Use Your Keys

Keys are wonderful tools. We use them daily to unlock doors, start cars and figuratively speaking, to unlock opportunities.

Several years ago while vacationing in Orlando, I was returning to the condo after running some errands.  I had several items that I needed to take back to the room. Rather than make two trips, I grabbed them all.  My hands were full.  I still had the rental car keys and key fob in my hands as I juggled my cargo.  I boarded the elevator and as I went to push the button, I dropped the keys. I watched in horror as the keys tumbled end over end, landing four feet below at the bottom of the elevator shaft! Have you ever had one of those “This can’t be happening to me!” moments? This was mine!

The next day was spent not vacationing, but waiting for the elevator company to retrieve the keys.  I was reminded of my mistake and lack of judgement every time I used the elevator that day. There at the bottom of the shaft lay my keys, taunting me. 

Over the years when I reflect upon this experience, I am reminded of the usefulness of keys. The fact is that if we don’t or can’t use our keys, they are of little value.  Many times we fail to take our keys out of our pocket and simply put it in the lock.  Other times we have dropped our keys down the elevator shaft and they are unavailable for use. When I speak, my goal is to inspire the audience to use their keys to unlock the vast opportunities that lie ahead of all of us.  Let me inspire you to use your keys.