Kick Monday’s Ass: call your mom already (May 3, 2021)

It’s time to kick Monday’s ass…

I’m thinking of starting a “road journal” where I share stories, pictures, and snarky observations/insights from my travels. Is that something you want to see in this newsletter? Leave a comment and let me know!

Now let’s jump straight into this week’s video:

 

Kick Monday’s Ass: Call Your Mom (or Someone You Love)

Many of us think of 2020 as the year that proved no matter how introverted you are, you still need people and connection to survive and thrive. And then the Zoom cocktail hours and virtual work commenced and it got harder and harder to truly connect despite all the face time we were getting.

That’s why I was shocked when an event I recently attended gave me a bit of a gut check. I hadn’t realized I had a story in my head keeping me from connecting with the people I care most about. There’s an important takeaway in this week’s video – and it’s key for anyone who’s ever thought, “man I really want to change the world.”

Badass of the Week

Today’s badass is Najee Harris, a former Alabama football running back. He recently returned to the homeless shelter where he lived in middle school and hosted a draft night party for all the kids at the Greater Richmond Interfaith Program.

In business, I love a concept I often hear about “sending the elevator back down”. By that, we mean… when you get to the top, it’s your job to send the elevator back down and help others step up. Especially since no one gets anywhere without help. I really love that even though Najee is totally entitled to enjoy his success, he chose to share it with people who might be inspired by it.

(If you know someone who should be featured as my Badass of the Week, leave a comment and tell me!)

New podcast episode!

There’s a couple common myth that persists in creative work – first that it takes years to get good, and second that creatives just have more inspiration than most folks. Today’s guest is my friend Robert Lucas, and together we reveal those myths for the head trash BS they truly are.

Robert and I have been working together awhile now, but I remember back when we first met and he was an eager new writer looking for an opportunity. By the time I saw his work, he was already pretty damn good… and in this episode he shares his journey to becoming one of my go-to writers. This one’s for every creative person out there wondering if they’re good enough (spoiler alert: I already know you are).

Can’t-Miss Moments From This Episode:

• What now? The unconventional personal project Robert took on to get good fast (and connect him with industry leaders)
• The power of putting yourself out there: how cranking up the volume on his writing production got him called out (in the best possible way) by someone who’d ultimately end up hiring him
• The fine line between constructive and soul-crushing criticism, and how to tell the difference between feedback you can ignore and feedback that helps you get better
• What to do when the ideas just ain’t comin’ (or how I sit my ass in a chair to create, even when I don’t feel like it… plus my “rest day” strategy that helps jumpstart the creativity)
• Naked babies, Mardi Gras beads, and polishing off an entire cake… a protracted rant with tips on finding your muse when she’s flown out the window

If you’ve ever been in a creative rut, or if you’re wondering if your work is any good, you’re gonna want to listen to this one ASAP. Click here to listen (and subscribe) now!

On Repeat This Week…

 

This one came on this morning as I was drying my hair, and has of course been stuck in my head ever since. I bring you Shame by the Foo Fighters.

I’ve always loved Dave Grohl – what a badass! He falls off the stage and breaks his leg and keeps the show going. And he always seems like he’s having so much FUN while he’s working hard on creating new music.
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If you want to
I’ll make you feel something real just to bother you

Now I got you
Under my thumb like a drug, I will smother you

I’ll be the one, be the moon, be the sun
Be the rain in your song, go put that record on

If you want to
I’ll be the one, be the tongue that will swallow you

Shame, shame, shame, shame
Shame, shame, shame, shame

Another splinter under the skin
Another season of loneliness
I found a reason and buried it
Beneath the mountain of emptiness