I wish I found some better sounds no one’s ever heard
I wish I had a better voice that sang some better words
I wish I found some chords in an order that is new
I wish I didn’t have to rhyme every time I sang
I was told when I get older all my fears would shrink
But now I’m insecure and I care what people think…
Wish we could turn back time, to the good old days
When our momma sang us to sleep but now we’re stressed out
– Lyric from “Stress Out” by 21 Pilots
In business, it seems like we spend an awful lot of time trying like crazy to figure out the completely new idea, or, trying to get back to “the good old days.” In general, it seems like we’re way too stressed out. And, while the fears of our childhood (remember the monster under the bed?) turned out to be trivial / false (in most cases), why can’t we see that the fears of our later lives (acceptance, approval, things, status) are just as flimsy?
I heard this song for the first time yesterday while trying to find some music that both The Middle and I could listen to in the car. (I’ll let you know how that works out…) Not a fan of rap or hip-hop in general, this one really caught my ear, and the second time they repeated the lines above, it hit me.
I wish…
If only…
Remember when…
So, I got to thinkin’….for Difference Makers, we ought to complete those thoughts more like this:
“I wish I could really get a good understanding of what to do next. Right here. Right now.”
“If only I had the will power to turn off the e-mail, the phone and close the door to just sit here for :20 and THINK!” (We do, by the way….have that will power…)
“Remember when we were kids, and we just dreamed up crazy stuff to try? Remember how we learned that you can jump a bicycle over a sidewalk, but not so much over a tool shed….? Are we trying to jump a tool shed or a sidewalk here — and once we figure that out, should we raise the ramp, or go around?”
I’m not sure there are many new ideas. I am sure, however, that there is an unlimited way the ideas we already know can be seen, felt, applied and considered — to address whatever it is that we need to do next. Right here. Right now.
Reynold says
I don’t listen to 21 pilots but all of my friends do so I guess I do to.
Steve Heston says
Is that appreciation by osmosis? 🙂
Amber Smith says
I feel like this song explains a feeling many people can relate too and the way that you can connect these lyrics to a way to look and move forward. I appreciate you making the connection and thank you for the inspiration.
Steve Heston says
Amber, it’s ALL about moving forward. Whatever has passed is past, even if it was just a few seconds ago. What matters in business, and in life, is what we do NEXT! Thanks for joining the conversation!
Caralia Ferrante says
I really like how you incorporated Twenty one Pilots into this blog post. They are an amazing band f=to listen to for the feels. I also like how you kind of interpreted the lyrics into your own words.
Steve Heston says
Thanks, Caralia! I’m always looking for new musical pursuits, and for new ways to see the “same old stuff” that life — and business — seem to offer up!
shyheim hasan says
i think the song means some times you have hard times and you wish you can go back to the good times but you have to deal with the hard time and make the best of them.
Steve Heston says
My dad always said, “No matter where you go, there you are.” Your take on the lyric is a good reminder that we’re right here, right now, for a reason — and we ought to get the best of it, whatever “it” is.
Luciano Gaxiola says
I think many people can relate to them in different ways but at the same time we are all the same as we are different.You find pieces of yourself in others because you are never whole without someone else.Humanity in Unity, The evolution of lost dreams.
P.S. I loved that you put a quote in your blog that can relate to the younger generation.
Steve Heston says
Luciano, “you are never whole without someone else” is permanently etched in my brain. That right there is some beautiful stuff, brother!
Steve Heston says
For those who are tempted to think our future is in less than capable hands, the comments above come from young people (and not just in the sense of “younger than me,” which is almost everyone) — we’re talking teens — young people who are innately aware of who they are, and aware of who they want to become. They’ve chosen to study leadership — and they think….oops, sorry, I meant THINK in compelling, compassionate, creative ways. Honored that they’ve Blessed us by weighing in!
So, whaddya YOU think?
Alizay Muldrew says
This is my type of music, but i’ve never heard of this band. I’ll definitely be listening to it more. I really liked that you made a connection to this song even though it’s not your type of music. Diversity. Love it.