Step Back From The Baggage Claim

I first met Jason Barger about a year ago when I got an e-mail asking if we could meet. I love meeting new and interesting people, but knowing that Jason isn’t from my city I thought it might take a while to connect. (Obviously I didn’t yet know that Jason is someone who “makes it happen.” He said that he’d be happy to make the trip to see me and we set a date.)

Upon meeting him, I was immediately intrigued by his concept. He spent a period of time living in airports across the USA and observing behavior. The resulting book, which has been acclaimed by media outlets including The NY Times, ABC News and others, is called Step Back From The Baggage Claim and captures his key learnings from the experiment. Jason was kind enough to answer a few questions about the project and what he learned. 

How did you originally come up with the idea for the “Step Back”?

The metaphor had been marinating for years.  But, years ago I remember standing outside the baggage claim area in the San Diego airport when I was leading a group of 214 people to build houses for families in need in Mexico. I watched our group try to merge with the already gathered mass of people frantically trying to locate their bags around the carousel. It was clear that the same spirit of compassion, gratitude and pace of life that we were going to be experiencing in Mexico was needed around that baggage claim. The spirit of this project is about seeing everyday life through a new lens.

What were some of the key hurdles you had to overcome to make the project happen?

I had to get over my own insecurities of throwing ideas about ‘changing the world’ out there with my name on them. I knew it would open me up for criticism and draw attention to me in some ways that may not always be comfortable. I had to overcome that hurdle by staying rooted in the purpose and spirit of why I was compelled to work on this project – to encourage more loving and grateful vibrations in the world.

What was your favorite part of the project?

The creation phase – being challenged to live in the present moment, sit in uncertainty, and articulate what I was feeling and observing. Then once it was released, to receive wonderful responses from people I don’t know has been very affirming.

How do you see the world differently now than you did before?

I’m even more aware of the significance that our small actions in everyday life have on others around us. I see the ways in which a message like this is connecting with people in profound ways and providing positive encouragement for those who hope to leave a positive imprint everyday in the world. With the ways in which ideas and creations can be so easily shared with people all over the globe through different media platforms today, we have never had a greater opportunity to connect people. It is a fascinating time to be creating and sharing.

What advice would you give to someone who’s considering taking a “leap” and embarking on an imposing project?

Step back for a moment and get rooted in the purpose of your project. Let everything grow out of an authentic purpose rather than external pressures. Take the time to slow down and dive into your craft. There will be moments of uncertainty as you sit in the ambiguity of not knowing how your project will play out or be received. But, if you’ve worked from a foundation of authentic purpose, you’ll be able to embrace the creative process and enjoy the liberating feeling of bringing something to life in the world. Lastly, a question aimed as a word of encouragement – Who are you not to create excellence in the world? 

Jason Barger is the author of the book recently featured in the NY Times, Step Back from the Baggage Claim:  Change the World, Start at the Airport. Prior to living in airports, observing human behavior, and writing a book about changing the world through small compassionate actions, he led nearly 2000 people to construct 125 houses internationally for families in need. Barger is an author, speaker, consultant, husband and father.  To connect further or join the movement, visit www.stepbackfromthebaggageclaim.com .