What Would Jim Do? A Tribute to Saying Yes When It Matters Most
Photo by Aa Di
You say NO to life, and therefore you’re not living.
– Terence Stamp, Yes Man
A friend of mine passed away earlier this year. He was young, kind, and led a quiet but extraordinary life. If you knew him, you loved him, and his name was Jim. Jim was accomplished in so many ways, and most of us had no idea. At his celebration of life, many came up to tell their stories about him, and each became more surprising than the last. He was a certified massage therapist. He made 15 documentary films … all profitable. He built the house he was living in. He was a helicopter pilot. He spoke Russian. He wrote multiple books, including a bestseller. He played Division One college football and earned a Rose Bowl ring. He applied to be in the FBI. He held 3 world records … and many other things.. And the amazing thing is, not one person knew all his accomplishments, because he didn’t go around bragging to people about them. His modesty may have been his most extraordinary trait.
But he was a YES to life, and he continues to inspire me today.
Also at the gathering, another friend, Scott, challenged us all to go do that thing we’ve been afraid to do. He said that’s what Jim would have wanted.
Since Jim’s passing, I notice how many opportunities I’ve postponed or said NO to. Now, I’m in the habit of asking myself, “What Would Jim Do?” And the answer is, “He’d say YES!” … so that’s what I’ve started to do, and I invite you to join me.
In April, I played a guitar/singing open mic night for the first time and even did a Bob Dylan song in Jim’s honor. It was not good, but I did it, and it was so thrilling, I’m looking forward to doing it again.
More recently, I said YES again. A dear friend of mine asked me to participate in a dance contest to support Parkinson’s disease research. I typically reserve my dancing for when no one's looking, so I’m a bit stressed about it, but invigorated by the mission.
This week’s Fundamental is SERVICE IS EXPONENTIAL, and I’m suggesting that “Saying YES” is an Act of Service. There’s inspiration all around us, and how much do we pay attention to it? I challenge you to be inspired and inspire others.
QUICK STORY:
The dance studio where I’m practicing has a focus on the special needs community. As I was leaving my first lesson, a couple of instructors were pleading with a young special needs woman to come inside for her lesson. Tears were streaming down her face. She was clearly terrified, but she wasn’t leaving. It was a cute but painful scene. But also inspiring, because during my next lesson, there she was, dancing her heart out with a huge smile on her face. Watching her gave me and my two left feet confidence.
You may have heard of the movie, Yes Man. It’s one of these rare movies I put into a category called Secret Transformational Mainstream Movies. Similar to Groundhog Day with Bill Murray, Yes Man’s star Jim Carrey evolves into his higher Self, all with a fun, comedic tone. I tend to watch it about once each year.
We’ve all had movies, books, or people in our lives that have caused a significant and positive impact on our lives. Is it possible you could be that for someone else? If you could, would that be a worthy act of service?
Have you ever said YES to something and then shortly after thought, “Oh boy … what have I gotten myself into!”
How did it turn out?
What was gained?
Was anything actually lost?
You never know who’s watching.
You never know who you might inspire.
Go do the hard thing.
Go do the thing that might make you look foolish.
Say YES!
By the way, here is:
Fundamental of the Week #8: SERVICE IS EXPONENTIAL
We are in business to make a difference wherever we touch lives – with clients, each other, and our communities. We serve the greater good by helping people have more satisfying, productive interactions, and that service has an exponential effect.
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