The Happiest Guy on Earth

Paul and CK recently wrote touching stories about their grandmothers, and it got me thinking about those things that we wish we had done but didn't, because we were trying to play it too safe. We were waiting for something to happen, for the "perfect moment," or for the right person to tell us it was okay to take a risk.

I would like to introduce you to someone I met, but since it's been a year since I met him, I don't recall his real name. Bob is as good as any. It's easy to remember, and it's a palindrome.

What I do know about Bob is that he picked Disney World to be his very first theme park experience, and he (bravely? foolishly? brazenly?) chose what is arguably the most intense roller coaster in the entire resort to be his very first ride.

Ever.

Now take a closer look.

Bob isn't faking this, and he's no spring chicken, either. He was at the park by himself; he had no family and no friends with him. There are scores of parks across the nation, and many more fairs that have all sorts of rides, yet he picked the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, which accelerates from 0-60 in 2.8 seconds, as his first ride. Before you suggest that his expression indicates he regrets his decision already, judging from his next choice of rides (The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror), he loved every moment of it!

Bob doesn't mess around.

Although I really don't know what Bob's motivations were for choosing to come to Disney World for the first time, alone, at this moment in his life, and to ride one of the most thrilling (some would say scary) roller coasters the entire resort had to offer, I can't help admire him for his commitment to live that moment -- that opportunity -- to its fullest! He waited about a half-century to visit a theme park, and he was determined to make it something he would remember for the rest of his life.

I'm ashamed to say that, if he had solicited my advice beforehand, I would have suggested he ride something a little tamer for his first time, like "It's a Small World" or some such nonsense.

"Play it safe, Bob. You don't know how you'll react. You're putting on the years, Bob. Are you sure you're up for this? Why don't you get your feet wet with a smaller ride, first?"

Thankfully, Bob didn't ask for my advice. Nor would he have, I suspect, taken it had I offered.

I wonder if sometimes we play it too safe -- if in an effort to not lose, we forget to try to win. Disney World succeeds as a theme park where others fail because, among other reasons, they remove the barriers that would prevent the Bobs of the world from making similar commitments. It's not about the rides. It's not even about the marketing. It's about the absolute dedication to make Bob feel good about himself -- like a kid again.

Also, Disney encourages its cast members to behave in ways that, in other venues, would commonly be considered socially unacceptable. They are encouraged to go for broke, to sell the experience, to "bump the lamp" in ways both big and small. Can you imagine what the difference would be if the cast members were afraid about what others might think of them for behaving in such ways? I believe they are able to maintain such joviality over time because of their apparent success in making people like Bob feel good about themselves. Success at serving other people is very often its own reward.

We have no idea what will happen tomorrow. Let us resolve to make use of today. No one was ever remembered for being ordinary. How will those you serve remember you? - Cam Beck

Comments

[CK]

What an amazing post...meets mantra...meets philosophy. I'm so happy for Bob (love that you chose a palindrome) and the insights you share here. Here's what resonates with me most:

"I wonder if sometimes we play it too safe -- if in an effort to not lose, we forget to try to win."

Not 15 minutes ago I was thinking about how fear either paralyzes or motivates clients...there's just no middle ground. Fear of making the wrong choice or fear of not doing what the other guy is doing. Fear is just so powerful in its polarizing effects (holds you back or pushes you to the wrong result).

But, if you're focused on winning/delighting/living, you're not paralyzed or pushed, instead you're empowered, creative.

Plus the too safe route just strips the life out of people and companies. Interesting how a switch in focus makes all the difference. I'd love to see a survey asking successful companies/people if they were fueled by fear or passion.

This really is such a touching post--and best of all, I didn't even know you referenced me. Nope, I was just innocently coming to your blog to get my fix. Ain't that cool?

[Tim Jackson]

CK sent me the link to this post because she liked it so much. I have to say I agree with her (as usual).

Great story about Bob. Great tie in to Disney. Poetically written, relevant and poignant. Wow.

Yes, if we fail to try, we are doomed to fail. Plato (or Socrates?) was famous for the quote; The unexamined life is not worth living. I fully believe that to be true.

I know I've been stimied by fear in my life and I have regretted it. I admire Bob.

Great post cam.

[Paul McEnany]

Brilliant post, Cam.

I think that's one of the great benefits of blogging, you get so many of the insights that just sit in the back of your head, waiting for the opportunity to guide a decision. I have a feeling this one will have it's time, too. :)

Thanks...