Being a child of the 80s I tend to have a fondness for much of the music of that era. While I was running (still a new experinece for me) I was listening to Pandora (my favorite running companion) and Prince’s “Let’s Go Crazy” from the Purple Rain soundtrack came on.
Dearly beloved, we have gathered here today
To get through this thing called life
Electric word life it means forever and that’s a mighty long time
But I’m here to tell you there’s something else
The afterworld, a world of never ending happiness
You can always see the sun, day or night
So when you call up that shrink in Beverly Hills
You know the one Dr. Everything’ll Be Alright
Instead of asking him how much of your time is left?
Ask him how much of your mind, baby
‘Cause in this life things are much harder than in the afterworld
This life you’re on your own
And if the elevator tries to bring you down
Go crazy punch a higher floor
Now, growing up, i thought I knew this song, but looking back, I missed the deeper meaning. It’s about living your life to the fullest, take it all now because this is all we have.
And then I reheard those lyrics, “And if the elevator tries to break you down, go crazy… punch a higher floor.” and I got it.
Failure. Disappointment. Obstacles. Life.
Elevators only go up or down, and if the elevator is breaking down, you’re certainly not going up.
Go crazy. Don’t just sit there and let it run you down. Step out of the box. Go nuts. And punch a higher floor. Go for it. Reach even higher. Now is not the time to play it safe, it’s time to reach farther and bigger than ever before.
Back in the spring I had finally got the report that I had not passed my MCC exam. I was upset, frustrated (to be honest, even a bit pissed) and very discouraged. And of course I had a few days of letting the elevator bring me down, but I quickly got back on my feet and reached for something even bigger and higher. I wasn’t about to let that stop me. And I achieved exciting things and created new partnerships and have had the best year in my coaching so far… even after that tragic failure and downfall.
Of course I tried again, and I’ll continue to reach for that level and eventually achieve it. But you and I know that I’m actually punching a higher floor than just an MCC.
Care to come with me?
Then let’s go crazy together.