Creating a life of meaning…wow it seems like a big task. Randy Pausch is one of the most amazing people I’ve ever read about or had the opportunity to listen to. I’ve listened to lots of great podcasts, key notes, speeches, etc…but Randy’s really struck me in a different way.
Randy viewed the world differently than most people. Everything was fun for Randy. He seemed to have such a desire to have fun, to learn, and to inspire others. Randy is the kind of person that, in some way, we all want to be.
He seemed to have achieve every dream he ever set for himself, and I can’t but help wonder if it was all because of his positive outlook on life. Randy, by admission, had a wonderful childhood. I know that part is not insignificant in his journey to achieving his childhood dreams. I think that if all of us have a positive outlook on life, we can all achieve our dreams.
Even up until Randy’s death, he remained positive. Reflecting on his life makes me think about my childhood dreams. In all honestly, I didn’t have a great childhood. I have more bad memories than good, and it all seems sort of clouded in a layer of sadness. But the dream that I always wanted to achieve, and never did, was be a professional wrestler. I grew up admiring the guys I saw on TV. Guys like Randy “Macho Man” Savage, Hulk Hogan, Goldberg, The Rock, and Stone-Cold Steve Austin. These guys were my idols. Strong people who didn’t apologize for who they were and were loved and hated by thousands if not millions of people.
I guess I never achieved it because I never really wanted to. I’m not sure why, but that is the only dream that I can think of. I really have no plan of ever achieving it anymore, but it is fun to think about how much fun I had watching wrestling as a kid.
This week has really taught me about my mindset. I need to act as if I’ve achieved what I want. I need to view life as an experiment and as a blessing. I think I’ve viewed it more as a challenge, and I’m going to stop that. I’m going to be better.
All Hustle, No Talent 