Wednesday Words
To Go Where Your VisionPoints, a few inspiration points for you and your business.
Every now and then say, “What the f**k.” “What the f**k” gives you freedom. Freedom brings opportunity. Opportunity makes your future.
—Miles [Curtis Armstrong] in the movie Risky Business, written by Paul Brickman
Yes, dear reader. I saw this movie at the impressionable age of…
… oh, never mind. I was impressionable when it came out.
And I never forgot it. In some ways I think that quote, delivered by the brilliant Curtis Armstrong, shaped my life. I like planning, design, order as a rule. But every once in a while, I have to say what the f**k and take my chances.
I firmly believe you need that, too. Your business needs it. If you don’t take the risks, you won’t leap forward like you want to. I want to shriek and close my eyes when I hear about your biggest risks, but more than that I want to stand and cheer.
Funny thing about that embarrassingly beloved teen film. It got some things right. Being successful in business is risky.
Stick your neck out. Far.
Grow and be well,
Kelly Erickson
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3 June 2009, 9:20 am
This is especially true (I think) in the current economy. If you’re struggling, What the F**k gives you the freedom to relax a little bit and maybe try new things you wouldn’t normally try to build up business.
And if that happens to lead to making out with Rebecca De Mornay on a subway and/or a staircase, well what the f**k too.
~Graham
3 June 2009, 9:29 am
Years later, poor Tom Cruise got caught up in the web that is Scientology, nearly ruining his career, which made many of us say, “What the f**k?”
I prefer frak because you can say frak anywhere and everyone knows what you mean but you don’t get in trouble for it.
Anyway, you’re right. It’s time to say, “what the frak”.
3 June 2009, 9:40 am
And if saying frak happens to lead to making out with Laurette Spang in a launch tube, then what the frak too…
~Graham
3 June 2009, 9:50 am
‘zactly…
3 June 2009, 10:52 am
Yes, totally agree.. I mean sometimes the Porsche ends up in the water, but you get a great ride and end up even better off for it…;-)
Janice Cartier’s last blog post…Still Life Structures
3 June 2009, 3:12 pm
Graham, Brett, Janice,
Lordy, yes. Sometimes I write a post I wish a million people would read. This one came about because I have been particularly bold in the last couple of weeks and I’m nearly high off it, and I started thinking, where did I get the willingness to stick my neck out?
It wasn’t all Risky Business’s fault, of course. Maybe that bolstered a “what the f**k” gene I already have.
Anyway, I wish a million people would read this one and say, “Yes. Today I’m going to do the one thing that scares me most. The thing that might just change the game for me.”
The worst anyone can say is No. Unless you don’t try, and as I always say, then it’s Definitely No.
Regards,
Kelly
P.S. I’ll take the train, the stairs, and the Porsche. But please, no Rebecca DeMornay for me, LOL.
3 June 2009, 4:52 pm
I’ve had maaaaany adventures in my life that started with the question “why the f**k not?” – some good, some bad, but every single one of them a great source for writing…
Alex Fayle | Someday Syndrome’s last blog post…Stop Saying “Someday” to Your Writing
3 June 2009, 4:54 pm
ALex,
LOL. Oh, yes. If nothing else there’s a post, a chapter for my novel, or a bad poem in every adventure. And without that question… lots fewer adventures!
Until later,
Kelly
3 June 2009, 7:10 pm
Little known fact. Tom Cruise is actually 3-foot 8″ in real life.
They manage to hid it so well in his movies.
Hey, what the f**k, eh?
Friar’s last blog post…The Dog who Came Back
3 June 2009, 8:40 pm
Friar,
Everyone around him has to stand in trenches, so we get Maximum Moviegoing Experience.
Eeeeek.
Later,
Kelly
3 June 2009, 9:37 pm
lol — kind of surprising that Cruise and Spielberg ever worked together, isn’t it? You gotta crouch *really* close to the ground to get that trademark low-angle shot…
~Graham
Graham Strong’s last blog post…5 Steps To Better Brainstorming for the Intrepid Freelancer and Independent Business Owner
3 June 2009, 11:15 pm
Graham,
That’s the hero shot he emailed to Nicole Kidman so she’d agree to date him.
Until later,
Kelly
4 June 2009, 8:04 am
“Stick your neck out. Far.”
Interesting…
That’s also the advice the executioner gives you, before he cuts your your head off.
Friar’s last blog post…The Dog who Came Back
4 June 2009, 8:08 am
*tap tap tap* You over there on the other side of my screen?
Dear Friar,
Stick your neck out. Far.
Srsly.
Once in a while, you get you head cut off. Mostly, you catch opportunities nobody around you is willing to chase. Delightful!
Later,
Kelly
4 June 2009, 10:09 am
…and when you get your head cut off, the Executioner’s junior assistant has the opportunity to catch your head in his bucket.
Ker-PLUNK.