Problems Problems Everywhere

The hope is that you find a series of problems that you don’t wish away.

When you have a problem, do you want it to go away so that you have peace and quiet and happiness forever and ever…or do you see completing this problem as a gateway to the next task?

The only people who don’t have problems are people who are doing nothing.  

Once you take your guitar out of your bedroom a series of problems and joy begin.

I’m not saying you should necessarily be in love with your current crap fest…but love THAT you have one and that it’s leading you further down the trail…where there will be another crap fest and set of problems.

The goal is not to be problem free.  The goal is to have problems that are meaningful, that you want to solve in order to get a set of bigger problems.  

So should we be wishing for HUGE problems?  The size isn’t important right now…the progression is.  

Finding a progression, a series of problems that you don’t wish away, but embrace as each one arises.

The question isn’t “How do I get rid of the problems”…but “Are these the type of problems I want to tackle in order to attain the long term benefit that goes along with solving them?”

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I’m always interested in your perspective, whether affirming or dissenting. Continue the conversation anytime: gabethebassplayer@gmail.com

Goldilocks

The not too hot not too cold but just right only works if you’re trying to sell to Goldilocks.

We all seem acutely aware of what we don’t want to be too much of.

We don’t want to be too rock, or too pop, or too nice, or too pushy.  All in hopes that we’ll satisfy who? Everyone.

But we don’t need everyone.  And besides, everyone will never be satisfied anyway.

So if you can’t satisfy everyone, then that means you’ll have to only satisfy SOME.

And that SOME’s definition of “just right” might mean instead of trying not to be too hot, you make it even hotter…or instead of trying not to be too cold, you freeze it…you make it MORE rock, or MORE pop.

We’re aware of what we don’t want to be too much of because it’s drawn from our fears, and for so many it’s the fear that drives the conversation and action.

But asking what you want to be “more of” comes from a place of dreams, vision and goals.  It takes you into, and through the fear.

So if you’re not selling to Goldilocks, who are you selling to and what, specifically, do they want more of?

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I’m always interested in your perspective, whether affirming or dissenting. Continue the conversation anytime: gabethebassplayer@gmail.com

No For Now pt. 2

Here’s a short list of things that turn no’s into yes’s…and each have their own consequences.

Krispy Kreme donuts

Enthusiasm

A million dollars

Time

A thousand dollars

Begging

A funny story

Picking up the tab

Initiating contact

Letting the other person initiate contact

Empathy

A good hair cut

Shared experiences

Faith

Naivety

Maturity

Proceeding as though they said yes (super risky) (i.e. Nellie from The Office)

Camaraderie in your organization

Amazing songs

Playing to your strengths

Whisky

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I’m always interested in your perspective, whether affirming or dissenting. Continue the conversation anytime: gabethebassplayer@gmail.com

No For Now

Maybe they said no because they had Mexican for lunch and it was too spicy and they feel sweaty and uncomfortable.

Maybe they said no because you didn’t bring a briefcase of cash.

Maybe they said no because you didn’t believe you could get a yes.

Maybe they said no because you didn’t ask for a yes.

Maybe they said no because they didn’t like the song.

Maybe they said no because they don’t see what’s in it for them.

Maybe they said no because it was winter and they hate winter.

All of these are just “no for now” and can be changed with time, talent and strategic planning and influence.

Rarely, if ever, is a no a no forever.

No more pouting.  

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I’m always interested in your perspective, whether affirming or dissenting. Continue the conversation anytime: gabethebassplayer@gmail.com

Friday Nightcap

iPhones fall out of sweatshirt pockets a lot easier than jean pockets.

Everyone used to have a 20 inch waist.

Every car used to be the latest and greatest.

Concealer makeup companies don’t tell you to let your skin breathe.

You’re more attractive when you’re doing stuff.

Nobody cares about .1 more than a half marathoner.

Musician thinks they were born to play music, they’re all wrong.

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I’m always interested in your perspective, whether affirming or dissenting. Continue the conversation anytime: gabethebassplayer@gmail.com

Tuba Man In The Tunnel

I live about 4.5 miles from downtown.  Downtown Nashville is a pretty hot spot these days, lots of action and more than it’s fair share of street performers and entertainers.

The thing about street performers is that they’re ALL downtown.  The number doesn’t steadily dissipate as you drive further away.  Tons of buskers downtown and then nothing as soon as you get about a quarter mile away.

But in the last two weeks, one guy has been throwing off the system.

There’s a short four lane tunnel going under some railroad tracks really close to my house.  The road gets insanely backed up during rush hour, stand still traffic. Trust me, I was in it today forever.

Well, the last couple times I’ve been stuck in that tunnel, there is a homeless looking man playing tuba…and he has a tambourine on his foot so he can stomp out the beat.  The reverb in the tunnel is amazing.

People love it! They can’t believe it! They roll down their windows and take video, give him money, smile at him, smile at the people in the car next to them.  It’s amazing.  It’s actually a modern miracle…he actually makes people forget their hatred for traffic…and gives them a moment of joy in return.

A mere four miles further into town and no one would care, no one would stop and take video and celebrate a tuba player.  Too much noise, and the expectations are different of people downtown.

But this guy found a sweet spot of exceeding peoples expectations for what it means to be stuck in traffic 4.5 miles outside of downtown Nashville.

He probably won’t ever get a tuba record deal, or play with the Nashville Symphony, but this guy understands and exemplifies some pretty foundational marketing and relational principles, and is giving us all a gift.

What do you see here?

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I’m always interested in your perspective, whether affirming or dissenting. Continue the conversation anytime: gabethebassplayer@gmail.com