Kick Monday’s Ass: the roller coaster fiend (June 14, 2021)

It’s time to kick Monday’s ass…

Do you know how to have fun by yourself?

I’m not talking about kicking back to watch the new Bo Burnham special (it’s called Inside and also it’s hilarious) and enjoy a few laughs.

I’m talking about going out into the big, bad world and doing things you think might be interesting or fun… whether or not anyone goes with you.

You might consider trying it. Here’s a little photo inspiration from my weekend trip to Dollywood:

I’ve always been a bit of a roller coaster nerd (read: adrenaline junkie) – going to county fairs and riding rides like the one in the picture above? One of my favorite things to do growing up!

Of course back then I always had company on those trips to the fair (or to the festival, or the theme park). Going alone just wasn’t a thing, and I think in the back of my head I had an idea that I’d have less fun if I didn’t have a friend to share the experience with.

The challenge? I’m currently traveling solo. I wanted to go to Dollywood while I was still within driving distance. Finding people to go with me to a theme park is already challenging enough without having to coordinate travel from multiple locations in order to meet up there at the same time.

So Thursday I bought my ticket and Saturday I went.

I hit 18 of the 22 attractions on my list, rode all the roller coasters (except the one that was closed – BOO), and still managed to get home before sunset.

I met some really cool people (one even jokingly threatened to follow me from coaster to coaster because my shrieking made the ride more fun), had some good food, and screamed my fool head off.

I got to try everything I wanted, lounge if I wanted, eat if I wanted, take a selfie with a bald eagle if I wanted. No haggling or negotiating. No arguments or hurt feelings. Just pure enjoyment.

Now this might be a scary thought, to take yourself somewhere new and experience it on your own, but you don’t have to start with a day of roller coasters. It could be seeing a movie you want to see, all on your own. Or visiting a park or restaurant you’ve always wanted to go to.

This week I challenge you to spend time solo, outside of your home, preferably doing something you’ve always wanted to do or try.

It’ll change your life.

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 here – 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 Louise Pleming, a tennis instructor and commentator who’s worked with some of the biggest names around. Several years back she met a homeless man (Brian Turton), sleeping under the grandstand near the tennis courts.

Rather than turn him away and go on with her day, she forged an unlikely friendship with Brian and helped him find his confidence and play in tennis tournaments… ultimately leading to him getting his coaching certification and teaching alongside her.

Now they run tennis clinics for other homeless folks, because they know how taking care of your bodily wellbeing can help improve your mental wellbeing too.

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

 

New podcast episode!

 

Ever watch Office Space? Part of what makes it so funny is how infuriatingly REAL it is. Today’s guest is April Dykman, and she’s no stranger to Office Space absurdity in real life… down to impossible expectations and clueless bosses. Tune in to hear how she worked up the courage to quit for good, and how she now commands top dollar with her copywriting clients.

Can’t-Miss Moments From This Episode:

• I believe you have my stapler: the real-life “Office Space” experience April lived through, complete with meetings about the number of meetings
• The performance review surprise that cemented April’s decision to leave (and the “reasons to GTFO” document she created to keep herself committed to quitting)
• Would you walk away from an $8000 project? Here’s what happened when April and a client disagreed (plus the secret weapon that helped her do it with conviction and ease)
• The counter-intuitive approach to prospecting for clients that lets you start a waiting list, cherry-pick the most interesting projects, and confidently charge top dollar
• Why be a 50-cent writer when you could be a $50,000 writer? Why most of the advice you get about setting prices is wrong (and setting you up to struggle)

You don’t want to miss this one. Click here to listen (and subscribe) now!

 

On Repeat This Week…

 

I heard this one on my way to Dollywood and pretty soon was speeding like a demon. It’s such a good cruising song. Today I’m listening to Electric Worry by Clutch. Odds are you’ve heard this one before – that chorus is just SO damn catch.

Bonus: I once covered this with my band. In fact, it was the very last song we played together before I left the San Francisco area. You can check it out here.
_______________

You told everybody in the neighborhood
What a dirty mistreater. That I was no good
But someday, baby, you ain’t gonna worry my life anymore

Doctor or lawyer, I’ll never be
Life of a drifter – only life for me
You can have your riches, all the gold you saved
‘Cause’ ain’t room for one thing in everybody’s grave

Bang, bang, bang, bang! Vamanos, vamanos!
Bang, bang, bang! Vamanos, vamanos!