Here’s to the Crazy Ones

I came across an article in USA Today entitled, Chasing Dreams of Doggy Stardom. It was an interesting look into what it takes for a dog to make it in Hollywood. And it’s not what you might think!

The focus was on veteran Hollywood trainer Mark Harden, who shared that the type of dog best-suited for on-screen work are those who make the most challenging pets.

“Your obedient King Charles Cavalier, who sits on command and never shreds a shoe, would most likely be best-suited for cuddling, not cutting up on camera.”

Harden stated he gets as many of his dogs as possible from shelters, looking for intelligent animals with “winner” mentalities who have been abandoned for being too spirited and generally unmanageable. They have a relentless tenacity that many two-legged individuals can’t stomach, but works on-screen.

A lot of these dogs wouldn’t work in a lot of people’s homes,” Harden says.

Not that it’s the dog’s fault. But something in their upbringing has made them a failed pet. Every day, they’ve won. They’ve succeeded in barking like crazy when they want, eating dirt when they want, ruining furniture. Whatever their misbehavior, they think they’re successful.

Of course, it ends them up in the pound, but they think they’re winners, and those are the dogs we like to get.”

I don’t know about your life story, but mine has a chapter or two where folks told me I didn’t belong in their house, and abandoned me at the “pound.”

Not one to sit quietly and cuddle on a lap, I was labeled “too much this” or “not enough that.” In my attempt to destroy bad practices, dig-up disrespectful behavior, or “bark” at unethical actions, I was deemed too spirited and unmanageable.

No matter. I would rather be a star than a pet any day.

And just recently I was reminded of how easy it is for leaders to abandon people on their teams who won’t sit quietly and do as they’re told. Instead of making an effort to harness the creative energy and develop potential, they drop the challenging ones off at the pound. (Either literally or figuratively.)

These leaders aren’t looking for stars; they’re looking for lap dogs.

Where are the leaders who are willing to transform pound puppies into valuable jewels and create teams that change the world?

Maybe it’s just too hard.  After all, it takes an investment of consistency, commitment, confidence, patience, and communication to reveal potential and uncover possibility.

It takes a star to recognize a star. And maybe that’s the problem. Many of today’s leaders aren’t stars — they’re so busy cuddling on the laps of their owners they fail to appreciate the star potential in others.

To share Apple’s well-known ad:

Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels.
The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes.
The ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules.
And they have no respect for the status quo.
You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them.
About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them.
Because they change things. They push the human race forward.
And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius.
Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world,
are the ones who do.

If this story were to have a moral it would be this: Even if you find yourself abandoned at the pound, you’re still a winner. Dream the dreams. Take the risk. Live the life!

Whatever you are, be a crazy one — be a star!

Deanna

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Nobody But Myself

Most people are other people.

Their thoughts are someone else’s opinions, their lives a mimicry, their passions a quotation.

~Oscar Wilde

I’ve been thinking a lot about expectations recently. Specifically, those arbitrary ones set for you by others.

You’ve seen them.  They’re like little measuring cups people dump in your lives, expecting you to fill.  And when your life doesn’t measure up, you feel the need to make excuses and apologize and explain and promise to do better in the future.

Why do we do this?  Why can’t we feel confident with the choices we make without the need to compare them with others?

Almost all absurdity of conduct
arises from the imitation of those whom we cannot resemble.
— Samuel Johnson

Don’t be a copy cat. Stop trying to twist yourself into a shape you hope someone else will approve of and love.

All my life I had been looking for something,
and everywhere I turned someone tried to tell me what it was.

I accepted their answers too, though they were often in contradiction
and even self-contradictory.

I was naïve.

I was looking for myself and asking everyone except myself questions
which I, and only I, could answer.

It took me a long time and much painful boomeranging of my expectations
to achieve a realization everyone else appears to have been born with:
that I am nobody but myself.

~Ralph Ellison

Throw out the measuring cups. Quit making decisions based on your friends’ answer sheet. Joyously color your own picture – refuse to make excuses.

It’s your life. Live it!

Whatever you are, trust yourself. You know more than you think you do!

Deanna

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What is wrong with you?!

The reasonable man adapts himself to the world;
the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself.

Therefore all progress depends on the unreasonable man.”
~ George Bernard Shaw

When asked to describe you, words like normal, usual, standard, or common don’t spring to mind.

No, you’re more likely to hear responses including colorful, unusual, curious, unique or different.

You don’t look like others, see the world the same way, or hear the same drummer.

You don’t mind.

Your intent is not to use the same crayons as everyone else.

You like who you are, where you’re doing, the picture you’re painting, the adventure you’re on.

You travel different paths, take different risks, see different opportunities.

Let’s face it . . . you are different.

And while there may be whispers behind your back, or discussions about your plan, or questions about your methods, you understand that “if you are not willing to risk the unusual, you will have to settle for the ordinary [Jim Rohn]” and, frankly, ordinary is not an option in your book!

You have problems to conquer, achievements to collect, and a world to change.

Common, ordinary, comfortable, usual methods are ineffective where you are going.

People may question motives, call you selfish, sabotage your efforts, and scratch their heads. So what?

“Without deviation from the norm, progress is not possible.”
~ Frank Zappa

You can choose to fit in, act reasonably, think “normally,” and make others comfortable — OR, you can decide that blazing your own trail is worth being misunderstood, maligned, and mistreated.

Whatever you are, get out there, be unreasonable, and make some progress!

Deanna

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I’ve been thinking . . .

“The world we have created is a product of our thinking; it cannot be changed without changing our thinking” [Albert Einstein].

I’ve been thinking . . .

About the condition of the world.  And of this country. And of our state. (Today was election day.)

I’ve been reflecting . . .

On the choices I’ve made. And the possibilities around the corner. And the future stretched out ahead of me. (What will my tomorrow look like?)

I’ve been wondering . . .

About my friends who have lost jobs. And those who are about to lose jobs. And wonder what will become of all the unemployed. (Will the jobs ever return?)

I’ve been contemplating . . .

My next steps. Important decisions. If the reward is worth the risk. (Well, I’m already this far into it.)

I’ve been hoping . . .

That the outlook will be brighter. Things will come together. A spectacular intervention will save the day. (When is that white knight arriving?)

I’ve been helping . . .

Those who need encouragement. Friends seeking a new outlook. People who need assistance getting there from here. (Too many folks are stuck.)

I’ve been reading . . .

That I never need to eat alone. That the world doesn’t owe me anything. When at all possible, Orbit the Giant Hairball. (So many books, so little time!)

I’ve been celebrating . . .

New clients for a friend. Birthdays and anniversaries. Amazing opportunities. The start of a new adventure.  (There is good news out there, if you’re willing to look for it.)

I’ve been anticipating . . .

A visit to Fallingwater. The release of a new web site. An upcoming dinner party. (I hope it’s worth the wait!)

I’ve been working . . .

On a new writing project. Reformatting resumes. Cleaning up the flower beds. (It feels good to wake up with a purpose.)

I’ve been planning . . .

Because the day is coming. The opportunity is on the way. My destiny is calling. (I can hear it!)

I’ve been thinking . . .

Well, “as long as you are going to be thinking anyway, THINK BIG” [Donald Trump].

What have you been doing?

Whatever you are, be a good one!

Deanna

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Painted by Someone Else

You are unique, and if that is not fulfilled, then something has been lost” [Martha Graham].

Look at you standing out there with your individual style. Choosing your own ideas. Living a life that fits. Checking “none of the above” when the answers provided don’t suit you.

Some days you want to color with orange. Other days, purple. Some days you don’t want to color at all. You’re unique, unusual, rare. You’re extraordinary. You’re valuable!

But then there are days when you let the voices of small minds drown out your colors and the ideas of malcontents dilute your brilliance.   When you grant others the freedom to mock your ideas, erase your creation, and minimize your mission.

It’s important to understand “there has never been anyone quite like you and there never will be. Consequently, you can contribute something  . . . that nobody else can.  There is power in your uniqueness — an inexplicable, unmeasurable power . . . a magic” [Gordon MacKenzie].

Each time you give someone permission to silence your voice and  block your belief, a little piece of your magic floats away.

When you lower your guard and allow the status quo to become your daily standard, your ability to influence is diminished.

Don’t throw away your ideas, your plans, your dreams . . . don’t throw yourself away by becoming a picture painted by someone else.   As Gordon MacKenzie said,

You have a masterpiece inside you . . .

One unlike any that has ever been created or ever will be.

And remember:

If you go to your grave without painting your masterpiece,

it will not get painted.

No one else can paint it.

Only you.

You’ve allowed too many people to spray graffiti on your canvas. It’s time to clean it off and sketch out your own picture.

Someone out there has been waiting for you to begin painting. They want to see who you are and hear what you have to say.

Don’t listen to the critics. [Who cares if they don’t like the colors you choose?] Be what you feel. Celebrate your uniqueness. Grab the brush and start creating!

Whatever you are, be a good one!

Deanna

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Really?

Be your authentic self. Your authentic self is who you are when you have no fear of judgment, or before the world starts pushing you around and telling you who you’re supposed to be.

Your fictional self is who you are when you have a social mask on to please everyone else.

Give yourself permission to be your authentic self” [Dr. Phil].

Is that you behind those beliefs the pundits spout on television and underneath the fashions from Fifth Avenue?  It’s hard to see you. You look like everyone else. You sound like someone else. You’ve literally become one in a million.

Is that really you?

Or some giant hairball of other people’s ideas and views, likes and dislikes, prejudices and pretend?  Was it just easier to allow your life to become a conglomeration of socially acceptable “stuff,” instead of learning how to create an authentic self?

We all know that the original of anything is worth more than its copy. Compare the values of diamonds with Cubic Zirconia, antiques with reproductions, first editions with second printings, signed copies with mass-printed posters.

The same is true with people. When you practice original thinking and genuine creativity, your value and self-confidence increases. When you stop reflecting other people and begin painting with your own brush, you’ll understand the true value and beauty of keeping it real.

Authenticity is a daily practice.

Living authentically means cultivating the courage to be emotionally honest,
to set boundaries, and to allow ourselves to be vulnerable;

exercising the compassion that comes from knowing that we are all made
of light and darkness, strength and struggle;

and nurturing the connection and sense of belonging
that can only happen when we let go of who we are supposed to be
and embrace who we are. [Brene Brown]

Isn’t it time to shed the mask, open the window, be comfortable with ourselves, create from our imagination, walk in our own shoes, and live who we really are?

Whatever you are, be an authentic one!

Deanna

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Blah, Blah, Blah

Blah, blah, blah.  Blah — blah, blah” [Ralph Waldo Emerson].

“So, what do you think of my blog?”

I asked that question recently, just to see what kind of answers I would receive. The bogus Emerson quotation I opened this post with was a verbatim response that someone shared.  Which, by the way, caused the entire lot of us to collapse in a fit of giggles.

Some people believe that all of the pondering, the wise quotes from philosophers long gone, and the positive affirmations from success gurus are fantastic.

Others think they’re okay, if you like that sort of thing.

Some days, you tell me the topic resonates, the thought inspires, and the calls to action prompt a response and strengthen your resolve.

Other days, though, it’s too much!  The ideas are vanilla, or they are too surreal, or too sugary. It’s all dessert and no protein! You need something you can sink your teeth into.

Maybe, it’s just that each one of us takes away what we need for that particular day. Today might not be an Emerson type of day, maybe what you needed was Mark Twain or Martin Luther King, Jr. or Robin Williams.

Perhaps, what you were hungry for was confidence or contentment or courage, and I served up imagination, potential or responsibility.  No worries.

Check back tomorrow to see what’s on the menu. I bet you’ll find something that will satisfy.  If not specifically for you, then something you can take away to share with someone else.

Keep reading, I’m sure you’ll find something that lights a spark. I do every single day!

“Be yourself.
Above all, let who you are,
what you are
what you believe,
shine through every sentence you write,
every piece you finish.”
~ John Jakes ~

I guess today was a John Jakes kind of day. Thanks for stopping by!

Whatever you are, be a good one!

Deanna

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Listen to Me

Everybody hears, but few listen” [Bobby Knight].

Do you have something to say? Do you need to be heard?

We have so many ways to communicate:   newsletters, post cards, telephone, e-Blasts, email, fax, commercials, infomercials, Skype, Twitter, Facebook, web sites, text, face-to-face, blogs, YouTube, magazines, and the list goes on and on and on.

If you have a thought, opinion, or idea, you can post it for public consumption in as little as a few seconds. While we are drowning in communication, we are in the midst of a drought of listening — prompting even more communication.

We grade ourselves on the quantity of our communication (and the number of responses we receive) — not the significance of the message.

We chide friends with, “I haven’t seen you on Facebook recently, what’s up?” No matter that their last posting was something similar to, “My hair hurts.” (Which, by the way, prompted seven of their closest friends to reply.)

Another comment recently “overheard” on Facebook was, “Isn’t it sad when you post something and no one responds?”  Not really.  Perhaps what you are saying is inconsequential. Maybe your posting wasn’t as compelling as, “My hair hurts.”

We toss out senseless words and meaningless postings because, like fishing, we think if we throw enough stuff out there someone will bite, and that will prove our importance. Not stopping to realize that maybe the stuff we’re saying, really is just “stuff” and rather than building our case, it dilutes our message.

Picture this:  A child attempts to get her parent’s attention. A pat on the arm is ignored. So there is more patting. Then calling, “Mama?” Still no response. Which brings about stronger patting and louder calling. Again, no response. In frustration, the child becomes even louder until the parent finally responds with impatience, “WHAT DO YOU WANT?”

This scenario plays out repeatedly with parents and children, employers and employees, customers and organizations, citizens and governments, athletes and officials.  A breakdown in communication results in distrust, impatience, frustration, or apathy.

I’ve compiled a small sampling of news stories from this past week:

• Thousands of Americans organize a Tea Party and march on Washington, D.C., this weekend to demand the attention of government officials.
• The President’s televised address is interrupted by a Representative’s outburst of “You Lie!” and the nation takes sides.
• Serena Williams’ expressed her frustration with an official at the U.S. Open with a tirade that cost her a point and the match.
• If nothing changes at today’s mediation session, the Sheffield-Sheffield Lake Teachers Association union will strike on September 30.

What is going on? We talk and type and text from our first waking moment until we close our eyes in sleep. We flaunt a protected right of freedom of speech, but where is the obligation to listen? To really hear what the other person is trying to say?

Can you hear the unspoken message beyond the words, outside of the outbursts, and behind the screen?

Many times it is simply, “Listen to me!”

If you want to make a difference — to influence, impact, and engage — take the time to listen to what is really being said. Don’t listen to respond. Listen for the sake of connecting with the other person. To understand. To uncover the truth. When you listen, you show you care, not only about what is being said, but about who is saying it.

“The first duty of love is to listen.”
Paul Tillich

Whatever you are, be a good one!

Deanna

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But Not You

The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe.  If you try it, you will be lonely often, and sometimes frightened.  But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself [Friedrich Nietzsche].

It can be so simple to conform. To allow peer pressure to guide your plans and responses and attitudes. To watch your actions carefully so that you don’t cause discomfort. To not think outside the box lest those living within the boundaries of complacency become irritated.

To agree because the argument is convincing rather than accurate. To go along with mindless actions of the crowd instead of confidently implementing your new ideas. To stay seated with the masses rather than stand and be counted. To focus on the meaningless rather than attempt the magnificent.

But all of that conforming is not for you.  No way!  You understand that traveling a well-beaten path doesn’t mean you’re on the right road, and when you walk in another’s path you leave no footprints of your own [Unknown].

You have different ideas, devise bolder plans, desire to travel different roads. Ideas to take control of your life, leave your mark, ignore the meaningless and embrace the life changing.

“Let others lead small lives, but not you.
Let others argue over small things, but not you.
Let others cry over small hurts, but not you.
Let others leave their future in someone else’s hands, but not you.”
~ Jim Rohn

Albert Einstein said “great spirits have always found violent opposition from mediocrities.  The latter cannot understand it when a man does not thoughtlessly submit to hereditary.”

The line has been drawn. People will talk.  You are a great spirit and will no doubt encounter violent opposition for your standards.  Let others sleep in commonness as they thoughtlessly submit to mediocre . . . but not you!

Whatever you are, be a good one!

Deanna

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Mini Bites

When words are scarce, they are seldom spent in vain”
[William Shakespeare].

I’ve been reading the book, A Whole New Mind, by Daniel Pink. In it, the author attempts to explain why right-brained people will rule the future. The book came highly recommended, and since I consider myself to be predominantly left-brained, of course I had to evaluate the information Mr. Pink had assembled, and draw my own conclusions.

Well, I have to say that it is a pretty interesting read, and I think his arguments have merit. One component of the book I really enjoy are the exercises provided to help develop creativity. In one such exercise, the reader is challenged to write a mini-saga — which is a little story consisting of exactly 50 words and containing an opening, a middle, and an ending. I decided to accept Mr. Pink’s challenge.

Guess what? I had a lot of fun! So, I have prepared six ‘Mini Bites” for you to consume, each with only 50 words (reduced verbiage but same great content). Oh, I also threw in a closing paragraph with only 50 words. (Think of it as guilt-free dessert.) So tasty! Bon Appetit!

Appetizer:

I agree, fifty does not seem like nearly enough words to convey your thoughts. You must be clever and concise and get your point across quickly. Choose your words carefully. Provide the facts. Trust your readers to fill in the blanks. You will be surprised at how fun it is.

First Course:

Years ago Lucy was an exuberant puppy. Filled to overflowing with unending energy; eager to explore. Everything was new and required sniffing, tasting, chasing. Now, few things excite. Outside is perfunctory – do your business, sit in the sun, warm your bones. Car rides, sleeping, snacks and meals are the priority.

Second Course:

When your supervisor is on vacation, so are you. It doesn’t matter that you remain in the office, tending to endless details and ridiculous questions instead of visiting warm beaches or foreign lands. You’re working with the windows open. The sun is shining. Fresh air abounds. The breeze is exhilarating.

Third Course:

I sat in a terrible, horrible, very bad meeting for nearly three hours last week. UGH! The wrong people attended. The discussions were unfocused and meaningless. Attendees attacked and sniped and blamed. I watched the clock as my life slipped away. What a waste of a summer afternoon, I thought!

Fourth Course:

Driving along the interstate Monday, I hit and killed a hawk. The magnificent bird made a fatal error. Cars traveling at 70 mph were of no concern. The lure of fresh carnage in the middle of five lanes of traffic was too enticing. “Move!” I shouted! The image is inescapable.

Fifth Course:

I voted in an election today. I celebrated the opportunity to cast my vote and have my say. It’s my right, my obligation as a United States citizen. My heartfelt thanks to the men and women in uniform who make this freedom possible. I will not take it for granted.

Dessert:

Why not give it a try? Select a topic and write your own mini-saga, containing 50 words exactly. No more. No less. Your composition should have an opening, middle, and conclusion. Post your “mini-bites” under comments – I would love to read and share them. Post as many as you like.

You counted the words, didn’t you?

Whatever you are, be a good one!

Deanna

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