Category: Life Perspectives

Trading the Intangible for the Tangible

I recorded a podcast with Anna Farmery of The Engaging Brand a couple of weeks ago.  I’ll link to the podcast in the coming weeks.  It was a great conversation and I understand why her blog is called engaging.  She did a great job in allowing me to articulate my thoughts on having a great life as well as a great career.  But it was her father’s advice that is still resonating with me.

Anna told me that her father once advised that the intangible things of life can never be satisfied by the tangible.  See Lennon and McCartney’s take (Can’t Buy Me Love).  You might say "of course, Eric."  But why do so many people try to do what Anna’s wise father warned us not to?  Don’t have enough space to address all of the reasons here. 

The following outlines some reasons why we’ve taken the bait:

  • We deceive ourselves into believing that the temporary feelings we experience will last.  You know what I mean; "now that I am ____ life will start to go my way."  Tangible things were never meant to last.
  • The intangibles are hard, the tangibles are easy.  Need I say more on this one?
  • Our wonderful friends in the media keep telling us that intangibles are not important and tangibles are. 
  • We think more like consumers than we’re willing to admit.
  • We don’t pay attention to history.  History will tell you that Love matters.

I am a man who attempted some of the above and I failed like many before me.  My conversation/podcast with Anna reminded me of how fortunate I am that I woke up. 

Here’s to all of the mystery, tears, hope, disappointed, and Love the intangibles bring.   

The Fire of Failure

In the time that I have been a small business owner/partner, failure came.  And came again.  Some of the failures were unexpected and some were risks that didn’t pay off.  I’d love to tell you that I smiled and said "hurray, we’ll be better for this."  But I cried.  My business partner threatened.

Now that I have time to look back and connect the dots (thank you, Steve Jobs), I realize how refining the fire of failure can be.  In our age of instant this and get it easy that, embracing the refining process can seem ludicrous.  It isn’t.  I’m better and wiser because of the refining I’ve had to go through. 

Seth Godin has a post titled Recipes that is short, but very sweet.  He does a nice job of reminding us what real reality is, versus fantasy.

Here are some tips on embracing the fire of failure when it comes:

  • Remember its not a matter of if, but when.  Live with an energy that sees winning and failing as a nescessary cocktail.
  • No fire, no purity.  Ask any goldsmith or silversmith about this.
  • Don’t be afraid.  Fear will seduce you into accepting a cheap imitation (titles, money, office location, etc.) of success.
  • Don’t turn to paranoia or the "looking over my shoulder" mentality.  This will lead to you looking for failure.   
  • People who matter are watching.  It often means your motion picture is a source of inspiration.
  • Keep your vision close to you.  Whether on paper or on your hard drive, you’ll need to be reminded of the WHY.
  • People like Penelope and Malcom are facing and will face this fire too.

How To Surround Yourself With People Who Are For You Part II

I wrote a post some time ago about how to surround yourself with people who are for you.  It warrants another look today, considering all the recent news (elections, recession, career insecurity).

The following are 7 keys to knowing and choosing:

  1. Start thinking seriously about the circle of people that surrounds you now.  Evaluate (why do you hang around them, are they positive or negative, would they be around if you failed) the value they bring to your life, and then make a decision about whether they should be in your circle.  Sign post up ahead; this won’t be easy.
  2. Test those who you’ve decided to keep.  For example, tell them about a dream you have.  See if they tell you its impossible.  A person that embraces the impossible is more than likely seeking to keep you in a box.
  3. Do the people in your circle cross-pollinate with you? Meaning, are they looking to you for inspiration.  You don’t want a one-sided relationship.
  4. Have the people in your circle connected you with others who can help?  If they haven’t, question why not.
  5. Is there any jealousy between you?  If someone in your circle is jealous, then its a sign of someone just hanging around to satisfy their insecurities.  Be careful here, jealous people eventually betray.
  6. Look to the eyes to discover what is in the soul.  For example, if you see fear when you tell someone your dreams, then you are probably looking at someone who won’t be for you.  They may say something positive, but its a mask.
  7. Control your urge to be liked.  We all want this, but it can kill if we’re not careful.

It’s so important to have a powerful circle of people who genuinely seek your good.  These people are ecstatic when you win.  They also will be grounded in reality, which is key in keeping you from chasing fantasies.

A Book of Dreams

Do you have a book of dreams?  I’m talking about the book that holds all the dreams you’ve seen become reality.  I think you should have one.  Here’s why:

  • Without a book of dreams, you’ll fall from someone else’s dogma.  For example, your boss or the latest feel-good/no-pain sales pitch.
  • Dreams make every pursuit meaningful.  Your career then becomes a tool to catch your dreams.
  • People without a book of dreams fall prey to fantasy.  Fantasy is the exercise of hoping Simon realllllllly likes you.
  • God placed dreams in you to draw you.
  • Show me someone without a book of dreams, and I’ll show you someone who is cynical, critical and hurting.
  • People with a book of dreams have figured out that dreams do come true (thank you Walt) and anything less is a lie.
  • People with a book of dreams are at peace with knowing that life is a limited time offer, so they run harder.
  • A book of dreams will give you focus, and not distraction.

I’m sure I could have kept the above list shorter, but I’m speaking from my own experience.  I’d like to warn you also, expect people to think you’re a nut case.  Just expect it.  Those well intentioned (you know what road they pave) people will tell you that you’re being impractical, foolish, and stubborn.  "I’m jealous of you and too afraid to pursue my own dreams," is what you won’t hear.  But it lives in them just the same.

Daniel Day-Lewis and Your Career

Daniel Day-Lewis is arguably the greatest actor of our time.  His approach to his craft is-to say the least-intense.  He is a tremendous example of pursuing what you do with full passion.  What if we did the same with our own careers?  Greatness would be the result.

For better or worse, the choice is ours.

Take a look at the interview below with Mr. Day-Lewis and see if you can’t pick up some career advice.

Beethoven

There is an article in today’s Wall Street Journal that I can’t linked to because they are subscriber only (come quickly Mr. Murdoch, come quickly).  But the article’s about Ludwig van Beethoven and his 9th symphony…his last.  Do you realize he was deaf? 

Which brings me to perseverance and time.  I think Beethoven was 53 when he wrote the masterpiece.  I wonder if he knew that the deafness and frailty of life would be the right elixir for what many consider to be the greatest composition ever written?  I doubt it.  We move thru life taking our blows and disappointments, not realizing that they, not wild success and notoriety, are the keys to the beautiful symphonies we create.  I guess the key is know what’s in your heart.  Beethoven spoke of that…

I communicated today with a former colleague/vendor who I worked with while in corporate America.  We don’t communicate often, but with the release of my book (Waking Up In Corporate America) I wanted to let him know it was out.  My contacting him was part of my strategy to go viral with my marketing…a good strategy for someone in my state. 

Tom and I talked about a lot of things when I roamed the halls of corporate America.  We spoke of funny things, business things, and the deep stuff too.  Some type of symphony was formed, but I didn’t know it at the time.  As time passed, our lives moved in different directions (natural when a season ends). 

Well, I digress, Tom emailed me today and informed me that he bought 5 of my books.  One for himself and 4 to share with colleagues at a sales conference.  Obviously, I’m grateful for the multiple copy sale. By the way, I believe this is what viral marketing is all about.  And viral didn’t start today with Tom, but years ago.  Deposits were made…essential. But even more important was how he showed me that you don’t have to be conscious of all the greatness you create.  You just have to be working in the land of greatness, which resides in your heart. 

So have you stopped to listen to the symphonies?

The Mixture of Triumph

Physically touched my book for the first time today. 

I cried at the thought of how much work, faith and perseverance went into the project.  A great release for me.

I smiled when my wife gave me a great card and a wonderful bottle of 2000 vintage Barolo.

All-in-all a wonderful mixture celebrating a triumph.

Recession Obsession

Was looking at the television news yesterday (local and national) and I thought I was in the movie Ground Hog Day. 

I said to myself; "I’ve heard this before…a recession is coming, a recession is coming."  It was as if I was transported back to 2000 or 1994.  Same panic, same doom.  Isn’t it surprising that we survived?  I don’t think so.

You should be concerned about the following:

  • Am I living out my unique destiny?  You are, after all, one-in-6.8 billion.  You’re DNA proves that point.
  • Do I know what my personal brand is?
  • Is anyone willing to follow me when I don’t have a title and power?
  • Do I know and live out what’s most important to me?  Yes, this will be scary, but the other side of scary is Beauty.
  • Am I changing?  If you’re not changing, you’re not learning.

Why Vision Matters, Again

I did a radio show a few weeks ago and the host asked me if I thought most Americans were "soft."  I answered him with a yes, but not for the reasons you might think.  My reply surprised him. I explained that Americans (not all) have lost their hunger for a vision.  In other words, finding vision builds strength. 

Somewhere along the line we decided that vision was just too mystical, so we cast it into the abyss of "soft."  When that happened, vision became the sport of heretics, revolutionaries and madwomen.  I went on to say that without a compelling vision it is very difficult to sustain anything.

Here’s my example of a compelling vision:

Nike Running is a great partner in my vision for better health.  I embraced running about 5 months ago.  It was one of the best decisions of my life.  I have been faithful to my routine and I miss doing it if the weather isn’t cooperating (sometimes I run even when it’s not).  My desire for a better life, without a guarantee, health wise causes me to stay focused and committed.

Take the time to discover a compelling vision…it beats within you.

What’s Your Exit Strategy

My friend Brent told me once that many professionals lack an exit strategy.  I agree.  If you think what you’re doing today will last forever you’re…well…crazy.  This comes from a man who has had more than one balloon popped by change.  It took me a number of years, but now I see change as a friend and not an enemy.  Your next chapter is inevitably held up by hanging on when you should let go, and man is it tough to let go.

Disclaimer here; if you’re called to see it through to the end, even when the odds are against you, then you should do it.  That’s destiny at work.  When I was ceremoniously escorted out of corporate America all of my exit doors were shut before I could do anything…or so I thought.  Don’t mean to make you wince, but I was supposed to lose.  I was supposed have things turned upside down.  Without those events, I’m confident I wouldn’t be the man I am today. 

In many ways and exit strategy can be a win masked as a loss.

See this piece from the The Washington Post on the record industry.  What a last gasp for air. Do you think the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) needs an exit strategy?  Can any individual or organization afford to not have one?