Smokey Maverick

Now I’m not here to get all Matt Foley on you, but I’ve got the 3 parameters needed to track down and tackle that elusive happiness that we’re all pursuing. Nevermind that I obtained the keys to a content existence from a nationally syndicated sports radio host; a thought provoking point is still a thought provoking point. The 3 key attributes came up in regards to Dick Vitale’s induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame, and how his possession of these attributes have aided Vitale in his successful career and life. What was broadcasted that day stuck in my head, for whatever reason, where it has been stewing for the past few months; and the more I think about it, the more I have to agree – these 3 attributes are paramount to a happy, successful life:

Energy: Talk about a buzz word that’s at the forefront of our current times. However we aren’t talking about one of Barry Obama’s favorite topics in the way he talks about it – no, we are referring to the energy that you yourself exhibit in your life, day in and day out. A barometer I keep coming back to using to measure these attributes is to find examples in my life and past experiences (or just think of good ole Dickie V). Think about it: How many successful, joyful people do you know that mope around? When was the last time you accomplished something noteworthy while going at it half-assed? Granted, part of this site is dedicated to slowing down and enjoying life, but there wouldn’t be much to enjoy or reflect upon if you aren’t living your life to 11.

Attitude: Yep, appears that those cheesy posters you flicked spitwads at in elementary school had some truth to them after all. Deal with the hand you’re dealt. It’s not always a good hand, but you plow your way through it and eventually get a new hand dealt your way. Go ahead, you can insert your own personal favorite “chin up, sunny boy!” analogy here.

Passion: Now, unlike the previous two, we are not as in control of this attribute. While attitude and passion are similar, there is one glaring difference: you can effectively alter your attitude, but your passion is something innate in your personality, buried much deeper. The good news is, finding something that you are passionate about, drastically decreases the amount of effort you’ll have to invest in both your energy and attitude. Malcolm Gladwell reinforces this point in his book Outliers : “Hard work is a prison sentence only if it does not have meaning.” The bad news is, it’s not always easy to find what you are truly passionate about – and this is what many of us get hung up on. But fear not, for a 3-bulleted post clearly explaining how to find what you are most passionate about will be, er, coming, um, soon…

And that’s all there is to it folks. Agree? Disagree? Agree to disagree? Think tact is more important? Found a delicious new type of hummus that is not getting enough press? Then fire away in the comments section and don’t be shy.

Now how to end such a potent, powerful entry? Cue campy cutaway; The next time you’re belting out Tom Petty’s, Running Down a Dream, <gag>sing it a little louder, knowing full well that you now hold the tools to capture all of your dreams</gag>!

Tags:   Lewbowski Easter Egg · Matt Foley · pursuing happiness5 Comments