About how to tackle this challenge without freaking out. That's when I came across this idea from a smart guy called Simon Sinek. He said that instead of trying to be a superstar right away, focus on getting just one percent better each day. At first, I thought, "One percent? What's that gonna do?" But I decided to give it a shot, and you know what? It made a big difference!
Instead of expecting myself to be perfect from the start, I took it easy. I realized nobody becomes a pro overnight, especially in a new gig like linehaul truck driving. So, I took it one step at a time, learning something new each day, mastering a new route, developing a clear step-by-step process for building sets and enhancing my connection and inspection techniques, remembering to enter load and VIR’s into my EDL, or improving communication with FedEx Ground linehaul dispatchers, small daily improvements will add up over time, work more efficiently, and talking with other drivers.
I had my fair share of mess-ups and doubts. I wondered if I could really make it. But then, I remembered that it was all part of the learning process even if I stumbled. Mistakes aren't the end; they're just bumps on the road to getting better.
And you know what helped me a lot? Talking to experienced drivers. They've been through it all and understood what I was going through. They shared some awesome tips and tricks that I never would've known otherwise. I also took some workshops and online courses and found YouTube videos, blog posts, and podcasts to level up my skills.
I even added Tanker and Hazmat endorsements to my CDL. I don’t need them now, but you know what? It’s a career win.
Every time I achieved something, no matter how small, I celebrated it! It might've been just a dead-on back for a straight-line trailer-dolly-trailer hookup or figuring out a tricky maneuver to drop and break a set with the trailers straight and true between the lines, but it made me feel like I was making progress.
One easy habit I developed was cleaning my windows and mirrors every day. You know in boot camp the drill sergeant made a huge deal of making up your rack every day perfectly, by the specs. Hospital corners, good and tight, bounce a quarter off your blanket, your bed was made so tight. The first time you’re left wondering what this has to do with soldering, then it’s a habit, then you do it every day and never think about it again. It was later shared with me why. You see, in the rugged and demanding journey of becoming a professional soldier, any one of your days could really go to shit, but there was that one thing you had, the one win you’ll never lose. At the end of the day, you could climb into your rack and tell yourself, “Yeah, you nailed it. I’ll get after it tomorrow and find something and become one percent better at it.” Word. This works and is the most overlooked trick in mastering your goal ever.
But I stuck with it, kept pushing myself, and stayed patient. I knew that even if I got just one percent better each day, it would add up over time. It worked for Tom Brady. And guess what? It did! If you don’t have a good day or strike out all together it’s not the end. My glass and mirrors were spotless, and that’s points on the board driver. The trick is in incremental improvement, consistently leaning into the goal of just achieving one percent better. That’s the winning part.
So, if you ever find yourself in a situation like mine where you're starting something new and it feels overwhelming, don't panic. Take a deep breath and remember the "one percent better" trick. Take it slow, set some achievable goals, learn from others, and don't beat yourself up over mistakes. Celebrate every little win, and before you know it, you'll look back and see how far you've come.
Trust me, the journey is worth it, and you'll surprise yourself with what you can achieve, step by step. It’s a great job if you like the purist driving hauling has to offer. The lessons you learn in mastering your craft you’ll be able to use anywhere your life journey takes you. Good luck out there! Take care.