encouragement

Happy New Year!!! Glad to be back in the saddle again. I took a much needed break over the holidays and I’m back! While relaxing and catching up on movies, shows, and documentaries, I watched for the second time, OJ: Made in America. I remember vividly, the actual trial while in high school. One of the most prominent figures of that controversial trial was, Johnnie Cochran. This is not a post to share my specific opinion on the events of the crime, trial, or outcome. I want to specifically focus on the sound bite of Johnnie Cochran.

The most contentious part of the trial, was the famous closing statement of the defense namely, Johnnie. If it doesn’t fit, you must acquit…I remember it like it was yesterday. I want to take that statement out of the vile context of a criminal trial and use it for impact for what I’m about to say. It’s a new year AGAIN and most Americans are still unhappy with their work. How much time must you waste to pursue your passion and do the work that makes you happy and fulfilled?

I want to encourage all of you, “If it doesn’t fit, you must acquit,” Johnnie Cochran. Free yourself from the bondage of just collecting a paycheck. All of my posts to this point have been about how you can skillfully maneuver through your career and techniques on how to maximize your potential and achieve success. It doesn’t matter if you have goals or resolutions if you are not complimenting them with hard work and tenacity. If you don’t see yourself growing, becoming an adequate fit for the company culture, maintaining healthy relationships with clients (internal and external), etc. then it’s about time pursue other avenues. I’m all about making things work and being loyal but loyalty doesn’t stand a chance against a company’s bottom line, insatiably, or misguided leadership.

Typically, I’d have a few key takeaways for next steps. In this case, I just want you to be FREE. What are you going to do to create the path to your purpose and not just collect a paycheck?

scarefest-1

I get so excited when speaking with people about their careers and how to make that next move, I would literally do it for FREE (I’m not, but I would think about it lol). I take my years of experience and knowledge of my craft to help build confidence or “hype” the person up so to speak because hey, we all need a “hype man.” Let me explain who the “hype man” is for the sake of this post.

Typically, in hip hop culture or even sports (i.e. boxing) you have someone or even a group in front of and behind the scenes pumping you up, encouraging you and basically filling in when you need to take a breath. Flavor Flav made his career being a permanent hype man alongside Public Enemy (I know, not the best behavior off the stage but you get my drift). In everyday life we all need influences to lend an ear, speak positive words, and be supportive. When looking for opportunities it can become discouraging because of long timeframes, limited responses, and people telling you no. It’s important to weed out negativity to prevent it from creating a situation of despair. Here are a few recommendations that might help:

Surround yourself with positive and encouraging people
Manage thoughts of negativity and block negative thoughts from others, no exception
Ensure your “hype man” has genuine motives
Create a goal-oriented environment of peace and productivity

We’d love to hear what strategies you use to keep a positive circle in the comments below.

If it doesn’t fit…

Motivational Monday: You Need a Hype Man!