I am writing about this because I don't want to write about this. The more uncomfortable I felt about it, the more I felt I had to write something—even if it's not very good or insightful. I just know that not talking about it is no longer an option. (And, of course, if we want to hear from anyone, it's a white guy who grew up in New Hampshire.)

Here’s something new right now: 58 words from everyone but me on the current state of things. I asked everyone in the company to give 58 words of hope, 58 words of frustration, 58 words of reflection, or just 58 words about something that happened during all this. It's only 58 words, which is easy and hard.

The Inaugural 5+8 Client Hall of Fame Induction Awards. Welcome to something Jeff and I have been massaging for five years. Over the last five years, at any given time, a conversation not unlike the one below would arise.

“Wouldn’t it be funny if we had a Client Hall of Fame Awards?“ said Jeff or Adam.

“Totally.“ said either.

We're all feeling unsure right now, that's for sure. Without much to do, most of us—myself included—have been sitting around, reading the news, and worrying about the virus and its sweeping economic impact. Well, it’s fine to be worried, but I think we’d all feel better if we channeled that energy into actions.

I always thought being a "True Leader" just meant long hours and tough decisions. I didn’t know it meant sometimes you have to feel like a dork in front of a bunch of people that you like and hope respect you. I didn’t know it meant that people will tell you that your ideas are good when they’re not. I didn't know that I would feel a lot more like Michael Scott than Gordon Gecko. When I watch The Office now, I am alarmed by my empathy for Michael Scott. He just wants to be liked, admired and feel like part of the team. I want that too, but that’s not really what it means to be a leader. 

I had a client ask me “Where is the gift guide? I was looking for it on Cyber Monday.” And, I was like, “you took the gift guide seriously? That’s awesome!” Sorry we missed Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Giving Tuesday, but here is our gift guide just in time for Forgetful Friday! I am proud to introduce you to 2019 gifts and the wonderful people who swear by them.

Last year, just for fun, we did The Most Random Gift Guide in Ever. It was just a fun post right before Christmas. We had everything from lint removers to harpoons. It was just the stuff each person on our team really liked- liked enough to share it on this list. And, guess what happened? People bought the stuff based on our recommendations. This was not our goal. Which is precisely why it worked. So, yeah, we are influencers.

Tonight is game 7 of the World Series between the Washington Nationals and the Houston Astros. I live in Houston. There’s a pretty cool energy in the city. You can’t go very far without seeing an Astros hat or jersey. I'm actually a Cardinals fan, so I have to be careful about showing my allegiances.

I have slow internet, and it’s making life not easier. AT&T is also making my life not easier. I have had three calls with them, and I somehow still have slow internet. How can this be? How can you treat customers this way? I sure as heck can’t treat customers that way, so why can they? First, because they’re behemoths and I (currently) need them more than they need me. And, second, it’s still easier for me to stay with them and their crappy customer service than it is to endure the hassle of switching to someone else.

This post is not about money. And, it’s not about me. It’s not even about branding. It’s about fear. If life is an exhilarating motorcycle ride through the hill country, fear is the wonky sidecar. Fear distracts, derails and worst of all, derides us. Fear makes us feel bad about things that haven’t even happened yet. Fear is a thief. Can you imagine the number of lives that are never fully realized because of fear? Millions. Maybe more.