Block Out the Noise

2011 Civic Election (District of Sechelt)

How does one move forward without blocking out the noise?  This sounds like a rhetorical question, but I am curious how individuals succeed.  When I ran for municipal election in November 2011, I did look for some validation to see if this was the ‘right move’ for me.  A litmus test, if you will.  To be honest, it didn’t matter.  I was going to put my name forward regardless of what others thought.  I blocked out the noise.  In the end, the outcome of the election worked out in my favor.  I am most productive with my work when my family is asleep and there is nothing on TV; and least productive when I am well-rested and watching TV.  Then I had an aha-moment watching the interview of Lady Gaga with Oprah Winfrey on Oprah’s Next Chapter.  (FYI: I am an Oprah junkie and Lady Gaga fan.  Do not judge.)  During the 2-hour interview, Lady Gaga said that she has to block out the noise in the creative process.  No media, no influences.  An excellent life lesson to share.  I’ve heard this lesson three times: once by a mentor when I was in teaching at the high school; a second time by BOB via social media; now a third time on TV from Lady Gaga.  BLOCK OUT THE NOISE… great things will happen.  Stay focused, take risks, and believe in yourself.