NickVenturella.com 10-1-23 - Gray is the shade of the human condition

My wife’s birthday is coming up next week (happy birthday, by the way, since I know you’ll read this).We had the opportunity to hang out for a few hours together this past weekend (just us, without the kiddos – a rare treat – thanks grandparents). It was a beautifully sunny, yet unseasonably warm fall day. After we had lunch and browsed our local independent bookstore, we decided to go see the movie Dumb Money, about the GameStop stock run that took place in the wake of the COVID pandemic.It was a well-done, modern day David vs. Goliath, true story.I won’t get into here, but read the article linked above, watch the movie trailer, and/or if you remember this in the news like I did when it actually happened, you’ll understand the David vs. Goliath sentiment.

However, not every “little guy” did come out on top in the movie or in the real life story. 

What struck me as sad and frustrating was the fact that in the movie – and this happens in our day-to-day lives often – the Goliaths, those with the money and power to control the game and change its rules to suit their agenda and/or line their pockets, are real. It leaves the rest of us who are not in those power positions wondering how to reasonably get ahead, and/or simply cope.

We’ve all likely seen it or experienced it in some way, shape or form – from jobs we’ve had (or perhaps currently have) to politics, to even your kids’ school PTA meetings. It’s a manipulation of the few in a certain position furthering their wants and agenda for their purposes vs. what’s fair and equitable for the majority. And by “fair,” I simply mean the rules of the game aren’t changed on the fly because those few on top are no longer winning. 

How do people in general (who aren’t the 1%) deal with this? 

The only answer I can come up with is to educate yourself and test that knowledge against your own personal values. The result is probably how you should engage in the situation…or not.Here are some thoughts on how to approach it:

• Learn about the situation

• Learn how and why things work the way they do – where did the rules come from? How do the rules evolve over time (what trends stand out)? Who are the players? What are their motivations? What are MY motivations?

• Learn from those in the power positions. Not to become like them necessarily, but to understand how to navigate.

Unfortunately, life (and living in a capitalistic society) can be complex. The answers aren’t always binary. Gray is the shade of the human condition, but your pursuit of knowledge and self-awareness can lead you to many extraordinary colors you wouldn’t otherwise know about.Did you see the movie?  What did you think?  Hit reply and tell me about it.Be well, and have a great week ahead!

--------------------------------------------------Updates----------I took some time to revamp my personal website. Feel free to check it out:nickventurella.com----------I've recently updated The GrowLoop Journal. It's The GrowLoop Journal 2.0, I suppose.The GrowLoop Journal is a personal documentation system to help combat disengagement, distraction, and depression to feel better and be more productive in your life and career. It's based on proven science about the mental and physical health benefits of journaling.----------Dan Lezama and I (we make up the music duo group, Gemini's Rival) have been busy re-recording new versions of our back catalog of songs from the mid/late '90's & early 2000's.Here are three songs (of several songs to be released) that are now out on all major streaming platforms.Listen to songs, Night to Die,  Everlasting (In the End), Once in a While now.----------So my good friend, Dan Lezama is a solar guy -- super knowledgeable and talent with extracting energy from the sun. He's already started and successfully exited one solar business to now start another. If you're in the market for a solar powered trailer you should check Mobile Solar Solutions out. Here's a Facebook listing:Want to be off-grid anywhere?Access sustainable solar power anywhere you need it:-on the construction job site--at the campsite--at the disaster relief site-The quality craftsmanship and utility of this trailer will not disappoint.

----------

Stay positive. Stay healthy. Be kind.Sincerely,Nick VenturellaStrategic/Creative ProfessionalNickVenturella.com