Holiday Thoughts
The holiday season is here. Thanksgiving is already in the rearview, and Christmas is right around the corner. This time of year always makes me look at things a little differently, and I wanted to share a few of those thoughts rolling around in my head.
First, I wanted to share a quick story from Thanksgiving. Like most of us, we had a big family get-together at my in-laws. It’s usually an all-day affair with good people, conversation, and way too much food. Later in the evening, when we were all sitting around in our personal food comas, I looked around the room, and I noticed something all too familiar. At that moment, everyone in the room was looking at their phone. I have two teenagers, so this is not an uncommon sight for me, but it got me thinking. We have too much tech in our lives! I understand technology, overall, is a good thing, and it makes our lives easier. However, I also believe technology can be a hindrance to the way we communicate with other people. I see this, especially in my kids and the younger generation. With phones and all the social media apps, they are more comfortable communicating via their fingertips than having a face-to-face conversation.
Why am I talking about this? It’s because I see the same thing happening in our industry. We all know that technology in our industry has exploded in recent years, and for the most part, technology has been a good thing. However, I believe some of the technology designed to make our jobs easier is also causing us to move further away from the thing that makes our profession so valuable and important…communication and relationships. In my opinion, it’s hard to communicate effectively and build strong relationships if you are only ever communicating via a computer or phone. The products and solutions you offer require a human touch, and we need to be careful not to become too reliant on technology, searching for the “easiest” or “quickest” way to complete a task. There is a time and place for technology and “quick fixes,” but be mindful of the situation and the person you are working with because it’s not always the best fit for everyone.
Second, the holidays always bring out a variety of emotions for me, as I’m sure they do for most people. Excitement, stress, anticipation, anxiety, nostalgia, happiness, frustration, love…to name a few. As we get older, our feelings about the holidays change, but no matter how old you are, it’s hard to forget the excitement and overall warm feelings we had as children during the holiday season. It’s those emotions that I try to hold on to during this time. I try to make sure I spend time appreciating my family and friends and not get caught up in the stress that this season can bring as an adult. Sometimes, that’s easier said than done, but that is what I strive for during the holidays.
It’s in these moments of spending time with family, some of whom we only see during the holidays, that I am reminded of the value of what we do in the insurance industry. We provide safety, security, peace of mind, and financial solutions to those that we love and care about. Insurance might not seem like a glamorous profession at times, but it’s pretty amazing when you allow yourself to think about it. This time of year is always a time of reflection and rejuvenation for me. It reminds me of the value of what we do as insurance agents and the life-changing solutions we provide. This is what I urge you to do this holiday season. Spend a few minutes while you are surrounded by your family or friends to appreciate them and be reminded of the importance of the products and solutions you offer.
I hope you all have a very wonderful holiday season. Scott Gilpin
