‘i want to be different. If everyone is wearing black, I want to be wearing red’ –

Maria Sharapova

A couple of months ago, I came to the realization that doing something you’ve never done…as consistently and often as possible…can be really healthy for you. It’s similar to my thinking around living ‘on the edge of comfort’. And it’s all about continually challenging ourselves, and putting ourselves in positions to earn grit, to try, to do…to learn.

As I was reading yesterday, I came to another realization. Yes, you can call it an ‘epiphany’ if that’s how you roll. The people that are getting the most out of life…that are the most fulfilled and content…are doing what most other people won’t do, or aren’t doing. The folks who are trendy, or first to the party. The ones that are different, but intriguing nonetheless (first time using ‘nonetheless’…nailed it!). There seems to be success and fulfillment in practicing the actions that most other people simply don’t. We should all be trying to be part of the 1% crowd!

e•piph•a•ny – a sudden, intuitive perception of, or insight into the reality or essential meaning of something, usually initiated by some simple, homely, or commonplace occurrence or experience.

Being a 1 percenter (financially) has it’s own inherent connotations. Some of us believe that those folks make too much money, and that they owe more of their fair share. Others of us think that they create opportunities for the 99 percenters, and that their trickle down effect is truly beneficial to us bottom dwellers.

But I’m not speaking on financial earnings. I’m talking about our actions…our choices and our experiences.

So many people I know have had the same haircut since high school! Switch it up a bit. Try a different you! Be the 1%

There isn’t much interest for me in playing in the middle…in doing what everyone else is doing…in doing ‘what I’m supposed to be doing’. It suffices to say that there is much more intrigue in living on the outer edges…the fringes. And I’d go as far to say that better health, contentment, ‘success’, fulfillment, and overall happiness are found in living in the 1%

Here is an image, full of generalities, that should help illustrate my feelings here:

Considering all of that, a 1%’er is a person who chooses to live life on their own terms. They will live and die on their own sword. Instead of life happening to them…they are making their life happen.

I challenge you to create your own 99% and 1% column chart. Right now…write down 5-10 things you do that most of the population does. Then, write down the things you do that only 1% does. Use it as your journal entry for the day. What can you take from your chart? What can you learn about yourself? Are you playing in the middle too much…where everyone else is? Or, are you hanging out within that extraordinary population enough of the time? And…what do you feel about your actions, considering what side their on? Do your 1% actions bring you joy, vibrancy, passion, and love? Do they put you around people that are good for you? I bet they do!

Please share your chart with me, or any feedback from this in the comments, or on my Facebook page. I’d love to hear some results, and learn more about this! Here are some of my own results:

Some of My 99% actions

watching too much tv – March Madness, Celtics basketball, and I’m currently binge watching Breaking Bad for the 3rd time…oops.
consuming way too much sugar
not hanging with my guy friends enough
procrastination

Some of my 1% actions

I keep bees (and harvest my own honey)
cycling (road biking)
have my own business
work when I want
sing, and play guitar
eat a vegetarian diet
Write in a Blog
Have my own podcast
follow an ‘advanced athlete’ training program

Some 1% actions I want to pursue

swim (for fitness/health)
write books
start a wine club
start a dad/daughter club

All love!

emailsig

Small business Shout-out is a project I’m developing in order to promote valuable businesses in New Hampshire. I’ve recognized that good products and services can often be difficult to find. I’ve also noticed some great local businesses that aren’t being taken advantage of…and that maybe folks aren’t aware of. I’ll be spreading the word about these companies in hopes that others can find value there.

Episode 003 – Lucky’s Barbershop and Shave Parlor

luckys

Craft, nostalgia, self-improvement, legacy, dignity, progression, acceptance. These are some words that come to mind when I think of the work going on at Lucky’s barbershop. I really appreciate that it feels like there is a general respect for everyone that walks into this shop. What comes with that, is a sense of comfort for the customer.

Along with that comfort is a sense of escapism. Lucky’s feels like a different world than what’s going on outside. It has it’s own pace and rhythms. And for the time you’re there, you can disconnect from you’re daily concerns…all while you’re appearance is being improved. Ironically, while letting go of your own affairs for your time in the chair, you’re allowed to be part of a concentrated hub within the community. The conversations here are fascinating.

And lastly, each and every one of the barbers here is dedicated to his craft. They all work hard, listen well, and ask with intention, ‘does this look ok to you?’ It’s truly a team of interesting and intellectual characters – all focused on their meaningful work.

I asked Josh Craggy (Lucky’s owner) some questions about the business. Here is that interaction:

jimmy – How/why did you get into barbering?

Josh – I guess I can say that barbering found me. At the age of 12, while paying a visit to the barber with my father, we ended up leaving because there was such a long wait time that morning. Later that afternoon, with some ‘gentle’ persuasion, I gave my old man my first haircut with a pair of clippers. 26 years later, I still enjoy cutting his hair…as well as anyone else that allows me the opportunity.

jimmy – Barbering seems blue-collar, but the aprons, and your attire look more white-collar. Which is it?

Josh – There is no class involved when it comes to hair. It has no identity, no gender. It does not know who it belongs to, and can be worn in any style…by anyone…anywhere…at any time. That’s how I’ve always viewed it. And it’s also related to how I try to treat everyone.

jimmy – What is something you’ve learned from someone in your barber chair?

Josh – I’ve learned how to listen. We need to listen to folks in the chair, to the people in our homes, to our neighbors, to our communities, and especially to ourselves. I’ve also come to understand more about patience, how to be objective, why passion is important, and the significance of taking responsibility for your actions. On top of that, I try to learn from my mistakes.

jimmy – Well said! Thank you so much for your time Josh…and for continuing to run a great business in our community!

Folks, please do yourself a favor and visit Lucky’s for your next haircut or shave. Here are some places to find them on the web:

-Website-

-Facebook Page-

-Instagram-

Tag: nostalgia

small business shout-out 003 – Lucky’s