8 Lessons Learned from Thomas Magnum
(444 words, 3.5 minute read)
Listen to your inner voice/your gut: We don’t listen to our intuition enough, which is odd because our gut has always been with us through our experiences. Why are we so quick to look outside ourselves for a solution? Could we be further down our amazing life’s path if we listened to our intuition?
Be both a generalist and a specialist: There is much debate about which is better. In America, we tend to side more with the specialist, but there is magic in being a generalist. Generalists see the big picture and context in the world, and specialists focus on the micro view of life. Being both could make you a well-rounded and productive member of society.
Know when to stand your ground and when to take cover: It is courageous to be willing to put your life on the line for something you believe in, but true wisdom comes from knowing when to seek cover behind a wall. Assessing each situation quickly to determine what course of action is needed is indeed a life lesson.
Even odd jobs are important; do the best you can: We are programmed to think big and have big, hairy, audacious goals, but we are rarely shown all the little steps and small tasks needed to achieve those goals. We lose sight of the fact that washing the dishes does have everything to do with the bigger picture. Everything we do is necessary; if we choose, those decisions can point us in the right direction for achieving our goals.
Have a crew who are up for an adventure but also keep you in line: No matter what industry you work in or where you are in life, it is good to have a select few around you that you know will be willing to play your “reindeer games” and still call you on your bullshit. We don’t live and work in a vacuum.
Don’t take yourself seriously all the time: There is so much to laugh at or at least smile at in this world. Focus on your work with the seriousness of life or death, but at the end of the day, look up and around and find something good and fun in the world. It’s out there if you try; it is just waiting for you.
Drive a brightly colored car and go fast: Okay, Pumpkin isn’t the same as a Ferrari, but she has better ground clearance on dirt roads.
Have a cool, upbeat theme song that a marching band can play: I don’t have one thus far, but here are three of my favorites that speak to me for different reasons.
The Fray, Love Don’t Die. https://youtu.be/WptxUWvrINQ?si=fitAe6Y57nU__1iC
Gnarls Barkley, Smiley Faces. https://youtu.be/1ehSeYOr51E?si=hrGfq4PawJidvCFM
Sara Bareilles, Brave. https://youtu.be/QUQsqBqxoR4?si=cxrBFJpJKUqnP6H2
