You Don't Have to Be the Best to Change Your World

Talking with teens is an educational process.  For me, at least. This morning my younger son and I were talking about songwriting and the content in one of his songs. He is writing an incredible lyric. His lyric wasn't helped when one section fell into the common theme of "being the best" which is the cliche of rap music (in my gray-haired opnion).  I told him that that section didn't fit in with the other parts of the song and said, 

"Because you don't have to be the best to change the world." 

 BOOM.

Do you ever have words come out of your mouth

that are applicable to your own life? 

Ted Nugent/Styx/REO Speedwagon concert, Bangor, Maine

There is so much good to be done and so many things which can be accomplished imperfectly. See The Nester's blog for more about imperfection. Or Chris Brogan's Post about the Junkweb and how its changing the way information is exchanged.    Or read the first few pages of Art & Fear.

Wait around for the perfect way to dispense water and people die as a result. Or you can offer water in paper cups and save lives. A thirsty person doesn't quibble over the kind of cup used - they just want water.  

The fear of making mistakes stops many people in their tracks. For artists, it may mean you avoid your studio when you just need to go down and start.  I have been somewhat immobilized in how to help my son with autism plan for his future. I need to remember that I don't have to be perfect to help my son change his world.  That even imperfect efforts will yield some good.

"Loosen up, Dixie, and pull out the paper cups." 

Dixie Redmond