If the journey is difficult then you know there is a higher probability the result will be remarkable.
Try It
Remarkable
Change Please
My daughter was riven a two-dollar bill as change for a recent transaction at the movie theater. The bill suddenly became more precious to her than the value assigned by the United States Treasury. The two-dollars will be put somewhere for safe-keeping, displayed as art, and not be used as intended (at least for a while). Receiving change was expected, how it was delivered became the story she is telling. The how in life can make all the difference. Art and storytelling erupt when everyday interactions are delivered remarkably.
The Gift of Apprenticeships
One of the greatest gifts each of us can offer is an apprenticeship to somebody inspired by our art. Not an internship that is limited to low-level job assignments and the hope that the intern absorbs the culture by osmosis. Rather, a dedicated opportunity to amplify a passion; to be granted hands on opportunities and game time exposure.
As a former Emergency Medical Technician, no amount of training on a simulator manikin could prepare me for a call. Training helped me familiarize myself with the equipment and procedures but inevitably an actually response challenged all my assumptions. Driving snowstorm, language barriers, combative patients, and precarious locations all needed to be experienced. Medical emergencies seemed destine to happen in the most challenging settings. Only with repeated opportunities to respond did my skill set improve.
Consider that many business schools are now foregoing theoretical case studies in place of apprenticeships with companies. The theory is that the MBA students will work on actual projects that benefit the company and a performance stepping-stone when they graduate. An apprenticeship offers an applicant a dramatically different answer to the question, ‘what experience do you have?’
When we reflect on our journey there are people we learned significantly more from than others. Many of those individuals were enthusiastic enough to offer us spot on the stage to experience the spotlight and a real audience.
Making It Possible
When you believe in something and are willing to stand out on the edge with your passion, you are remarkable. Consider what John and Hank Green have done with their “Crash Course” YouTube channel. It changes the way I think about history (and I was a history major).
Remarkable
Somedays the weather does not cooperate and the itinerary appears lost. You may choose to move forward as planned in anticipation of adventure. The moment expectations and preconceived ideas are abandoned we encounter the serendipity of inspirational moments. Life unfolds around every corner and each meter forward is an achievement, building an always expanding definition of success. When we obsess the summit we miss the endless transformations that take place on the way towards the top. Remarkable is not what we achieve but instead how we journey forward.
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| Monte Grappa, Italia |
Do Your Art
Whatever your super power we need you to do it more often, otherwise we never see remarkable.
The Mean One Who We Love
When we push the boundaries far to the edges of the creative spectrum we are remarkable, even years later. Dr. Seuss would have been 109 today. His work continues to be a high watermark for young readers and adults who thrive on the simple philosophical prose of a his fantasy world. Had Dr. Seus trended towards normal, his impact would have been minimized. Instead we recognize his iconic characters and celebrate his artistry which is passed among generations.
Average
If you are waiting for potential fans to find you, I hope you have unlimited texting and a cup of coffee. There are too many groups who have set-up a table and hope to manipulate a few transactions. The good news is that there are very few who are out performing their art and standing out as remarkable.
First or Remarkable
Being the biggest, most popular, and possessing the greatest range of features does not make you remarkable. It is a reflection of your ranking as a commodity. Being the first name recommended by those who share your passion is remarkable.
Landmark
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| Sun Valley Resort |
Is your enterprise the landmark in your community? In these days of specialization, being the signature organization is a reasonable goal. Too often we use other causes as a landmark to direct people to our organization. How often do we say, ‘we are next to ____’ Or, ‘we are like ____ but just smaller.’ Why not have a goal to be the landmark in your sector? What would it take to be the reference point for others?
