediately called my executive assistant to book a flight to the west coast telling her to arrange a personal meeting with my business associate. I told her to cancel teleconferencing altogether.
Later my executive assistant wanted to talk to me and told me that airlines had arranged counselors for people who were afraid to fly. The people discussed their fears with them. I immediately told her to sign me up for the group. I entered the group and discussed the fear of air travel with them. When I listened to other men, I felt I was irrational. They had the same thoughts. I felt that I had been silly to my colleagues. Now, I fly regularly across globe and US and my business is flourishing.
The crux is that fear destroys. Positive approach makes you win. You should take right advice at right time. If I had not followed right advice, my business would have collapsed. Man should not die before the call from God.
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