Making The Quarters Last

A week late…here’s the new Hum Love playlist on Spotify and Apple

The most popular kid at the arcade was the one carrying around the most quarters. Maybe in a plastic cup or a fanny pack. But this kid would go from game to game with a parade of other kids in tow.

It didn’t matter how good the kid was at the games, there was always another quarter to pop in so the fun could keep going.

And we might have been one of the kids following money bags around back then…but now we know who the real hero is: the kid who showed up to the arcade and could play all afternoon on three quarters. The kid who was so good at the games there was no need for a pile of money.

It turns out knowing what to do with the quarters is a lot better than having a lot of quarters.

And…if you know you only have three quarters, there’s a deep desire to maximize their output. They NEED to stretch all afternoon.

These days everyone has all the tools. Everyone is the kid with the quarters. But the masters are often the ones who know exactly what to do with a few tools.

Hum Love on Spotify and Apple

Running On Main Street

There’s a popular part of Nashville called 12 South. Shops, restaurants, things to take pictures of.

Lots of people walking around eating ice cream, carrying luggage, juggling children.

And then comes the runner. The perfect outfit. The perfect amount of sweat. The perfect amount of tan. Proudly weaving in and out of the hustle and bustle. Proudly (but in hopes of not too obviously) attracting the eye balls of every shopper and walker and wannabe.

This runner is running on main street…and running for something other than fitness.

Whatever you’re running after, it’s tempting to go after all the instant attention you might get on main street. The real growth often happens on the back roads.

Hum Love on Spotify and Apple

The Beach Schlep

Everyone’s done the beach schlep.

You’re staying at a beach house but the house is not on the beach. It’s a half mile from the beach.

All good. You get one of those carts with big wheels.

So then…What do you put in the cart? Do you go heavy? Keep it moderate? Lots of small items, or a few big items? Lots of snacks or lots of games? Does the cooler go in the cart or does it get carried separate?

You get to decide.

In any case here’s the thing…

Whatever you put in the cart, once you leave the beach house, you’re taking it all the way. Nothing will stop you. Nothing is getting taken half way and then dumped. No matter how long the walk, how many stairs, how deep the sand or how hot the sun…you’re going to the beach.

And this is a good metaphor for a lot of us working on projects.

Make as many decisions as you can before you start the journey. And then once you start, already have made the decision to go all the way.

Hum Love on Spotify and Apple

An Encouraging Word

No one is above needing encouragement.

And no one is above getting hurt by criticism.

An encouraging word is always available to give. We might never know if it was needed but it can’t hurt.

»» It’s worth considering how often we’re ready to criticize and yet how rarely we’re asked for our critique.

Hum Love on Spotify and Apple

Every Four Years

It weeds out a lot of people.

Most of the Olympic events aren’t popular except during the Olympics. A short window for glory after years of thankless, fameless, lonely work. It’s not for everyone. It’s not for most people.

Most people are seeking a type of glory that is much more readily available.

Insert the social media game…the allure that you won’t have to wait, that all the glory is just around the corner.

Pick your game carefully. Pick one that you’ll be glad you played even if you don’t get all the glory you hoped for.

Hum Love on Spotify and Apple

Can You Get A Little Bit Better...

Right before you go on stage? Or is it already all set?

I’m not sure you can get more skilled during the few minutes before you go on stage but you can change your focus, which can make you more effective. Especially if you shift your focus to something you’ve had practice shifting your focus to.

Serving. Connection. Excellence. Joy. If you can take a few moments to reorient yourself towards something better, it will be better.

Hum Love on Spotify and Apple