viking fridays – the worst sickness.
August 8, 2008
“The worst sickness for a wise man is to crave what he cannot enjoy.”
The line has stayed with me since I first quoted it from The Hávamál in burn the boats. Many hours I have spent thinking about it, thinking about my place in life, and how I got to where I am now.
When I started this blog, I intended to write (mostly) inspirational pieces about life change, as I went through it myself, and with a little luck perhaps inspire someone else to think about doing the same. I believe I’ve been successful in both regards.
An unintended but very welcome side effect for me has been that as I’ve explored some of these things, I’ve come to know myself much better than I did at the beginning of my journey.
How did I get to where I am now? Well, that is a result of choices, and that is how all of us arrived at our current locations. Sometimes choices are made for us, yet, we can react to them and make our own choices to adjust the course of the boat, so to speak.
Probably the most important thing I’ve learned, and that I would like to pass on, is tied in with the quotation above. In spite of all I’ve written here, I know that I’ve ignored some of my deepest inner feelings and passions for a long time, for too long. I’ve worked in an area that isn’t particularly suited to me, and I arrived there due to my own choices.
“…the fact is that you are where you are and what you are because that’s what you have chosen. You can do amazing things with your life, but nobody else can change your situation for you. It’s entirely up to you.”
I refuse to waste any more time. Time to choose another path, steer the boat in another direction. And once at my destination, set it ablaze.
(I’ll continue to work where I am for now, as I build my boat, of course. Mrs. Viking and the little Viklings wouldn’t be happy if I got crazy with the torch just yet. But I’d better get going on it, everyone’s probably tired of hearing about it!)
So what was it that I’ve been ignoring? Well, I suppose that those who know me know I like the productivity side of things, and more importantly, I like technology and computers. A lot.
Which may be the understatement of the century.
Strange how things just seemed to line up. I was sitting back with a glass of wine, observing a few things one night (thanks Kelly), and I noticed on my Feedburner stats that the largest spike of external traffic I’d ever received since starting this blog was over the few days I was commenting on Melissa’s post A is for Apple.
Imagine that – I comment about one of my deepest passions on someone else’s blog, and BOOM.
Hence the picture – the “WUNDERBAR!” moment. I’m not sure if anyone remembers the commercial with the Vikings finding the treasure chest full of Wunderbars, but they get all crazy and start screaming “WUNDERBAR!” I couldn’t find it on YouTube unfortunately…
Something I’d been sitting on some time was an idea for a productivity consulting business with a heavy technical flavour. I assembled my notes and sent them to a good friend for a critical evaluation. I’m sure that it is full of holes, but that’s okay. I plan to fill in those holes. And another good friend of mine has been kicking me in the ass for what must be years to do this.
I will offer my own unique spin on it that will provide value, because no one else can do what I can do, as well as I can do it. The same applies to all of you, by the way – no one else can do what you can do, as well as you can do it. Don’t forget that.
That is just the beginning of course, as success in this area would give geographical freedom to pursue another plan more effectively. It just all seems to click. And I will still be able to work on my books, and other hobbies. Beautiful.
Am I a wise man? I don’t know. But I have had this sickness inside for a long time, this craving. I’ve been eating dog food now for a little while – it sure is tasty, and I’m still really hungry.
More to follow soon, here and at another great blog (which I’ll leave as a surprise – I’ll let the creator of that blog unleash it to the world).
Brett I love it that you are boldly displaying your dream for others to witness. Yes you are correct, there is something(s) that only you can do. That’s the sweet spot we all must continue searching for so we can hit it out of the park when we see it.
Along these same lines of thought I’ve had a ball considering Jim Collin’s Hedgehog concept in his book, From Good to Great. He found that companies who sustained profit over time had three factors that they paid attention to. One of them was this. What could you be best in the world at? Not what do you want to be best in the world at. So ask that question while thinking about your productivity idea.
Ask it often. What can I be best in the world at?
Tom Volkar / Delightful Work’s last blog post..“Whatever” Sucks – Commitment Rocks
Hah. YAHHH….WUNDERBARRRRR! (I remember that commercial well).
Never have a group of Vikings had more influence on chocolate bar sales.
Friar’s last blog post..My Favorite Touron (*) Moments
Brett, my kilted wonder friend, may I just share that my eyes are filled with tears of joy! Your words thrilled me and even as I rejoice that you have had your WUNDERBAR moment, I noted that you passed a bit on to us as well. I am so happy for you and once again fired up about my own passion. I am way too emotional to make sense but I’ll be back later. Whoo hoo! CAN and WILL!
@Tom,
Thank you. I suppose if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that public accountability works well, so if I share it, how can I not do it?
I like what you’ve written here and will think hard about it – that really is the angle of approach, isn’t it.
“What can I be best in the world at?”
Find the answer to that question, and you’re on your way.
@Friar,
I wish I could have found a video of the commercial! I can picture it in my head…
@Karen,
Yes, can and will – oh, you make sense, don’t worry! And thank you my friend for all you do.
PS – everyone go check out Karen’s new blog – what a theme!
@Brett and Karen
Oboy…after you pouring your heart out, and after reading Karen’s heartfelt comments, and seeing how deeply you touched her…
…do my smart-ass comments about the Wunderbar commercial ever seem LAME by comparison!
(Okay…I’ll go away now…tail between my legs!)
Friar’s last blog post..My Favorite Touron (*) Moments
@Friar,
No way man! You have to WUNDERBAR and jump for joy, don’t run away – that’s why I linked to the TechnoViking!
Be true to yourself, if nothing else – if you came here and were all serious, I’d call 911 – I’d know you had a fever or something…
Brett,
I can not count the number of friends and clients who’ve said that a friend or relative inadvertently showed them their passion–so much so that I recommend talking to friends and family to see if they know what you’re supposed to be doing!
Melissa’s post–I remember reading it when it first went up and there were only a couple of comments, I went back and read it again after you and I “talked” yesterday, and I was wowed, too, by how easily you dig right into the tech stuff and how simply you explain it. That ease is a real strength of yours, whether here or in a new venture. You never come across as stuffy or preachy–or overly wonky, either. Just *real.*
Keep searching. It’s one of the most compelling things about 6 Weeks. I learn by watching you dig into yourself so unflinchingly.
Regards,
Kelly
Kelly’s last blog post..Observing a Dead Mouse
@Kelly
Friends and family. Hmmmm… Depends on who you talk to.
I have a pretty great family, but they’re not always supportive.
I realize it’s not malicious. Yes, I know they love me. They mean well, they want what’s “best for me”.
…but sometimes there are so many comments from the “Peanut Gallery”, I get discouraged. As a result, I keep quiet and dont’ share as much with them anymore.
My watercolor paintings, for example. My folks and siblings would expect great work every time.
So whenever I made a painting that wasnt’ perfect, the minor flaws would be instantly pointed out. I might even be told “No, it’s not your best work”. I almost started believing I was painting badly.
Yet other people would tell me the same painting was great, and they’d pay $$$$ for it.
My solution? I just dont’ show my family my paintings anymore. Why bother?
I think that’s the secret there. Surround yourself with postive criticism. Avoid negativity….it only drags you down, and who needs it?
Friar’s last blog post..My Favorite Touron (*) Moments
Friar,
“Supportive” and “know your strengths” are not the same thing. *sigh* Believe me, I know that well.
“Positive criticism.” That ought to be a business name. LOVE it.
Have I told you yet today that you are quite brilliant?
Not since yesterday, I believe…
Until later,
Kelly
Kelly’s last blog post..Observing a Dead Mouse
@Kelly
Aww..shucks. Thanks (blushing AGAIN!)
That’s why I like hanging out with all you guys. I get more support here than I do from anywhere else.
You’re quite brililant too, by the way.
Friar’s last blog post..My Favorite Touron (*) Moments
Haven’t got a lot of time to comment, but wanted to congratulate you Brett! It takes a lot of courage to take the first step. You have listened to the signs the universe is showing you, and you listened to them. Now that you acted on them, you’ve set things in motion in an unimaginable way. Your path will unfold before you, taking you place you would never have imagined.
Hmm, reading that back makes it a little more new-agey than I intended. But you get my drift.
PS. Newton said it too in his 1st law: Every object in a state of uniform motion tends to remain in that state of motion unless an external force is applied to it.. You’ve applied a force on your life path, and you’ve changed the state of motion you’re in. As long as you don’t apply new forces, that’s the direction you’ll go
PSS. This is a rather long comment for someone with little time. Have to run now!
Lodewijk’s last blog post..ZenToDoodlist
Did you know that WUNDERBAR is only available in Canada currently? You can’t even find it on Cadbury’s Canadian website. When a friend visited from Toronto last month, she brought me over two WUNDERBARs as part of my birthday present.
Best. Present. Ever.
Yay to the WUNDERBAR moment. That is the best FEELING ever.
Cheers,
Alex
Alex Fayle’s last blog post..The Blog is Dead! Long Live the Blog!
“No one else can do what you can do, as well as you can do it. Don’t forget that.”
Absolutely beautiful, Brett! I think this is something that most writers, and artists for that matter, forget. At least I have trouble thinking at times that my writing matters at all, since there is an army of writers out there that can do the same thing. This leads many to lose hope, and stop trying to be what they want to be. But a gentle reminder like this is enough to remind those who doubt what they truly are, and where they want to go. It is enough to rekindle that flame that will guide their path, and eventually, burn their boat.
Nathan Egelhof’s last blog post..An Unexpected Source of Love
@Kelly,
That’s just the thing – after much thought, it is time to start listening to them and explore this talent and passion of mine.
And the rest of what you wrote – simply, thank you my friend. Another good friend of mine (who is coming to visit me tonight) had said something similar a few years ago, that I could explain this stuff easily. Maybe that *is* my true strength in this area.
I’ve always believed that you can explain any concept to a 5-year old in 5 minutes, and if you can’t, your concept is bull…
I will keep searching, and I will find.
@Friar,
That’s right – positive (and constructive) criticism. There are ways to do that, and I try to do it with my kids, even.
And Kelly’s right – you’re so clever, it’s scary. Borrowing what Tom said above, when you figure out what you are the very best in the world at, watch out world.
@Lode,
Thank you for your support, my friend. Paulo’s quote fits here very well, new-agey or not. Listening to the signs, to what is inside of you.
And Newton – perfect. Things are in motion for sure, and will keep moving.
@Alex,
I did not know that! I guess we’re lucky then to have them in Splat Creek. Awesome chocolate bars…
Hey, you could always ask your blogging friends to mail you a few.
I’m looking forward to yet more WUNDERBAR moments – many more to come.
@Nathan,
Thank you for saying that – I have truly come to believe those words. We all have something unique to contribute, that has an effect on the universe that no one other person can do.
Keep that torch burning. No matter how many writers, or painters, or musicians or whatever are out there, your words, painting, songs are uniquely yours and no one else can create them the way that you do. So there is definitely a place for you in the world.
Canadian Favourites ships worldwide but I refrain from doing that as I would be quite large!
http://69.49.179.204/URLrewrite.asp?404;http://www.canadianfavourites.com:80/Cadbury_Wunderbar_p/cadbury008.htm&Redirected=Y
Alex Fayle’s last blog post..The Blog is Dead! Long Live the Blog!
@Alex,
I’ll have to remember that once “Project Kiwi” reaches completion
and the trick to not getting large (if I can stick to it) is lots of barefoot running and kettlebell swinging!
(That’s a really cool site – price is good too, cheaper to buy a case of 24 than to buy them one at a time at the local store!)
@Brett, I’m not surprised a lot of folks clicked through to your site from your comments at Writing Forward. You definitely know your stuff and it shows; your comments were extremely helpful and informative. In fact you taught me more in those comments that I was able to obtain by Googling some of the issues I was having with making the Mac switch.
Your idea is fabulous and I will be cheering you on as you take steps toward building your new virtual dream house.
(oh, and thanks for the linky link!)
Melissa Donovan’s last blog post..A Story for a Song
@Brett-Hold this passion in your heart and if it ever wanes, just look at all of your friends here who are eager to fan the flames.
I have no doubt, none, that you will do it.
Hm, I have a strange craving for chocolate though….I blame you for that.
Again Viking on the loose, look out.
(Isn’t Karen’s new theme GORGEOUS!!!! ?)
Janice Cartier’s last blog post..Gentle Ripples in the Sand
Seems you and I are the exact same place in our lives. I too have a job that I arrived at through choices (which I do not question nor regret), but now I find it is not where I want to be. AT ALL! However, finances being what they are, I must remain there, at least for the time being (as painful as it is). But I have a plan, and that plan has been put in motion. Scary, but exciting. I wish you all the best on your new path!
Urban Panther’s last blog post..The toughest crowd yet
@Melissa,
Thank you very much, and I’m glad that I was able to help (feel free to email me any time if you need anything else). I believe, with some hard work and a razor sharp focus, that I can do something with it. Oh, and you’re welcome – I want people to go and check out what you’re doing at your blog – you have lots of great stuff there.
@Janice,
Oh, I will hold on to it. I’ll make, and remake it, until it is forged into something great. Yes, I’m guilty – in fact, when I was writing this post, I got hungry looking at the picture and had to go buy another Wunderbar…
@Urban Panther,
That is quite interesting, for sure – I would say the same, I’ve not regretted the choices I’ve made, and yet, something woke up inside of me and I know I have to change. Good luck – move forward with your plan, and you will succeed. We will succeed together.
I hope I’m not too late with my comments, Brett. I wish you all the best for your new path. Thank you for sharing your decision – I was deeply impressed when reading it.
And regarding “wunderbar” – we don’t know that in Germany (yet?), although “wunderbar” is a German word for “wonderful”.
Ulla Hennig’s last blog post..Water lilies
@Ulla,
Oh no, never too late! Comments are always welcome, any time – thank you for stopping in, and you’re welcome. I figure this is a great way to get started, to be accountable.
You might think the Wunderbar is wonderful, though the chocolate where you live is much, much better! Hey, nice photos at your blog – I especially like “The Grapes of Joy”.
(Subscribed!)
What a wunderbar Viking post. I’m sure by writing this blog you feel your passion more and more. I also know that you will get your boat sailing at some stages in your life very soon.
Keeping the dream alive and getting the support you do Brett is very important. All your Viking friends stand behind you in full force with your dreams and plans. BTW, I’m still waiting for your skype call, so consider this another kick up the ahem….bum.
Monika Mundell’s last blog post..8 Attributes Of An Olympic Mind Set
@Monika,
Consider my bum kicked then! And thanks for your support, my friend. I’ll find you online very soon (my friend Francis was here all weekend and many were the pints… I needed that!)
What can I say the others haven’t already said or felt? I too am so very excited for you! When I read your plan, I thought, *yes!* This makes complete sense. It *fits* you.
I think that when you realize what you love and pursue the idea of making a career out of it, and when you do it with intentions of helping others, people flock to you. It’s a natural reaction. Thus, I have nothing but confidence, like the others here, that you will succeed and ultimately find yourself in NZ, too!
I’m so glad you’ve shared this. Amazing things can happen when you divulge your hopes.
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined.” – Thoreau
steph’s last blog post..Plugging Back In
Steph,
Thank you my friend. Each day, I think about it, plan it, and am starting to do it of course. Something to take with me when we make the jump.
I agree with you – perhaps public accountability is the ultimate motivation and empowerment tool.
I made choices this weekend! I chose to go to DeKalb IL, I chose to get on my bike and I chose to ride 36 miles! They were my own choices and yet I still do not know how I feel about them. Maybe a little relief now that it’s over!
Jenny’s last blog post..I Did It!
Jenny,
GREAT! You did it once, and you can do it again. Stick with it and there’s nothing you cannot do.
Remember, if one person can do something, anyone can do it. And that means you can do it.
Congrats Brett!
I’m a little late to the party but I had a computer meltdown over the weekend. Fun, fun. (…technology and computers you say??)
It’s fantastic that you’re putting things in motion and just getting the vibe ‘out there’. Decide and take action…that’s all you have to do. We’re on parallel paths in a way and you inspire me. And the people you attract here inspire me with all their positivity. It’s really nice.
Venture forth and chop some heads!
Karen JL’s last blog post..Want Some Free Story Consulting?
@Karen JL,
Never are you late (and hey, a computer problem can keep anyone busy – yes, I could have helped you I suppose!)
I know what you mean – we’re all moving forward together and I’ve found by sharing with everyone here, the energy builds and pushes us even further.
Keep on moving – keep on chopping heads
Hi Brett – That is a wonderful side effect from blogging isn’t it? You set out to help others and you wind up getting to know yourself better too.
It’s brilliant that you’re moving towards what you’re passionate about. And I know there’s a lot of people on the Internet who’d benefit from a productivity consultation. So many freelancers seem to be struggling to market their business and get the work done at the same time and I bet they’d really benefit from your service.
Cath Lawson’s last blog post..Frugal or Flashy In Business – Who Wins?
Unfortunately I too remember that commercial quite well. In fact, I used to do a great imitation of the big Viking too! Have you ever noticed how interesting it is to hear someone speak about something he is passionated about? This is true even if you don’t share that passion yourself. To be passionate about something is the first step to success. The second is to have a great business plan…;-) LOL
Urbane Lion’s last blog post..I’m just a gigolo!
It’s so true. I thought I knew myself until I started writing. Now I think I MIGHT have a general IDEA.
@Cath,
I’m thinking (as per my comment on your other comment) that this is part of it. I’ll not be competing with Geek Squad any time soon. Then again, they are not my competition. I aim to be something much, much more.
@Urbane Lion,
That is so very true. I thought to myself many times, “what is it that I could speak endlessly about to people, to the point of boring them to tears? *That* is what I must do!”
So I know the passion, now to the business plan. And there are lots of people I’ve met out here who are kindly enough to give out free advice on what to do, and what not to do.
You know, your latest post is killer… I’m laughing pretty hard at that one, because I figure I’m a bit of a rogue too…
@Writer Dad,
Funny, isn’t it. I know my life’s greatest work will be my book, because the story is as much about me as it is about my wife and family.
Brett: I used to give conferences to would be entrepreneurs on the importance of a well built business plan. I would be more than happy to give you my 2-cents if you’d like. I even work not too far from you. Could meet at Moxie’s (you know, the place where the servers wear short skirts) for a Friday lunch. I have a table underneath the stairs!
Urbane Lion’s last blog post..I’m just a gigolo!
@Urbane Lion – ROGUE!!! SCAMP!!!
Urban Panther’s last blog post..He’s a scamp
UB: What the heck are you doing here? I was just male bonding with a fellow blogger.
Urbane Lion’s last blog post..I’m just a gigolo!
@Lion – well, so much for ‘branding’ our image. It’s UP…UP, sweetheart! Not UB. And our rule is we aren’t allowed to comment on each other’s posts. Each other’s comments on other sites is fair game. Didn’t you read the fine print?
Urban Panther’s last blog post..He’s a scamp
@Urbane Lion,
I would like to take you up on that offer actually. I have to visit Ottawa for some vehicle service soon (long story involving hamfisted Ottawa Valley mechanics) – I’ll buy you lunch, you pick the table…
@Urban Panther,
Too funny… I’m imagining the two of you at your computers… it reminds me of my wife and I, we use Skype within the house as a sort of video intercom!
@Brett – we have been known to msn each other from one room to the next. Actually, it is always me that instigates this, and it is always to type something naughty to the Lion. In this case, I did actually yell at him first. I think my yelling started with “ARGH!!!!” *smile*
Urban Panther’s last blog post..He’s a scamp
@Panther,
Glad to know then we aren’t the only ones!
You know, it works so well… and I wonder why we don’t use it at work. Someday the Factory will enter the 20th century, never mind the 21st.
Brett: Just say the word. My schedule is usually pretty liberal.
Urbane Lion’s last blog post..I’m just a gigolo!
Lion – will do – I will be in touch soon.
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