“Doin’ the Bull Dance. Feelin’ the flow. Workin’ it. Workin’ it.” – Happy Gilmore
OK, so technically today’s IQ was by a character named Gary Potter from the film Happy Gilmore – but you’d never have known what the heck I was talking about if I’d used the actual character’s name, right?
Also, disclaimer: today’s photo has little relevance to the quote – with the possible exception of the “Feelin’ the flow” part.
It matters not. The point is multi-faceted, and begins thus:
A) Celebrate the small wins.
This line comes from a scene in the film where Happy made a long drive. He celebrated by jumping onto his golf club and doing the Bull Dance around the tee. It was a small win, but he celebrated vibrantly, loudly, and energetically.
We ought to do the same. Too often we get so caught up in “what’s next?” that we forget to celebrate all that we’ve accomplished to date. Yes?
B) Aim for Flow wherever possible.
This shot is of Maroubra Beach – a place I’ve spent a good deal of time surfing in recent weeks. Surfing is all about flow: the sense that everything is working together harmoniously, the dots are connecting, things are easy, and everything feels great.
I aim for this feeling in life too, and so should you. When I am in flow with life, I have all the time in the world, my relationships are beautiful and fulfilling, my work is winning, and life feels great.
C) Watch funny movies with your partner.
Spending time together with your partner is essential to your relationship. Belinda and I have “date night” every Wednesday. It doesn’t matter if we actually go out for the night or not. We always take time to stop work (a challenge when you work from home) and simply hang out together.
This week’s date night was to watch “Happy Gilmore” on the big theatre screen we have installed in our client meeting room. A nice white wine, some chocolate, and a funny movie. Perfect. We went to bed feeling happy and connected. Try it yourself.
D) Embrace a little nonsense.
One of my favourite characters in the Happy Gilmore film is the guy responsible for today’s quote. Gary Potter is another pro on the tour, and spends a couple of scenes educating Happy in how to harness the good energy, block the bad, deal with pressure, and send his golf ball home.
While he is little more than an opportunity for laughs, and a setup for some extreme antics by Happy, I love his lines because they are absolutely ridiculous. His delivery is killer, and the whole aura of the character is so nonsensical that I can’t help but crack up laughing.
Today, when you’re feeling a little stressed or overwhelmed, try embracing a little nonsense. Do the Bull Dance around your house/office/workplace. You could even try a random tip from Orange Rhino’s “Alternatives To Yelling” page.
If nothing else, it will lighten your mood, and you’ll have a giggle. And that’s gotta be worth something, right?
With love,
Israel. xo