Archivi dei tag: value

Searching for Sugar Man: The Timeless Lessons of Sixto Rodriguez

In the world of documentaries, few stories are as compelling and inspiring as “Searching for Sugar Man.” This Oscar-winning film, directed by Malik Bendjelloul, chronicles the fascinating journey of Sixto Rodriguez, a Detroit-based musician who, despite being largely unknown in his home country, became a cultural icon in South Africa. The documentary is more than just a tale of music—it’s a profound exploration of hope, resilience, and the transformative power of art.

The Enigmatic Story of Sixto Rodriguez

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Sixto Rodriguez recorded two albums, “Cold Fact” and “Coming from Reality.” Despite their artistic brilliance, these records went unnoticed in the United States, and Rodriguez faded into obscurity. However, his music somehow made its way to South Africa, where it struck a chord with the anti-apartheid movement. In a land divided by racial injustice, Rodriguez’s songs became anthems of hope and resistance. Yet, while his music thrived on another continent, Rodriguez himself remained a mystery, with many assuming he had died in obscurity.

The documentary follows two South African fans, Stephen “Sugar” Segerman and Craig Bartholomew-Strydom, as they start on a quest to uncover the truth about Rodriguez. Their search leads to the astonishing discovery that not only was Rodriguez alive, but he was also unaware of his fame on the other side of the world. “Searching for Sugar Man” is the story of how one man’s music transcended borders, and how it changed lives forever.

Lessons We Can Learn from “Searching for Sugar Man”

  1. Resilience in the Face of Failure. Rodriguez’s story is a testament to the power of resilience. Despite the commercial failure of his albums in the United States, Rodriguez never lost his passion for music or his belief in his own artistry. His persistence in pursuing his craft, even when the world seemed indifferent, is a powerful reminder that success is not always immediate or visible. It often requires patience, perseverance, and an unshakable belief in oneself.
  2. The Unpredictable Nature of Success. Success, as Rodriguez’s story illustrates, is often unpredictable and can come unexpectedly. While his music was ignored in the United States, it resonated deeply in South Africa, where it became a symbol of resistance. This teaches us that impact and influence can be far-reaching, often beyond our immediate understanding. The key is to continue creating, sharing, and contributing, even if the results are not immediately apparent.
  3. The Power of Art to Inspire Change. Art can inspire, uplift, and unite people across cultures and continents. Rodriguez’s music became the soundtrack to a movement, giving voice to those who were fighting against oppression. This underscores the importance of artistic expression as a tool for social change. Whether through music, writing, or visual arts, our creations have the potential to make a difference in the world.
  4. The Value of Staying True to Yourself. Throughout his life, Rodriguez remained true to his values and his music, regardless of the commercial outcome. This authenticity is a powerful lesson in the importance of staying true to oneself. In a world that often prioritizes commercial success over artistic integrity, Rodriguez’s story is a reminder that true fulfillment comes from being genuine in our pursuits.

Embrace Your Passion

The story of Sixto Rodriguez and “Searching for Sugar Man” is not just a fascinating narrative; it’s a call to action. It encourages us to embrace our passions, pursue our dreams, and share our stories, no matter how unlikely success may seem. We are reminded that our contributions have value, even if they are not immediately recognized. The world is vast, and our impact may be greater than we ever realize.

As you reflect on Rodriguez’s journey, consider the passions you hold dear. Are you pursuing them with resilience and authenticity? Are you sharing your talents and stories with others? Let Rodriguez’s story inspire you to keep creating, keep striving, and keep believing in the power of your unique voice.

Have you watched “Searching for Sugar Man”? What lessons did you take away from Sixto Rodriguez’s incredible journey? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s continue to celebrate the power of resilience, creativity, and the enduring impact of art. If you haven’t seen the documentary yet, I highly recommend you watch it.

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5 Ideas to Feel Good at Work (Without Looking for Perfection)

There are some problems to address to feel good at work, without wanting to be perfect, also because we would like to avoid that pursuing perfection at work, but also in private life, turns into an obsession.

Problem 1

The work I do is not recognized for what is worth.

Who hasn’t felt this way at work? Who doesn’t like to receive an appreciation, like “Job well done”? But, honestly, isn’t it a bit risky to base our motivation on the appreciation received from others?

Try this exercise: Every day take note of a positive thing you did at work. A well-written report, an effectively managed meeting, a productive coffee break… Then celebrate this success. Go out to dinner with colleagues, or friends, or your partner, but if no one has time, go out alone or prepare a special dinner for yourself. Success is not necessarily having a villa in a posh place or a Ferrari. Success is measured in the small daily things you do and should always be celebrated. Buy yourself some flowers and take them to the office. If they ask you why, answer because you are good and nice. Then, watch how colleagues react.

Problem 2

My life turns around my work.

In French they say “Metro, boulot, dodo”, which means “subway, work, sleep”. That’s not exciting, is it? Often, unfortunately, this is the case. What do you do to change this? Do you ever take time to devote to yourself? Not a day shall go by without you taking the time for yourself. Read that article in your favorite magazine or on your friend’s blog (which could be mine…), go to the gym or take a walk in the park near home, call your mother or that friend you haven’t heard from for a long time… You should devote yourself at least half an hour a day. If you think about it, it’s not much.

Problem 3

I don’t learn anything new anymore.

If you’ve been doing a job for a long time, at some point it’s normal for you to feel like you’re not learning anything new. You get bored and are not happy, even if you manage to work very well, knowing exactly what you have to do. But that’s not enough to motivate you, so what can you do? You have to get out of your comfort zone, you have to accept new challenges. Tell your boss about it, maybe they have ideas.

Problem 4

They will never promote me

So, in my entire career I’ve been promoted only once, last year. And I’ve been working for more than twenty years! Why? In some cases definitely because I didn’t spend much time in the same workplace. Yes, I admit, I’m not that person who sticks to the employer. Indeed, I feel I need fresh air quite often.

But why? Probably because I haven’t found my way yet and so I’m leaving because I have to get back on the road to find it.

Even if you feel “forced” into your workplace, ask yourself what would be your ideal job, the job of your dreams. If you don’t find it in the place where you’re working, start looking around. And make an action plan (if you don’t know how to make an action plan, I can help you  do it). Or ask if you can work part-time, so you can cultivate that passion or hobby that you have been neglecting for too long.

Problem 5

I don’t have time to do anything.

Here we go, this is one of the most common problem nowadays. We have the feeling of not being able to manage our time, and that we are overwhelmed. Family, work and time lost in traffic, there is not much left for us. But isn’t it an excuse? Make an analysis of your day, see the useless things you do and start eliminating them. Then, there are certainly things that you can postpone, for example, it is not necessary to vacuum clean every night even if you have a cat at home like me (I vacuum clean at most twice a week).

It is a matter of choice and priority, you cannot do everything: there are things that you absolutely have to do, others that you can avoid and postpone them (knowing how to postpone things is a science, even if not a precise one …).

For example, while working full time, I dedicate myself to writing this blog because I go out a little in the evening, but when the opportunity arises I do not hesitate to go out. So, when I go out I decide to postpone writing my article.

In conclusion, choice is the basis of change, and action is the basis of positive thinking. Take life into your own hands. Act now, don’t wait!

Writing A Résumé

A poem by Wislawa Szymborska

What needs to be done?
fill out the application
and enclose the résumé.

Regardless of the length of life,
a résumé is best kept short.

concise, well-chosen facts are de rigueur.
Landscapes are replaced by addresses,
shaky memories give way to unshakable dates.

Of all your loves, mention only the marriage;
of all your children, only those who were born.

Who knows you matters more than whom you know.
Trips only if taken abroad.
Memberships in what but without why.
Honors, but not how they were earned.

Write as if you’d never talked to yourself
and always kept yourself at arm’s length.

Pass over in silence your dogs, cats, birds,
dusty keepsakes, friends, and dreams.

Price, not worth,
and title, not what’s inside.
His shoe size, not where he’s off to,
that one you pass off as yourself.
In addition, a photograph with one ear showing.
What matters is its shape, not what it hears.
What is there to hear, anyway?
The clatter of paper shredders.

Photo by Thomas Renaud on Unsplash

Translated from the Polish by Stanislaw Baranczak and Clare Cavanagh

I Keep The Mug!

1990, Cornell University, United States. A professor distributes pretty mugs to some of his students. A general tour of coffee? Not really…

The professor is Daniel Kahneman, a psychologist who works on behavioral economics: he studies how individuals make their decisions to consume, buy, sell, invest.

With his mugs, he does a little experiment. Half of the students receives one, the other half does not receive anything. Then, the professor asks each group at what price they think the mug could be sold: those who have the mug said they are ready to sell for 7 dollars. And those who do not have it are ready to buy it for 3 dollars.

According to the economic theory, mugs should trade around 5 dollars: it would be a middle ground, the price which mug sellers (supply) and buyers (demand) would agree, after negotiation.

This is called the equilibrium price, which sets the value of the mug in the mug market. But Kahneman tries something else: he proposes to the students without a mug to receive either the mug, or   5 dollars. He offers to the students with a mug to buy them, also for 5 dollars. The choice is the same for everyone: a mug or 5 dollars.

The result is that the students who do not have a mug accept the money but the students who already have the mug refuse to give it away.

Why? The reason is the so-called endowment effect: we give more value to something that we already have and we are not ready to give it away to its real value on the market.

Because of this psychological bias, people have a hard time getting rid of a piece of furniture, their old car, or a house, because they overestimate the value.

But this bias that can also be useful for trading: when a seller offers us for example a subscription, a mattress or ... a mug to test for free for a while, it is because they hope that in the end we will be willing to pay to keep it!

And you, have you ever kept anything offered by a seller?