Just because you killed Jesse James…
“Just because you killed Jesse James, don’t make you Jesse James.”
– Mike Ehrmantraut to Walter White, Episode 3, Season 5 of Breaking Bad.
Just because you’ve shot down my idea doesn’t mean yours is better. Defending the status quo can be necessary, but mostly it’s an excuse to stay trapped in our fear.
Just because you sit in judgment of all the “idiot” drivers and “slothful” welfare recipients and “feckless” politicians, doesn’t actually do anything. Though your fragile ego may get a hit for a few seconds, putting others down isn’t a solution. And it certainly adds nothing to the level of discourse.
Tearing down something else isn’t the same as your building something worthy or interesting. So instead of complaining, let’s see your plan.
Being the critic is mostly a place to hide from the hard work of leading us to something new and meaningful. So instead of judging, let’s hear your ideas.
Eliminating the competition may make life easier for a bit, but eventually our art, our projects, our passions have to stand on their own merits.
The universe is listening. And waiting.
Wabi-sabi
Wabi-sabi is a Japanese aesthetic concept that finds beauty in imperfection and the universe’s natural cycle of growth, decay, and death. Practicing wabi-sabi means eschewing the unnecessary, getting rid of the clutter, and valuing authenticity above all else....
We’re About to Begin Our Initial Descent
Last week a Wall Street Journal article suggested that perhaps store closings weren't exactly great for most retail brands. No argument from me, as I've been pointing this out for several years and devoted an entire chapter in my new book to this topic. Below is a...
Quitting Is Underrated
We don’t have to spend much time among our friends or on social media to run across the never-give-up, quitting-is-for-losers, in-it-to win-it ethos. There’s a whole socially acceptable narrative built around the concept that we must keep pushing no matter what. It’s...
"The Store Operations Council enjoyed every minute of Steve Dennis's presentation on retail's future. He always keeps it real and speaks the language of retail experts."
Cathy Hotka
Principal
Cathy Hotka & Associates
"The Store Operations Council enjoyed every minute of Steve Dennis's presentation on retail's future. He always keeps it real and speaks the language of retail experts."
Cathy Hotka
Principal
Cathy Hotka & Associates
