Do the Right Thing!

Every legendary figure has their special “thing”.  Some defining characteristic, unique talent or incredible vision that propelled them to greatness.  George Lucas has the amazing ability to devise memorable characters and create new worlds.    Muhammad Ali could float like a butterfly and sting like a bee.  Steve Jobs had the simple yet powerful vision to put the user first and make technology accessible to the masses.   These figures all leveraged their unique qualities to create a great American legacy that will endure for generations.  If only we had that type of special talent.  If only we could make that kind of impact on this world.

But the fact is that everyone has their special thing.  Some hidden talent, quirky ritual, or endearing quality that contributes to their unique character.  They may never appear on the cover of Time Magazine, but they are no less influential in their local circles.   I have one friend who passes out Christmas Wreath stickers everywhere he goes around the holidays.  Who doesn’t get a kick out of that?  Another friend’s father walks around with silver dollar coins and pulls them “out of the ear” of bewildered children who need cheering up.  Classic!  Still another friend makes sandwiches and passes them out to unsuspecting homeless people throughout the city.  Now that is making a difference!  Your thing could be much simpler.  A snorting laugh (you know who you are),  an oft-repeated tagline (“Let’s roll, dawgs!”), a slightly annoying yet somehow endearing habit (fist bump!), or a fanatic allegiance to a team (Is that guy really wearing a Babe Laufenberg jersey?).  These quirky qualities are not necessarily prerequisites for fame and fortune.  They may not get you into an Ivy League School or ensure a job in the corner office.  But they represent genuine personality and understated charm that make you unique and memorable.  All of those qualities bring a little bit of joy to a small corner of the community and collectively help make this world a better place.  We should all take the time to appreciate these qualities.

But issues can arise when we suffer a setback and begin to feel less confident about our standing in the world.  We question our quirky, unique qualities and wonder why we can’t be like everyone else.  We start thinking more about conformity and less about our true personality.  If we can think more strategically and less emotionally, maybe the client will take notice.  If we ditch our American Flag tie and white shoes for a blue blazer and loafers, maybe management will take us more seriously.  If we stop playing with reckless abandon on the athletic field and stay under control, maybe we gain more favor from the coach.  Maybe.  But emotion might be your thing.  Those white, “Uncle Eddie” shoes might be your thing.  Playing like an animal might be your thing.  Your quirks and your idiosyncrasies may handicap you at various points in your life.  But that is your true nature.  That is the authentic charm and talent you are bringing into this world.  You cannot hide from it.   You do not want to hide from it.  Your unique talents and personality will get back on your feet in troubled times.  Let someone else worry about being “perfect”.  Let someone else worry about trying to impress the mainstream.  Stay true to your character and embrace the thing that makes you unique!

Always remember that you are absolutely unique.  Just like everybody else. –Margaret Meade

So go ahead and send out that ridiculous Christmas Card every year.  Go ahead and salute during the National Anthem.  Go ahead and play an entire round of golf with only a 7-iron.  Your thing has gotten you this far in life.  Stick with it in the difficult times.  Stick with it when  no one seems to have your back.  You may not realize it, but the world is starving for your own unique and endearing qualities.  Go ahead and do your thing!

Until next week, keep smiling!