The world needs you to stop being boring
March 09, 2013
Inspiration and a great story can come from anywhere. Today it comes from a 9-year-old child named Robbie Nova, a dynamic young man who is wise beyond his years. Robbie, also known as Kid President, was born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta ("Brittle Bone syndrome"), but he's obviously not going to let it get in the way of his dreams. "This is life people! You got air coming from your nose! You got a heart beat! That means it's time to do something!" The video below has been seen by million in a very short time and is even featured on the TED website. Kid President has an important message for all of us, whether we're 9-years old or 89, and that is: Stop being boring. "The world needs you to stop being boring," he says. "Everyone can be boring. Boring is easy!" Watch the video below or here on TED.com.
Encourage others
I love Kid President's core message: Encourage others. But many people do not themselves feel encouraged. What should you do, then, when you feel discouraged? This question was addressed in the book Essential Zen: A student asked the master during a meditation retreat, "I am very discouraged. What should I do?" To which the master replied: "Encourage others." When we encourage others we often feel encouraged ourselves. There is more to education than encouragement, but it's something that is undervalued by antiquated systems based on compliance and threats of punishment rather than on the joy of exploration and discovery. Anatole France said "nine tenths of education is encouragement."
What will you create that's remarkable?
"What will you create that will make the world awesome?" Robbie Nova asks. "Nothing if you keep sitting there!" So get up and take the road less traveled — that's the road that leads to awesome! As Robbie says: It's time to do something, people!
• Kid President on Wikipedia.
• Kid President's story (video).
I showed this video to the students in my presentation class just the other week. Great example of a simple, emotional, and moving presentation.
The video is all the more powerful to my wife and me since our son, K, also has OI, the same bone condition that Robby Novak has. K has just begun treatments to strengthen his bones and will likely end up with steel rods in his legs, just like Robby.
Thanks for posting, Garr.
Posted by: Michael Gowin | March 10, 2013 at 12:28 AM
Thanks so much, Michael, for your comment. All the best to you and your son! Take care, g
Posted by: garr reynolds | March 12, 2013 at 09:37 AM
This article is very interesting. I like that Reynolds is encouraging variety and excitement in everyday blogging rather than the mindless and boring information that is usually written. Blogging is exactly what his headings were, essentially: excitement, starting a movement, becoming remarkable. The video for Kid President was not only touching but perfectly coincided with the article's mission: to inspire the readers/listeners to create something special.
Posted by: Madeline K. | March 18, 2013 at 06:34 AM