Applying NASCAR Like Driving Skills to Other Aspects of Life? Do you Dare?

If you made a list of the daily stresses you encounter, I am confident that you will see a consistency in the pattern of things that piss you off. Typically most people feel that driving is a big stress factor, along with being held up at the grocery store, or the bank, for example. What it seems to all come down to is intolerance for other people’s stupidity.

Let’s be real, you can be having the greatest day, and all it takes is to get stuck behind somebody at the supermarket who either has too many items in a designated line, (my favorite!) or is trying to use outdated coupons. Whatever the situation may be, the bottom line is that you are being held up and your patience is seriously being tested! By now I am sure you have pegged me as somebody without much patience; you are indeed correct!

Rather than making it a point to educate idiot walkers, you should want to focus more effort on getting in and out of the store in the easiest and fastest time. Naturally having a list of exactly what you need is a great start. Retaining knowledge of the layout of the store or mall will also knock a few minutes off of your trip. Since I seem to be incapable of doing either of the above, I have found that utilizing the downright nitty and gritty skills that make me a good driver allow me to prevail in this situation as well.

Here are a few things I keep an eye out for:

Avoid congested aisles; if you need a product located on an aisle with four or more carts, leave your cart at the face (or front display area) of the aisle and quickly walk to what you need. This will prevent you adding to the cluster of carts already present on the aisle.

Identify the idiot walkers and do your best to stay away from them. They can be found:
· with their carts parked in the middle of the aisle, blocking the traffic lanes;
· standing in a traffic lane reading the back of a box for nutritional information, once again blocking the traffic lanes;
· standing in the 8 item express lane with 31 items;
· Chatting with an old friend they haven’t seen in a few months, and feel that the middle of the produce aisle is the ideal location for a high school reunion.

As is the case in cluster driving, try to look three or four moves ahead; if you notice a cluster of carts in front of you, take a quick detour, or quickly maneuver around to ensure yourself of not getting stuck in the middle of it all.

Unfortunately, sometimes you have to be outright aggressive at the mall or store. It may not be enough to have a great game plan, or even to be able to execute one near perfectly. Much like the roadway, you must keep your objective in mind each time you frequent these types of establishments. If you stay aware next time shopping, you will surely see that chances are you walk the way you drive!