Okay, this story is going to take a little bit of set-up.

It was 3am and time for me to head down to the lobby for my Uber ride to the airport.

I’m going to need some coffee. LOTS of coffee.

My driver was a great conversationalist, but she didn’t exactly know how to get to the airport terminal – even with both of our GPS’s barking orders left and right.

Long story short, I’m two cups of coffee in and stuck in an Uber for 45 minutes.

When we finally found the Delta terminal, I grabbed my bags and bolted.

But before I could even make it to the doors, I was hit with a sense of panic.

I forgot my phone.

I had rushed out before I remembered to take it off the charger.

I turned around just in time to see her pulling away.

I know I must have looked foolish sprinting after her and waving my arms, but I didn’t care. My boarding pass was on that phone. Not to mention my family photos, writing ideas, and Clash of Clans video game (Hog RIDERS!)

It was no use. Her car was faster than me (and it had far more gas in the tank.)

Gasping for breath, I looked across the parking lot and saw the airport exit. I sprinted towards that, knowing that she had to go the long way around. “This is what I train for,” I thought.

I ran (still carrying my bags) and watched her distant tail lights get closer and closer to the even-more-distant exit.

That’s when the pee came out.

Listen, it was only a little bit. Not enough to run down my leg or anything. Just enough to leave that tell-tale dark spot on my trousers.

Walk. Of. Shame.

Fortunately, I had a sweatshirt that I could pull down.

A sweatshirt that they made me take off at security.

Then, they made me put my hands high over my head while in the body scanner.

There was absolutely no hiding it anymore.

Especially because the scanner interpreted the dark spot as a potential chemical weapon.

What a great time for my first pat-down party with the TSA.

It reminds me of a line from my speech, “Get ready. I’m going to touch you…”

Someday, I’ll laugh about this. Maybe if my phone ever arrives in the mail.

There are two important lessons from this story (besides the obvious.) First…

1. BE VULNERABLE

I just admitted to tens of thousands of people that I peed myself.

As a professional, aren’t I supposed to have it all together?

NO!

In addition to being a professional, you’re also a human being. When you aren’t afraid to show your human side, you become more relatable, more likable, and yes…more influential.

Scientists call this the Pratfall Effect. I call it the power of good old-fashioned authenticity. In an age of digitally-doctored images and picture-perfect social media profiles, authenticity is so important – and yet so lacking.

The second life-lesson from all of this was a bit unexpected.

2. LOSE YOUR PHONE

Seriously. Try it. Just for a few days.

Without my phone I have been incredibly focused, calm, productive, and – perhaps most importantly – PRESENT with the people I love.

That’s why part of me was happy to see an empty mailbox this morning.

I’m going to begin the habit of taking a digital sabbath. No phone for one day out of every week. I’ll write, read, reconnect with nature, meditate, exercise, and spend face time with my family.

I have good news, I’m on day three and not only am I still alive, I actually feel it.

The post I Peed Myself a Little – Two Life Lessons from Tim David appeared first on GoodAtPeople.com.