I came across this video several years ago while writing a speech for my client.
The moment I saw it, I knew it perfectly illustrated the point we were trying to get across.
It offers insight into what can happen when you’re stuck in a difficult situation and a way forward doesn't seem immediately clear.
You know what I mean, right?
'Just move, you asshole', I hear you whispering.
I am with you on this, trust me.
Well, most problems aren't hard to solve.
That is, if you are not involved in the situation.
But, in a state of helplessness, your judgement gets easily clouded and your emotions can screw up your decisions.
You get angry
You get frustrated.
When that hapens, you are unable to see the stairs are there and all you have to do is walk right off the escalator.
So, what to do when you are stranded on a broken escalator, unable to get where you want to go?
It is simple.
It is so simple that you can call it common sense.
But I guarantee you it is not common in school, it is not common in business and it is not common in life.
If you are stuck, get unstuck.
I know, change is painful, but, trust me, nothing is as painful as staying stuck somewhere you don't belong.
So, don’t dig in.
Take a high ground and detach.
Do not dwell on the past.
To hell with school, a lousy project or yet another pointless meeting. Who cares? (A hint: Nobody)
Stop making excuses.
Stop whining, nobody’s listening.
Smile.
Recalibrate.
Adjust.
Move on.
Ideas are shit. Execution is the game.
FFS, don’t wait to get picked.
Pick yourself instead.
Speak up.
Stand out.
It’s your turn. And it has always been.
PS. Think of Mitch Hedber when he says ' An escalator can never break: it can only become stairs. You should never see an "Escalator Temporarily Out Of Order" sign, just "Escalator Temporarily Stairs. Sorry for the convenience."'
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