Well...we had a fundraiser for my Aunt last week. My Aunt has an aggressive form of liver cancer and it has been taking a toll. She has traveled to the U.S. for treatments, which as you know can be costly. My Aunt was able to come, which was great. There was a soft seat in the front row for her. Which made it easier for her to sit that long. We had some comedy, some singing, some mindless babbling from the MC (me) and it all more or less worked out. An especially touching moment was when the crowd gave her a standing ovation at the end. Friendship during the hard times...what can I say, it is priceless. The program is supposed to air on local cable. If you are in the Gladstone area, check it out. If you still want to donate to the cause, local branches of the Austin Credit Union will accept donations for Mary Neushwander. Thanks! This week I’m playing the part of world-famous professor, Roy Hinkley. Professor Hinkers according to some...ahem, misguided, actresses who don’t know how to speak to a distinguished professor such as myself. Pole-vaulting, river rafting, tree climbing...fun times...after that, another show in August...and then we begin rehearsing for a major Christmas production...and...then...after...perhaps...touring eastern Canada? It has been discussed...but a long way to go yet...here’s hopin.
I assume I'm below average2010-07-0196% of cancer patients in a hospital claim to be in better health than the average cancer patient.93% of motorists consider themselves to be safer-than-average drivers.90% students see themselves as more intelligent than the average student.94% of college professors said they are better-than-average teachers.Ironically, 92% said they are less biased than average, too.The psychology term for this is illusory superiority.To me, this was like finding out I'm a cylon, or this is the Matrix. Hard to accept facts.At first, like almost everybody, I thought, “Yes, but I really am above average!” Then I realized I was doing it again.So I decided to gamble on the opposite:I now just assume I'm below average.It serves me well.I listen more. I ask a lot of questions.I've stopped thinking others are stupid. I assume most people are smarter than me.To assume you're below average is to admit you're a beginner. It puts you in student mind. It keeps your focus on present practice and future possibilities, and away from any past accomplishments.Most people are so worried about looking good that they never do anything great.Most people are so worried about doing something great that they never do anything at all.You destroy that paralysis when you think of yourself as such a beginner that just doing anything is an accomplishment.
Derek Sivers http://sivers.org
Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.
Music video featuring my sisters...if you like this...get the song on itunes...Divine Signature, Praise to the Lord.
