Tell Me Something I Dont Know About You
You might already know this, but this by Saturday (November 2nd) was my 45th birthday!
For the by v years on November 2nd–and, in what's go a scrap of a tradition on my birthday, I wanted to share with you 45 random things about me that you probably don't know about me.
Don't become confused though, fifty-fifty though this postal service might seem like it'southward almost me–every bit always, this is well-nigh usa.
Specifically, it's about creating an even deeper connexion with you by sharing how much nosotros have in mutual–and I'1000 willing to bet that information technology's more you thought earlier reading this post.
And so, without further ado, here they are in no particular society. Enjoy!
45 Things About Me
1. (I shared this one terminal year, but I accept to share information technology again) Truthful Story–My cell phone used to consistently machine-correct my name from "Shola" to "Ebola.": That's pretty unfortunate, right? Do you desire to know what'southward worse? Sending a quick email before I caught a flying (remember, I deliver a lot of keynote speeches for healthcare organizations) near an of import upcoming meeting that merely said:
"'I am and then pumped to leave a powerful impact on your conference attendees tomorrow morning!' Best, Ebola"
Yup, truthful story. I guess if they start handing out precautionary masks at my upcoming speeches, I'll know why.
2. The streak is reborn: Every bit I mentioned on this page, sadly on Halloween 2017, my lifelong streak of wearing a costume on October 31st was sadly broken, due to a professional obligation. So, to make up for it, iii days agone on Halloween 2019, I wore not ane, but two Halloween costumes! And if I can append humility for a moment, they're both pretty damn awesome, if I do say so myself. In example yous're wondering (and I know that you are), Costume #2 is a "Ceiling Fan." Get information technology?? <rim shot> I tin hear your groans through the screen…
3. Super random fact: I love doing laundry. Yes, I bet that you've never heard another sane human beingness utter those words before, huh? I don't know what it is, but I love taking something that's dirty and making it clean–I even dearest folding the make clean dress too! If this author/speaker thing doesn't work out for me, don't exist surprised if I finish upwards opening a laundromat or something…
4. I hug people and smile A LOT. You lot've been warned. In fact, I hug people and smile and so much, that people all over the country have given me the nickname "Brother Teresa." You can't brand this stuff up, human.
five. The proudest moments of my life (besides the birth of my two daughters, of class) were when my booksMaking Work Work and Become Together were published: In fact, it's not fifty-fifty close. For my entire life, I've always been really proficient at starting things, and horrible at finishing them. The fact that I really stayed the grade and finished writing two books is something that has filled me with so much peace and happiness.
6. Do you want to know the hole-and-corner to writing a volume? Good! Here information technology is: BICHOK. I actually wish that I could take credit for this acronym, but information technology stands for Butt Inorthward Cpilus, Hands On One thousandeyboard (clever, right?)
Whenever I didn't feel like writing (which was very oft), I would yell "BICHOK!" and then get to work. Seriously, if a chucklehead like me could write 2 books with zip more dream to create a kinder world, then at that place is no uncertainty that anyone else reading this could exercise the same. The key is simply to call up BICHOK, and then do it.
7. Almost eight years ago, I gave upwards soda, cold turkey: I used to exist completely fond to soda (4-5 cans a day), and so on January one, 2013 I challenged myself to give information technology upwardly. Past far, the starting time three weeks without soda were the worst (understatement of the decade), but somehow, I pushed through information technology. Now, not only do I not crave soda at all, but I replaced soda with green smoothies from my Vitamix blender! Believe me, speaking equally a dude with less-than-average willpower–if I tin can do it, then anyone tin.
8. Super random fact–I have never a woman named "Nicole" who I didn't like: Seriously, every woman I've met named Nicole e'er terminate up being the nicest person ever (hey, I told you it was random.)
nine.Please don't think that considering I write well-nigh positivity that I'k somehow immune to being annoyed by things. I'k however homo, people. Here is a list of some of the things that drive me basics:
Anyone who thinks that it's okay to employ the words "retarded," "gay," or "ghetto" to depict anything that they don't similar, litterbugs, people who pronounce the word "processes" every bit "procedure-eez", orange juice with pulp, people who constantly interrupt during conversations, racists/sexists/homophobics, people who mistake kindness for weakness, limp handshakes, rude and/or moody people, people who let their dogs poop anywhere and don't pick it upward afterward, bullies of any kind, and grown men who sag their pants beneath their ass and show off their underwear in public (this is a "fashion trend" that needs to die a swift death.)
x.On a more positive notation, h ere are some things that I love, in no particular lodge:My family, random acts of kindness, mid-90'due south hip-hop, the color ruby-red, parentheses (they're great), deep tissue massages, people who can express joy at themselves, good listeners, companies who put their employees first, the very rare date nights with my wife, inspirational podcasts, good huggers, people who believe that they can positively change the globe and really take action to practise so, Pai Gow Poker, swype texting (seriously, information technology's i of the best tech innovations EVER), warm weather, foreign accents, any type of competition (specially the Summertime Olympics), TED talks, daily meditation, the feeling of soreness after a good workout, and emotionally intelligent people.
11. True story: When I was immature, I drank gasoline from my parents' lawn mower gas tank because I liked the smell of it.To say that I "got sick" afterwards would be like saying Beyoncé is "kind of cute." Fast forward 30 years later, and the odour of gasoline makes me want to vomit uncontrollably. As yous can imagine, this makes every gas station on globe my least favorite place to visit (for most people, it's merely about the gas prices), and the procedure of gassing upward my automobile is similar a moderate form of torture for me.
12. I absolutely hate to consume/potable some things that virtually people love. Okay, if you haven't thought that I was weird upward to this betoken, I'1000 thinking that you will now. Here are some things that you will notcome across me eat/drinkable: Chocolate, peanut butter, coffee, nearly cheeses (as well mozzarella–I love that stuff), ketchup/mustard/enjoy (and pretty much any other additive besides BBQ sauce and A1 sauce), whatsoever type of seafood, and any meat off the bone.
But then again, this is coming from a guy who willingly drank gasoline, so…there'southward that.
13. I love to try new things. Two of the strangest…?Cryotherapy and sensory-deprivation chambers. Both sound a little crazy, I know. Cryotherapy is all about standing in a chamber that is -200 degrees Fahrenheit for three minutes, while wearing nothing more than your underwear (aye, you read that right). If you're dealing with constant low energy or chronic inflammation of whatsoever kind (and you're willing to push yourself to your limits), it can exist life-changing.
Sensory-deprivation chambers are very different. In this sleeping room, you're completely naked and floating on your back in an Epsom table salt solution that simulates weightlessness. Also, since you lot can't see or hear anything while you lot're inside, information technology feels similar you lot're in floating in outer space, or that you're back inside of your mom's womb–it'southward unreal. If you're looking for an intensely powerful meditative experience, you should bank check it out.
xiv. I don't like horror movies AT ALL. I remember watchingThe Ring, and when I saw (spoiler alert…?) that creepy little girl crawl out of the damn TV set I was practically scarred for life. My horror movie watching days were a wrap from that indicate forward. I don't think that I turned off the lights at night or watched Television for a month afterward.
15. In that location are some seriously tough people who follow this blog: For real, in the past v years, I've had readers share life experiences with me that are and then horrific that it boggles my mind how they're able to be such positive and highly-contributing members of society. Their levels of resilience and mental toughness are nearly super-homo, and I am honored (and surprised, to exist honest) that they feel similar they have annihilation to learn from me.
16. Okay, then I changed my mind nigh #14: Ii years agone, I watched the movie Get Out, and it was hands i of the best, creative, and creepy movies that I've always seen. I absolutely loved information technology.
17. Here are the names of a few people who influence me that you might non know (but you lot should): Eric Thomas the Hip-Hop Preacher, Liz Gilbert, Brené Brown, Marie Forleo, and Gary Vaynerchuk. I cannot say plenty positive things about all of these people. I really promise that I get to run into all of them in person one solar day so that I tin can thank them personally for what they've done for me.
18. One big influence on me, who you probably take heard of, was the belatedly Dr. Wayne Dyer. I had the honor of meeting him at ane of his speaking engagements in Pasadena, California a few years ago, and it was astonishing. People say to never encounter your heroes considering you are guaranteed to exist disappointed, but that was non the case at all. He was kind, gracious, and was everything that I hoped he would be.
When he passed away in August 2015, I felt similar a family unit member died. That probably sounds crazy to most people, simply I've been reading his books for over 15 years and exterior of my parents, he played the largest role in leading me downward the path of positivity. I owe a groovy bargain to him, and I promise to honour his legacy through my work.
19. I love meditation.It is quite possibly the all-time complimentary stress reliever ever. Contrary to popular belief, you don't demand to climb to your nearest mountaintop, buy a holy tapestry, dress in all silk, and find an uninterrupted two hours in your 24-hour interval to practice this.
Just a desire to fully relax, exhale deliberately, and three minutes is all you lot need to start. Exercise it consistently and you'll start feeling the furnishings earlier you know it.
20. Over a year later, I still can't believe that I was able to pull off this epic April Fool's play tricks on my readers. Seriously, I all the same express mirth whenever I read it. Proficient times!
21. I am a huge fan of Oprah'south OWN Network–specifically, Super Soul Sunday. For real, I could sit and watch Super Soul Dominicus nonstop for weeks and not fifty-fifty be slightly bored. I seriously cannot go enough of information technology.
22. Speaking of Oprah, meeting her is on my bucket list. In addition to meeting her (or more specifically, beingness interviewed by her), my saucepan listing likewise includes: doing a TED/TEDx Talk (update: this is 1 is done!), throwing out the first pitch at a Major League Baseball game, building a recreational centre for kids in my hometown of Amherst, MA, and creating a law that will officially brand workplace bullying illegal.
Pretty ambitious bucket list, huh? By the time next year's list comes out, I'thou focused on crossing off one of those items from the list. Stay tuned!
23.I jumped out of an aeroplane! In 2019, I took the leap (literally), and fulfilled a lifelong dream to go skydiving. Honestly, it was one of the nigh amazing (and dare I say, spiritual) experiences of my life. There'due south something almost conquering a major fright that gives you an enormous heave of self-esteem and perspective. Whenever I'thousand nervous about going into an important business meeting or stepping on stage at a big issue, I say to myself, "dude, you jumped out of a aeroplane and survived! What could you mayhap be nervous most???"
24. Ane thing that you might not become by reading my web log posts is that I'chiliad a complete goofball: Some of the topics that I cover here are pretty heavy (workplace toxicity, systemic racism, refusing to be anyone's doormat, developing resilience, etc.), and I recall it'due south easy to think that I'm just as serious. Believe me, I'yard nowhere close.
Anyone who knows me personally knows that I don't take myself very seriously at all. I'll break out a stupid dance at a moment'southward notice in the heart of the sidewalk, grab the mic at a karaoke bar without hesitation, or pretty much practise anything within the limits of the police force to make someone express joy.
Life is manner as well short to exist stuck wearing poopy pants all mean solar day (yeah, I said poopy pants), so while I'm alive, I'1000 going to have as much fun every bit I humanly tin can.
25. I detect at least i typo in every single one of blog posts: Information technology is 1 of the most annoying things ever, and no matter how many times I proofread my stuff before I striking "Publish," I always notice at least one afterward. If I wasn't able to update my blog posts subsequently they went public, I'd be screwed.
26. I am the most laid-back dude in the earth, simply there's one thing that really annoys me: I can't stand up it when people don't requite their full effort. I don't care if you lot're not good at something, that's fine as far equally I'chiliad concerned. All I care near is this: are yous giving your best endeavor? If so, you'll always be absurd with me.
27. People remember that I'm fearless, and that is So untrue: Besides the obvious fears, like something awful happening to my loved ones, I have lots of other fears too.
I'm scared every time that I striking the "Publish" button on a new blog post. I'm scared that I'll exercise/say something that will permanently damage The Positivity Solution brand. I'grand scared that someone will abuse my vulnerability and hurt me. I'1000 scared that I'one thousand not practiced enough and that people volition eventually realize information technology and stop reading this blog. I'm scared that I'll run out of ideas for weblog posts.
I could keep going, only you lot get the point.I've said information technology before, and it's worth saying once again–we're all scared.
The one matter that I'one thousand proud of is that I no longer let my fears cease me.
28. I honey (not like–dearest) the taste of white chocolate.Terminal yr, I shared my love of white chocolatey goodness, and I thought that I was alone in my honey. I was SO wrong. I was bombarded by people who shared the same honey for white chocolate that I did! White chocolate lovers, unite!
29. I'm a very spiritual guy, but I'm not the slightest chip religious. Dislocated? Ever since I was young, I have always looked inward to create my own spiritual human relationship with God (or the universe, space source, or any name works for you) and detect my own spiritual truths instead of looking outward to observe those truths from churches, ministers, etc.
In other words, I'thousand a Namasté type of guy.
I'll admit, my fashion isn't for everyone, but the spiritual route has worked wonders to bring me a deeper feeling of joy, honey and appreciation for others, connectedness to the world around me, and a soul-nourishing inner peace.
Either mode, every bit far as I'm concerned information technology doesn't affair to me if yous're spiritual, religious, atheist, doubter, or worship a tree in your lawn named "George," I'chiliad 100% convinced of one thing:
It's not your beliefs that make you a practiced person, it'southward your beliefs that does.
30. I once had a xxx-infinitesimal argument with a consummate stranger in a doc's office waiting room almost who would win in a fight between the Justice League and The Avengers: And information technology was awesome. And of course, the merely respond that makes sense is the Avengers. As always, feel complimentary to tell me that I'm right or insane.
31. According to the widely-used Myers Briggs Personality Exam, I'm a very proud ENFP. If you want to read more nearly ENFPs (or if you want to skip the remaining 10 points below) y'all can pretty much find out what I'm all about simply past clicking here.
Too, if you're into the Gallup Strengths Finder Assessment, my Superlative 5 strengths are:
- Connectedness
- Positivity (Duh)
- Woo
- Futuristic
- Activator
32. I'g non a fast writer, at all. I'yard secretly envious of the writers who tin blindside out a 1,500-word blog post in thirty-45 minutes. I won't share how long it takes me to write one of my blog posts, but permit's just say that information technology's longer than 45 minutes. The fact that I was able to write my Making Work Work in nine months, and Become Together in only seven months is a pocket-sized miracle, as far as I'm concerned.
33. Speaking of writing, there are few things more than violating to a writer than having your writing plagiarized. If you've been around for a while, then you know that one of my blog posts was plagiarized past an Australian bikini model (aye, seriously.) In the 5 years that I've been writing online, that was i of the strangest episodes that I've dealt with.
34. Going viral is a crazy experience. In May 2020 afterward George Floyd's death, I wrote an article about Why I'll Never Walk Alone, and I had my first-ever viral experience. On Facebook, the article has over 81,000 comments and has been shared close to 600,000 times! After that article was posted, at that place are two things that I know for certain: 1) there are SO many loving and kind people in this earth who have been enormously sweetness and supportive, and 2) sadly, racism is nevertheless alive and well (whether some people desire to deny it or not).
35. I am a die-hard morning person: Believe information technology or non, I oasis't woken up by 7 a.thousand. in close to 15 years. I'm ordinarily upwards at 5 a.m., and even if I wanted to sleep in, my trunk clock wouldn't even let it happen. I actually love it now–I don't know what information technology is, but in that location is something so peaceful about the early morning that I would never want to miss considering I'm asleep.
36. My #1 fearfulness is regret. The thought of looking back on my life and sadly asking myself: "why didn't I effort that sooner?" or "why did I give the naysayers so much power over the decisions in my life?" would be admittedly devastating to me. Life is mode too short not to go after my dreams, whether anyone else "gets information technology" or not. I might not e'er go it right (in fact, I often don't), merely I'll never be the guy who refuses to try. We all only get ane shot at this life. I'thou here to brand my one shot count.
37. I love superhero movies.I recall that I've probably watched every single superhero pic ever made. Needless to say, I don't recollect that I have ever been more excited for a film than I am for Avengers: Endgame. Hurry up, April 2019! (Edit 4/26/2019: OMG…Endgame. Was. Unbelievably. EPICCCCCCC! It exceeded my expectations in every conceivable way.)
38. This year, I need to figure out a way to see more Solutionists in person: I mean, it's cool to interact here on the weblog and on social media, but I want to accomplish out and connect with more of you in person (but yep, with COVID-19, that may be tough). I need to brainstorm ways to make it happen…<rubs mentum in deep thought>
39.Random embarrassing story:Years ago, during a hypnotist evidence in Las Vegas years agone, I volunteered to keep phase with a few other people in the audience to get hypnotized. Ridiculous right?
Well, I thought so as well until I walked up on stage fully enlightened of what was going on, I listened to the hypnotist guy do all of the predictable silliness that you see on TV ("relax yourself, count backward from thirty, you're getting really sleepy, blah, apathetic, blah…") and and then out of nowhere the hypnotist loudly clapped his hands and I finally "woke up."
The craziest part was that I looked at my watch, and I noticed that I lost an hour of time! Seriously!
As I walked off the stage and back to my seat, I was completely sweaty, and people were pointing and laughing at me every bit I walked down the aisle.
This is all that I'll say about the buffoonery that I unknowingly engaged in while hypnotized: Toni Braxton'southward Unbreak My Center, a lustful attraction to an empty chair, and imaginary turtles. Lots of imaginary turtles.
Yes, I know that previous paragraph makes no sense and it wouldn't make sense to me either if I didn't see bodily video footage of what I did at that show in front of hundreds of consummate strangers. I don't embarrass easily, merely I'll be damned if I tin can't sentry 2 minutes of the video without wanting to curl upwardly into the fetal position and kickoff muttering to myself,"make it stop, please make it stop…"
I can safely say thathypnotism is real–I have the video to prove it.
40. I absolutely Dearest sports. I don't sentry a lot of TV, only when my TV is on, you can bet that I'm watching sports. Information technology's the best unscripted drama in the world. Every sport from football to lawn tennis is completely riveting to me.
Well, every sport with the exception of NASCAR.
Believe me, I know that it takes extreme talent to bulldoze a automobile that fast, but for the life of me, I don't go the entertainment value in watching cars drive in a circle for three hours. I'thou not mad at y'all if y'all're into that, simply like I said, I just don't go it.
41. One thing that I don't watch is the news. Not only is the news super depressing, merely it likewise lowers my religion in humanity and makes information technology harder to be a positive person. Reverse to pop belief, I believe that it is possible to stay informed about what'southward going on in the world without consuming a mental junk food nutrition of political toxicity (which, at the time that I'm typing this is the worst I have ever seen in my 45 years on this earth), death, brutality, and other atrocities every night before going to bed.
42. Every blog post that I take ever written on The Positivity Solution was written for either one of two reasons: 1) to assistance me work though a problem that I am currently dealing with, or ii) to share a solution to a trouble that I was able to successfully overcome. I don't recall that I have e'er mentioned that before.
43. The biggest problem facing our world? The growing lack of human being compassion.
44. I rescued a puppy! I have never owned a canis familiaris before in my life, but due in big part to the encouragement (read: nonstop begging) from my daughters, my wife and I broke down and picked upward this little guy who was in need a loving abode. His name is Ace, and he's a Shih-Tzu/Wheaton Terrier mix. I know that everyone thinks that their puppy is the cutest thing in the world, simply seriously–look at this guy's face! I mean, come on!
45. I deeply value each and every one of yous: Okay, and then I snuck in something that y'all already know nigh me. I cannot say it enough–cheers so much for being here and for being a part of the solution. I'g excited for what this twelvemonth will bring, and I'm thrilled that y'all'll be here on this journey with me.
Let's practice this!
Your Plow
Is there an area of your life where backbone is needed? Did whatsoever of the 44 points in a higher place resonate with you? Jump into the comments and brand your vocalization heard!
Tell Me Something I Dont Know About You
Source: https://sholarichards.com/42-things/
0 Response to "Tell Me Something I Dont Know About You"
Post a Comment