Feldman's Faves: September 6, 2022

GOOD MORNING EVERYONE

I can’t believe that our glorious summer is just about to be unofficially over. My kids are actually excited about going back to school since (fingers crossed), this could be the first “normal year” they – like all of us - have had in many years. I know this is a crazy time of year for many of you and getting into the Fall routine is always a bit of an adjustment. So good luck to all of you.

A huge congratulations to Randy and his brothers on the release of their new song, which is fantastic. If you haven’t yet listened to “ I Can’t Wait to See You Smile“I strongly encourage you do so.

Last but not least, please join me in welcoming Emily back from maternity leave (starting tomorrow). Great to have you back, Emily!!

This week’s theme is a study in contrasts when it comes to motivation and inspiration.

THE WORLD’S WORST ASSISTANT By: Sona Movsesian - Given the seriousness and heaviness of last week’s book I thought I would go a in a different direction this week. Movsesian is Conan Obrien’s long time assistant and has become a brand of her own particularly since the launch of one of my favourite PODCASTS Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend I “read’ The World’s Worst Assistant as an audio book and laughed out loud quite a bit. The stories she tells in being Conan’s assistant are just hilarious including how she binge watched Friends at work (creating a slacker’s world record), how she mastered the art of taking gummies at the office and how she never follows through on tasks once she gets bored (e.g., stopping her travel journal mid-tour with Conan so that only half of the tour is recorded). The truth is the two of them have a great working relationship and a true friendship that is really heartwarming and nice to see. There is nothing Sona wouldn’t do for Conan and his family (as long as she remembers to do it). Sona did work hard to get where she is and then realized (and admits) that she could take the pedal off the metal once she got established. She admits that this work attitude would likely not fly anywhere else, which is why she is going to hang on the to Conan job as long as she can….For a fun read (or listen) I would strongly recommend this book.

The Next Big Idea Summer Getaway #3: The 12-Hour Walk (with Colin O’Brady) – Colin O’Brady is one interesting dude who does not lack for motivation. After suffering a life threatening injury where doctors told him he might never walk again, O’Brady decided to give triathlons a go. After winning his first race / his first time competing, he gave up his Wall Street job to compete professionally. Eventually he got bored so he decided to walk across Antarctica for 12 hours/day for about a month as a challenge. After finishing this challenge he realized that the 12 hours / day gave him real clarity, which birthed the idea of suggesting that others try the ‘12 hour walk’ and see what happens. Quite an idea. Not sure I could do it myself but those who are interested may find some inspiration here. Here is an excerpt from the PODCAST itself: “What happens when you put your phone in airplane mode, walk out your front door, and don’t come home for 12 hours? Our producer Caleb finds out, with help from adventurer Colin O’Brady.” https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-next-big-idea/id1482067226?i=1000576582453

Thank you for your ongoing engagement and participation.

And remember to stay safe, stay healthy and to docket daily.

Jon