Magic And Energy

An addendum to the post yesterday about magic.

Magic and energy don’t necessarily go hand in hand forever.

The magic and power and force and specialness that happens when that group of people get together…that can last forever.

The energy…there’s probably a time limit.

It’s why bands break up, TV shows end, sports teams don’t stay together and summer camp ends.

Like my long lost complainy uncle Jerry Seinfeld says, ‘every storm blows itself out’.

The very energy that makes the amazing event or season of life possible is the same energy that finally exhausts the whole thing.

It’s not to say the energy must go away when difficulty arises or disputes happen. Difficulty and disputes are part of the magical, energy filled journey. They can actually be fuel. Don’t confuse mere difficulty with ‘this thing is over’.

The energy is gone when it’s run its course. When the elements needed to move forward aren’t the ones you want anymore. Not because it’s hard or easy, but because it’s just time. 

The whole thing is a gift. And when it’s over some of it stays, some of it goes.

And then onto the next. 

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The Magic

It’s really hard to have the magic with a group of people…a band, a team, a group vacation.

Or better said, the magic is elusive.

It’s rare. It doesn’t have an equation. It has everything to do with chemistry and yet makes absolutely no sense.

BUT, when you have it, the next hard thing is to admit that you have it. That you have something extra special. Something that many others want but you have. It’s hard to admit it because making that concession to yourself sounds arrogant and self-important.

It’s only when you admit it to yourself that you can take the next step…which is to take care of it.

And by ‘taking care of it’ I don’t mean being careful with it. You take care of magic by sharing it and growing it.

You share it by letting others experience the power and magic and rarity of it.

You grow it by growing as individuals, all the while bringing that growth into the special group and then growing together as a group.

Inevitably there is an arc to how the magic is perceived in the public eye and varied levels of success over the years. But those people, that magic, that force, that extra special thing that happens when those people get together…that stays.

It is a gift.

If you have it, embrace it. Take care of it, share it.

Hum Love on Spotify and Apple

Taking The Gig

If you commit to the gig, show up on time.

Know the material.

Care. Or at least act like you do.

Ask for help when you need it.

No need to be braggadocios beforehand. You’re about to perform, so we’ll find out then.

If you’re fun to hang out with but didn’t do your homework, you’ll probably get another chance. Don’t waste it.

If you’re a drag to hang out with but nail the gig, people will tolerate you. But not forever because fun guy is doing the homework and is going to steal the gig.

If you’re fun and you nail the gig, you’re on your way. It’s still a long way to the top but the journey is worthwhile and life giving for both you and the people you share it with.

Hum Love on Spotify and Apple

Food Trucks And Support

A friend of mine told me about a food truck that has been hanging around our area lately…he said we needed to check it out and that the owner is a really sweet guy and he’s trying to get things off the ground and would appreciate our support.

It’s hard to get by on support. 

Sure, I’ll try something new. But if the food is bad I’m probably not going back just to be supportive.

Whether you’re starting a restaurant, a band or a lawn care business…while in the short term support is crucial, eventually you have to trade on good work rather than support.

Support might get you your first few fans or customers but people won’t support for long before they want to see a benefit for themselves that outweighs what they’re spending. 

It’s great to have support but easier to build a career once you’re delivering something they desire for themselves.

»» Turns out the food was fantastic. King Tut's Food Truck on Nolensville Road. And the owner was a really nice guy too.

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When Difficulty Arises

It could be that difficulty doesn’t come from ‘this really should be easy, you’re just not good enough’.

It could be that difficulty occurs simply because you’re engaging with a new set of problems. And these new problems are stretching you and pushing your edges.

Too often when difficulty arises it’s seen as a sign that something is wrong, whether internally or externally.

Maybe the more important question to consider is, ‘have I been presented with this difficulty as a result of having success, personal growth, taking responsibility, engaging with the type of people I want to engage with?’ If so…you’re probably the perfect person for the job,

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Kind Of Like A Rubik's Cube

Somehow an interesting little toy made it into our house…It’s kind of like a Rubik’s cube except that it’s round and has more colors.

I would pick it up from time to time, mess with it for ten seconds, not be able to do it and put it back down again. Must be an impossible puzzle.

But finally I’d had enough of seeing all the colors not in alignment. Just staring at me. Taunting me. Marketed to children and sold in the kids section. It was time.

It turns out there was one important trick to learn and, presto, I was finished in twenty minutes, much to the delight of the rest of the family.

Going from impossible to victory within twenty focused minutes…just think of the possibilities.

Hum Love on Spotify and Apple