It started out as a desire to promote within our Sheriff’s Office. I wanted to be a Sergeant several years ago. In order to become a Sergeant a person must go through a testing process which includes: a written test, a take home essay, an oral interview, and review of work history and education.

I had it in my mind that I was young, unsure, but wanted to be Sergeant. The first time I tested I tested against a more senior employee. I had a much higher score on the written test, and the essay. I scored low on the oral interviews because I was disliked by some of the people on the interview panel. I believed I would score higher on the testing, but I also believed I might not get the job. I paced and paced. The top administration came to a decision and they hired the other employee.

I tested two other times, and I was negative about myself each time. I never got any of the Sergeant positions that came up.

After much disappointment and several years later, my wife told me about “The Secret.” She gave me a run-down of the information provided in the book. It sounded like something I wanted to learn but had no real reason to until another Sergeant test had been advertised in my department. I took notes as I learned from “The Secret.” I even carried a stone in my uniform to remind me of the happy and wonderful things already in my life!

I began the testing process over again. This time I saw myself as a supervisor. I told myself that “I was Sergeant.” Every day I put a smile on my face and told myself everything I was thankful for; however, I was bombarded with negativity. “Admin will pick who they want. You will test high, but they pick who they want. I can’t believe those people are testing, they’re idiots.”

Each time I heard the negativity, I told myself, “I will test very high. I am Sergeant.” On the day of the interviews, I met with the other employees that were testing for the position. I shook their hands and said, “This is great! We are a bunch of good candidates!” It kept them positive and the entire day positive. We all smiled and joked. I mentioned earlier that I was disliked by a person on the other interview panel. This time, the person putting the testing together forgot to notify that person to be on the panel. I was shocked! The panel consisted of three people who I got along very well with.

After the testing, I scored the highest on all portions!

After that day, we were asked to return to meet with the Sheriff himself and other top brass for a final interview. I was chosen to be last for the interview. I wasn’t ready for the questioning, but they wanted me to sell myself. Throughout the interview I was positive. I told them the other candidates were good employees, but that I could only speak for myself. After selling myself, I left the interview a bit nervous and with sweaty hands. But, I left smiling. I went home that day and watched a movie with my wife. During the movie, I was laughing and talking to my wife. I kept the negative out and just kept myself humble.

At 2 pm that day, I got a call from the Sheriff himself. “What are you doing?” He asked. I told him I was watching a movie and enjoying the last days of my vacation time. He laughed and wanted to know when I returned to work. I said, “Friday.” He told me he couldn’t wait for Friday. “You’re the man!” He said. My heart stopped. I stuttered and said, “Oh thank you! Thank you! I don’t know what to say. Thank you!”