Less Worry, More Nachos

Don’t you love those laid-back afternoons when your to-do list is complete and it’s time to meet up with co-workers or friends for happy hour? Some days we have other plans when the “work whistle” blows, like a kid’s game, a quick workout, or personal commitments. But when the weekend finally hits, there’s nothing better than celebrating a successful day (or week) with a cold beverage and maybe… a big plate of nachos.

Layered with melty cheese, jalapeños, salsa, lettuce, sour cream, and maybe some chicken, beef, or pork to top them off, a good plate of nachos is the perfect complement to a few cold beers or maybe a margarita.

Tomorrow (October 21st) is International Nacho Day. When I learned this quirky fact, I didn’t just get hungry. I laughed thinking about all the dads who’ve proudly delivered the line, “Hey man, that’s nacho cheese.” Admit it. As cheesy as it is, it’s a classic.

It got me thinking about what we might learn from this fun, unofficial holiday and how we might enjoy more of those relaxing, easy-going happy hours with a side order of nachos.

• Stop worrying about things you can’t control. The weather, traffic, flight delays, or the referee’s bad call in last weekend’s game. That’s nacho concern!
• Other people’s opinions? Don’t waste your energy. Most people probably aren’t thinking about you anyway. That’s nacho concern!
• The past? It’s gone. Learn from it, but don’t dwell on it. That’s nacho concern!
• Trying to get everything just right? Take that first step. Create the draft. Send the proposal. Your “messy middle” doesn’t need to look like someone else’s finished product. That’s nacho concern!
• The small stuff? Someone didn’t wave when you let them merge? The barista forgot your whipped cream? Your co-workers didn’t “like” your latest post? That’s nacho concern!
• Imaginary problems inspired by “what ifs” and fears that never materialize, appraisals that haven’t happened yet, or objections that haven’t been raised? That’s nacho concern!
• Keeping score when life’s an infinite game? So what if someone has more followers, views, or five-star reviews? Their success doesn’t take away yours. That’s nacho concern!

So what do you say? Let’s focus on building relationships, solving problems, and having fun this week and see what happens.

Wanna meet me for happy hour? I’ll have a cold one and a big plate of nachos waiting for ya.