This is a loose interpretation of Dave Grohl's Keynote speech at SXSW in Austin,TX and I thought it was so profound that I had to share it here with you all.
As a mom, as a blogger, as a human being on this planet; I think each of Dave Grohl's points in itself is applicable to each and every one of us in some way.
Put them all together and this can very well be a successful plan to living a happy and fulfilled life.
Top 5 Ways to a Better Life According to Dave Grohl
1. No one is you and that is your biggest power.
“It’s YOUR VOICE. Cherish it. Respect it. Nurture it. Challenge it. Stretch it and scream until it’s f**king gone because everyone is blessed with at least that, and who knows how long it will last …”
“Who’s to say what’s a good voice, and what’s not a good voice? The Voice? Imagine Bob Dylan sitting there singing ‘Blowin’ in the Wind’ in front of Christina Aguilera.”
2. Don’t be afraid of not fitting in.
“I can truly say out loud that ‘Gangnam Style’ is one of my favorite f**king songs of the past decade. Is it any better or worse than the latest Atoms for Peace album? Hmmm… paging Pitchfork! Come in, come in, Pitchfork! We need you to help us determine the value of a song! Who f**king cares.” Don’t be someone who designs their lives to impress others.
3. Give a damn about yourself.
It’s about taking care of yourself so you can be a better human being. A 2.0 version of you is way more equipped to help others in need. Take up yoga if you’re stressed. Ask for a big raise. Walk away from a relationship that is abusive or draining. Or just take a nap, for Christ’s sake.
4. Be humble.
No one wants to go to lunch with a supermodel who says things like, “My cheekbones, if you’ve noticed, have a similar incline to an escalator.” One thing I’ve noticed is that if you are good at something, people will acknowledge it. Appreciate the hell out of those people. Should you be blessed enough to have the fortitude to work so hard at something that people celebrate you, your first reaction should be gratitude. And know that there’s a ton of people out there from all races and socioeconomic backgrounds who can still teach you something. I don’t care if you’re Bill Clinton or Jay-Z – always be learning; always be improving.
5. Spark a revolution.
Always have the highest bar for yourself. Wake up everyday and no matter how crappy you feel, want to change something for the better. Do something that makes someone happy. Create something that inspires someone. Be someone’s light when they are hopeless.
tamie
I really like that last part, be someones light when they are hopeless.
rachel
Great post! Great things to think about! 🙂
Tammy
I think I would have been blushing with that kind of language being used in a keynote address LOL - I love the 5th one, very simple yet very profound, I never would have thought "sparking a revolution" could be so simple!
Marcie W.
I absolutely love each of these tips!
Jennifer
I can't tell you how much I love Dave Grohl--Nirvana to Foo Fighters! The guy puts on one hell of a show, he's hysterical and smart! Thank you for sharing. I watched this a few weeks--he's just awesome!
Mellisa
What great tips! I'm so impressed with Dave Grohl! I would love to see one of his shows.
Jennifer
I love Dave and all his bands, his words, his shows, everything. He's awesome!
Maryann
well I hope I'm part of a food revolution and one that sees autism is treatable and that food and nutrition play a significant part in that.
Jennifer Quillen
Honey, you ARE a revolution - and a force to be reckoned with! And I mean that as a compliment 😉
Jennifer Quillen
He is pretty awesome! I would have loved to have seen his speech in person!
Rachel
Ha - - same here. That's why I haven't made it to SXSW. It's a different kind of crowd!
Liz
I really like that guy but who knew he had all types of common sense aside from his musicianship skills!
Donna
I love Dave Grohl even more now if that was possible! 🙂
Shell Fruscione
These are totally awesome words to live by.