The Value in Kinder-Psyche

Too many things in life distract us from tapping into what makes us happy.  I’m not saying this as an excuse.  I’m saying this because this is what I truly believe.  For me, it began right around second or third grade when the idea of splattering some paint on a canvas or making a funky-fun noise turned into something that ‘had to wait’ – in kindergarten, I did stuff like that in a split-second…without any worries or fear of fingers pointing at me.

 

And why would I…?…come to think of it, why would anyone?  We were discovering, learning, stumbling and enjoying life!  In between then and now, we got schooled on being a ‘grown up’ – responsibilities, taxes, bills, etc.  They all get in the way of that five-year old that would create something entirely unique or blurt out some random noise that *sounded* great. 

 

It’s hard to tap into that kindergarten psyche.  Some people get those moments of inspiration from nature, paintings, cities, actions and yes……music.  It is with this in mind that I’d like to share with you some songs that have helped me recently get to that little kid that made sure to wear his favorite green Kawasaki t-shirt on his inaugural day of first grade – just because of the way it made him feel:

• Jill Scott – Hate on Me
• Big Damn Band – Two Bottles of Wine
• The Heavy – Not That Kind of Man
• Scissor Sisters – Take Your Momma
• Perry Farrell – Song Yet to Be Sung

 

Some inspiration came from the songs themselves… some came from the videos…some came from both.  But music has often worked in helping me step outside of myself to just enjoy the moment…which has, ultimately, given me a breather from life and some quality time with my creativity.  Doing this has helped me for years.

 

 I kid you not. 

 

It has helped me with things like finding a solution to client issues much quicker, drafting up a much stronger press release and whipping up a pitch letter with alot more ‘umph.’  It works.  I have found that when you just push away from your work for some time (be it five minutes or even five days), it gives you a chance to soak in some outside perspective – it could be a conversation with your favorite aunt, a quick game of Donkey Kong, a jam session on Wii Rock Band, whatever.  You will inadvertently use this outside influence in your work…for the better.

 

What helps you tap into your Kinder-Psyche…?

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The Tao of Rocky Balboa: It Ain’t About How Hard You Hit…

 
Inspiration comes in many forms.  For some, like myself, it comes through music – my creativity and mood often gets a jolt when I hear such tunes as Kings of Leon’s Kings of the Rodeo or Jill Scott’s Hate on Me.  Some folks can get inspired from a city, like New York – Woody Allen and Robert Deniro have cited the streets of Manhattan as their muse.  Others get inspired from underdogs like Susan Boyle in her quest for becoming the winner of Britain’s Got Talent.  In fact, the savvy Mary McKnight from Sacrilicious Marketing (AKA @REBlogGirl on Twitter) recently wrote up a nice post on the Susan Boyle Effect and the untold story of the underdog.

 

This brings me to the assertion that Rocky Balboa is one of the most inspiring characters in film history.  Not only because his personality is made of grit and determination, but also because he’s an extremely likable guy on SO MANY LEVELS:

• Rocky is someone that just about everyone can identify with
• his moxie is something that is TRULY inspirational
• the way Sylvester Stallone commits to the character is completely genuine and authentic

Theses incredible attributes are played out so well in a scene from the latest (and last) film in the Rocky series  where Rocky has a heart-to-heart with his son, Rocky Jr.

 

What moves me most in this scene (truly) is when Rocky tells his son:

“Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain’t all sunshine
and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place and I don’t care how tough you are
it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it.

You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard ya hit.
It’s about how hard you can get it and keep moving forward.

How much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done!”

 

THAT is why Rocky is a champion.  THAT is what can shake people out of a funk.  Yes, Rocky is a fictional character; but that does not make him any less inspirational.  The story of Rocky moves us because, time and time again, he took the hits, dug in deep and kept moving forward.

 

Now, let’s think about today: we’re in the midst of a recession; unemployment is up; and twelve major brands have been predicted to go under by the end of the year.  How will YOU keep moving forward after ‘getting hit’ these days?  What will YOU do the rest of this week to inspire others? 

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