Loved reading this one Tim! Particularly the section on embracing your weird. As a coach I've had many clients surprised to find that a critical key to being effective as a leader is self-awareness and embracing who you are, rather than fitting your head into the box society provides for us. I've always loved a quote from George Bernard Shaw "The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man.”
Great question - a first response would be I've had to embrace my own weird as for many years that's how I successfully managed, and frequently leveraged, the rollercoaster ride of ADHD before it was even a thing. I'm able to deep-focus for long periods of time, then pay the price with squirrel-focus for several days. It's been an absolute blessing in professional coaching where focus is essential.
Outside of that, having spent almost four decades in England and then the last couple in Canada, culturally I really don't 'fit' in either. I've found embracing my difference to have advantages also.
So when you're pitching 'embrace your weird' I really get it and can truly attest to the value of welcoming difference!
LOVE this one!! It “gets” people like myself! Great writing and sooo true! Im 65 abd widh I could have had your courage earlier! You’re a great human being!!
Dreaming is a must. Once 20 year old me told a recruitment manager during an interview that my ultimate goal is to build a business empire. I still dream about building it... not sure yet how but i want to achieve something like that... i hope i can get myself somewhere atleast with this dream...
- What I read (lots of philosophy, mysticism and theology, history, psychology, and political theory)
- I actually and unapologetically talk about those topics in the context of marketing and writing practices with my clients
- Just as likely to be listening to avant garde or experimental music as Taylor Swift or Beyoncé
- Blue hair, at least for now, in an often very conservative industry (finance)
I'm sure there's more. I don't apologize for any of it and I think it draws the right clients to me—they know it signals they will get thoughtful, creative, and committed work even in really difficult topics or situations, even if the specific quirks don't resonate. That was why the weirdness section of your piece was my favorite, but honestly, I thought all of it was fantastic.
'Even if you don’t reach your delusional goal, you’ll still get further by having it.". This hits home. Thanks for giving me something I didn't know I needed. You made a difference. That's awesome! Great post
I survived a long damn illness by learning - early on - to never apologize. I learned how to do anther “A” word instead. Advocate. All The Time. I exceeded surviving - and got my organ transplant at one of THE hospitals in the US.
And now I’m ready for a 5-year challenge. In writing. I’m doing it and signing up for your master class. You’ve inspired me for years. I’m in!
I'm sure you will become a bestselling author. And love this quote 'If you’re willing to suck at anything for 100 days in a row, you can beat most people at most things. The bar for excellence has never been so low' – Alex Hormozi
Who knows! But I like this one: "Set an alarm for your bedtime instead of your wake-up time. It’s a tiny little hack that I think will do you a lot of good.” The thing is I think I might end up staying in bed all day.😄
Arguably your best post yet. Thanks Tim.
You made my day Martin. Thank you.
I'm very happy to hear that , Tim. Virtual high-five etc😊
Loved reading this one Tim! Particularly the section on embracing your weird. As a coach I've had many clients surprised to find that a critical key to being effective as a leader is self-awareness and embracing who you are, rather than fitting your head into the box society provides for us. I've always loved a quote from George Bernard Shaw "The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man.”
One of my all time favourite quotes Alan.
How are you weird?
Great question - a first response would be I've had to embrace my own weird as for many years that's how I successfully managed, and frequently leveraged, the rollercoaster ride of ADHD before it was even a thing. I'm able to deep-focus for long periods of time, then pay the price with squirrel-focus for several days. It's been an absolute blessing in professional coaching where focus is essential.
Outside of that, having spent almost four decades in England and then the last couple in Canada, culturally I really don't 'fit' in either. I've found embracing my difference to have advantages also.
So when you're pitching 'embrace your weird' I really get it and can truly attest to the value of welcoming difference!
A
Alan check out ADHD Jesse on twitter/X. You'll love his stuff. Squirrel focus is a new phrase I will save too.
LOVE this one!! It “gets” people like myself! Great writing and sooo true! Im 65 abd widh I could have had your courage earlier! You’re a great human being!!
It's never too late to change Susan, don't you think?
You are right! I am going to stop apologizing! By the way, I think your perspective in life is fabulous! 😎
Dreaming is a must. Once 20 year old me told a recruitment manager during an interview that my ultimate goal is to build a business empire. I still dream about building it... not sure yet how but i want to achieve something like that... i hope i can get myself somewhere atleast with this dream...
Start today Madiha. Just build a side business outside of your job. Is that possible?
Yes, Tim. It is possible, and i am taking the steps forward. Just messed up a little but i know this is expected when building up from scratch.
This post really inspired me, especially the part of being unapologetically weird!
That was the goal Christopher. Weirdness is a good thing. How are you weird?
A few things:
- What I read (lots of philosophy, mysticism and theology, history, psychology, and political theory)
- I actually and unapologetically talk about those topics in the context of marketing and writing practices with my clients
- Just as likely to be listening to avant garde or experimental music as Taylor Swift or Beyoncé
- Blue hair, at least for now, in an often very conservative industry (finance)
I'm sure there's more. I don't apologize for any of it and I think it draws the right clients to me—they know it signals they will get thoughtful, creative, and committed work even in really difficult topics or situations, even if the specific quirks don't resonate. That was why the weirdness section of your piece was my favorite, but honestly, I thought all of it was fantastic.
Man I love this. Blue hair while working in finance? Now that's what I call interesting. I tip my hat to you Christopher.
'Even if you don’t reach your delusional goal, you’ll still get further by having it.". This hits home. Thanks for giving me something I didn't know I needed. You made a difference. That's awesome! Great post
No probs at all.
I survived a long damn illness by learning - early on - to never apologize. I learned how to do anther “A” word instead. Advocate. All The Time. I exceeded surviving - and got my organ transplant at one of THE hospitals in the US.
And now I’m ready for a 5-year challenge. In writing. I’m doing it and signing up for your master class. You’ve inspired me for years. I’m in!
Awesome Dana. Can you tell us more about your organ transplant? Or link me to the story? This sounds like a fascinating story.
Always enjoy find inspiration ✨️
Hell yeah
I'm sure you will become a bestselling author. And love this quote 'If you’re willing to suck at anything for 100 days in a row, you can beat most people at most things. The bar for excellence has never been so low' – Alex Hormozi
I won't give up without a fight Jane. Hormozi has so many good quotes. Do you reckon he uses a ghostwriter?
Who knows! But I like this one: "Set an alarm for your bedtime instead of your wake-up time. It’s a tiny little hack that I think will do you a lot of good.” The thing is I think I might end up staying in bed all day.😄
So YOU'RE the one who pissed on the airplane toilet seat!
It was an accident haha
Hee hee
Enjoy so much of what your write, this one really stood out. Authentic and honest. Thanks Tim
Thanks so much. I never get tired of trying to inspire people.
Sorry, Tim, but what if I'm Canadian?
Jokes aside, thank you for reminding me it's okay to be delusional. Love reading your writing as always
I knew someone would make that comment Chet.
What is bad is when they take trade secrets and worse, when they start bad mouthing your company and you have to decide how to handle it.
We are talking about people who essentially are willing to self-destruct & try to take you down with them.
This is business Bo. Every good pursuit has it's challenges and we all have to overcome sharks. It's not a unique problem so best just to accept it.
Never apologize for building your own thing, I think this is essential advice in 2023. Enjoyed reading this one, Tim
Cheers Anthony and always appreciate your support.
We get frustrated as people... And when we do the last thing we want to hear is someone telling us off about it.
Thanks for agreeing with us and calming our high temperature when we were p-ed over something from the list.
No probs Nina. Frustration is often free motivation.
I had a long years full of motivation it means.
Great stuff!! Apply all!! "Do you!" Is the best one!!
Cheers Anthony