Back in the Day is one of my favorite songs by Eryka Badu. The song brings me back to a time when life wasn’t as complex. The lyrics evoke a high-intensity of happy to the point of complete elation. Oh, the good ol’ days!

There is a challenge that must be addressed when reflecting and grasping on to back in the day memories. Make sure you own the fact that it’s a past reality that is in a time capsule. Much like pictures, more than likely the image doesn’t look like it appears today, unless it involves plastic surgery.

When looking at the past, make sure you do it to inspire different thinking and better results. As with stretched out elastic, it never fits the same – so don’t get upset when it doesn’t.

When was the last time you were ridiculed?

There are a few ways to manage being insulted.

• Ignore insults
• Become motivated by insults
• Or become paralyzed by insults

The combination of the “I’ll show them” attitude, clear vision of where you want to go and a healthy mindset for handling hecklers will get you where you really want to go.

Enjoy your journey as well as appreciate it!

When asked for your approval, are people asking for you to OK the concept or for you to put your personal touch on it?

An employee went to his boss and said “I want you to give the OK for a new subway poster.” The subway poster read “New Zealand … Rocks!!!” The bosses response was “what about another exclamation mark?” The employee says “I don’t think that’s necessary.” The boss replies “Not necessary, no. Good.”

While the above comes across like a “who’s on first?” skit, it’s more important to ask if it’s more important to “give the OK” or “make it better.”

Make sure you aren’t trying to leave your mark for marks-sake. Kind of like peeing in the snow. 😉

Does introducing yourself as a captain have expectations associated with the title?

In the movie “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dean Man’s Chest”, Captain Sparrow claimed to only be a captain for two years out of a 13 year agreement because he experienced a viscous mutiny. However, he introduced himself as captain for all of those 13 years.

Was he a captain or not?

In society titles are thrown around with intent to be known as. The problem is that the title should be used to be known for.

If you use the doctor title then you should be known for being able to provide immediate health aide.

Be worthy of your title, whatever it is (Mom, Dad, Uncle, CEO, Doctor).

And raise the standard of what you expect out of those who call themselves titles that they don’t live up to.

Today is Brian Kenny’s last day at ESPN. He said “I have always been proud to say Brian Kenny, ESPN.”

Are you proud to say your name along with the company name?

Are you proud to wear the company logo shirt out in public?

If your answer is “somewhat” to either question, it might be time for a change.