Be an extreme character.

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Your thoughts?
Please leave a reply:

1. Grandville (2008-08-03) #

   Just as a little site showing my quirkyness.

2. Grant Carrington (2008-09-12) #

   Ah, but how do you know yourself? I've been on this go-round for 70 years and know myself less now than I ever have.

3. harrison (2009-10-08) #

   Always putting your spirit in others with GOOD remark

4. Mr. Jimmy (2011-02-20) #

   I remembered this post today while I was reading about the great ballet dancer Anna Pavlova's life. Thanks for writing this blog, always an inspiration.
   
   (:

5. Ta' (2011-06-10) #

   This thought inspired the 4th part of my song SingVocation
   
   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzOim62QdLg

6. Jkre (2012-06-23) #

   Extreme is what you get in Hollywood!

7. Lojah (2012-12-19) #

   The best advice. Your image is you, just turned up a few notches.

8. Jose (2015-10-21) #

   Wow!! That answers a lot of questions.. Great post!!!!!!

9. Sean Crawford (2017-12-05) #

   I don't perform, but I do that a tiny bit in everyday life.
   
   As I see it, if I am not being smug or arrogant, then people know when I am trying to entertain and so they forgive me.
   
   My check for any speech or actions is: Is this greater than 50 per cent for my own benefit, for merely getting attention? If yes, then I stay silent. This preserves my reputation over the long run. People know if you are thinking of them.

10. Sean Crawford (2018-01-09) #

    People ask, "How do you know yourself?
    
    If it were easy to do, there wouldn't be an inscription at the temple of Delphi. "know thyself" is all it says.
    
    I think you know yourself the same way you "find" yourself: By noticing yourself as you are acting. Off the couch and out into the streets and on the stage. Over time your little lessons and observations add up. Listen to the observation and compliments of others while you are at it.
    
    No use in lying on a psychiatrist couch until you have some actions, and resulting feelings, to report. After I developed strengths people felt OK at pointing out my weaknesses and blindspots. I paid close attention to whatever I did that delighted folks.

11. Josh (2018-02-28) #

    I feel you need to say, "Don't be an extreme ass." Even Eminem says extreme shit, and the does the exact opposite of that extreme. Look at Elton John.

12. Wendy (2018-02-28) #

    This is good for a gentle, apologetic Canadian to read! Thank you Derek!

13. Karolien (2018-03-01) #

    To nr11: Spot on, Sean!

14. Brent (2018-03-01) #

    Hard to argue with the logic, but its difficult enough for us introverts just to show a small piece of our underbellies, let alone expressing an even bigger persona of who we are. This makes me want to tuck and run, but know that would only bring me unhappiness. A new mental wrestling match for sure. Thank you for providing yet another trigger for possible personal growth.

15. Sean Crawford (2018-03-01) #

    Hello Derek,
    I trust you noticed #14, Karolien, being friendly and considerate, an example of what you like: networking.
    
    If she were a singer in Belgium, and if I were there booking gigs for people, I would give her good consideration. (I'm in exotic Canada)

16. Tamara Rose (2018-03-06) #

    I love your drawings. This could use more expansiveness. More examples of people you may not think of as unusual, and specifically WHY they appealed to so many people. Having that shine from within kind of vibe, paying attention to people, and making them feel good are things to really look at also.

17. Michael Annotti (2018-03-06) #

    Extremely talented also works :)

18. JoshC (2018-03-06) #

    That's excellent advice, my favorite musician of the last few decades, Biran Warner, is the biggest intellectual introvert I've ever watched/read. Marilyn Manson otoh, not so much. Same with Sefani Germanotta/Gaga etc. ad infinitum

19. Dana B. (2018-03-06) #

    I'm a writer but I've been holding back on my most fabulous and most humiliating selves. When I get to the end of fabulous story, I have their attention but when I start the humiliating part, they're mine for life. Been afraid to be my explosive, unique self.

20. Jake (2018-03-06) #

    An example of this that I just heard about recently is movie producer and academy award winner Brian Grazer. He's got the wacky hair that he spikes straight up. The story, as he tells it, is that he spiked his hair after coming out of a pool one day and decided to keep it up like that for a few days after his daughter commented on how cool it was.
    
    The "few days" turned into every day after he saw how much attention he was getting for his hair during the time where Hollywood men all had the same wardrobe.

21. Snowcat (2018-03-06) #

    Sinatra was one of the biggest rock stars ever. Fascinating person.

22. Terry Kingston (2018-03-06) #

    Extreme, weird are ways to stand out. Setting yourself apart and showing your individuality. Develop you own, unique style: an item of clothing can become your signature: Mario Batali, the great chef, if I may use his discredited name, wore a pair of bright orange chef clogs. You can see a picture from his knee down and you know it's him. Extreme Eccentricity, in any form, always stands out. "That so few now dare to be eccentric, marks the chief danger of the time". John Stuart Mill

23. Louis Chew (2018-03-06) #

    It's so true. What blends in gets forgotten, and what stands out gets remembered. It's why every online persona is a caricature of themselves - everyone is shocked when they meet a toned down version in real life.

24. Rachel Walker (2018-03-06) #

    EXTREMELY..............original

25. Kim (2018-03-06) #

    Yep - I found it difficult "being" someone else, for the sake of a performance, it was definitely a confidence thing. Then I discovered hats - if I put a hat on, I'm a different person, and it all just happens - don't know why, but it works - wearing a hat, must be my "mask"
    
    Now if only I can find the confidence to put a hat on.... LOL

26. David (2018-03-06) #

    As it is for many, I have that mixture of trepidation and other feelings before taking the stage. It's always local but still - it's THE stage at that moment.
    
    'Taking it to another level' doesn't resonate with me, not because there isn't another level but because I can only sing it with feeling and trust that it works.
    
    I take my hat off to those who get up and 'have a go' on t.v. programs devoted to exposing talent. I don't watch them often but it's sometimes a delight.
    
    WALK THIS WAY
    
    
    walk this way ... talk this way with feeling
    
    dress this way ... we’ll have you
    
    ooh ooh ooh ..... yea
    
    pretty as a picture, winning all the prizes
    
    pleased with your selection ... walk this way, walk this way
    
    
    
    games of chance ... games of life’s romancing
    
    games to take you dancing
    
    ooh ooh ooh ... yea
    
    sweeping all before you ... focussed in the spotlight
    
    creating your expression
    
    games of chance, games of chance
    
    
    
    swings and roundabouts are a coming up as the carousel goes round
    
    the carnival it aint over yet ... you can take your place in this cabaret
    
    and go round and round and round and round and round
    
    
    walk this way ... talk this way with feeling
    
    dress this way ... we’ll have you
    
    ooh ooh ooh ..... yea
    
    your hopes and aspirations
    
    and happy dedications
    
    might not be what’s expected
    
    or what get’s resurrected ... walk this way
    
    walk this way, walk this way, walk this way

27. Rebecca (2018-03-06) #

    Hi Derek,
    
    Really enjoy your newsletter, ideas and no bs approach. I have a hoodie that says "Make Mistakes", I always get funny looks when I wear it but I think that’s the only way you learn. Your attitude resonates with that and I love it!
    
    Got to the end of you last e-note and saw your ideas for a book title. Had an idea, thought I would share. My mind went to something like Moves in Music or Music Moves or Moving Music.
    
    Felt compelled to share.
    
    Enjoy your cookies and milk, Rebecca

28. Vail Hayes (2018-03-06) #

    Sammy Davis Jr. Song
    "I got to be me"
    
    Sammy Davis Jr. Biography
    "Yes I can"
    
    This new book of yours is going to be something. WOW

29. Joseph (2018-03-06) #

    I get it. But I have seen this taken in a different direction. Really unlikable and unpleasant people putting on a fun front for the fans but treating everyone behind the scenes...the ones making them look good...like trash. And what's worse...it's rewarded because the fans only see the shiny facade. So this idea is good but I think it's mutually exclusive with narcissistic egos. One suspects karma will call in the debt one day...hahaha. I am just glad I no longer work with people like that, and I guess that's another lesson - surround yourself with good people.

30. Tosin (2018-03-06) #

    Two words = 'GRACE JONES'
    Great example! -- Derek

31. Enrique (2018-03-07) #

    Very true Derek, thanks for remind us to stay weird and original. Best.

32. Dean G. Hill (2018-03-07) #

    Thank You Derek
    
    ...I'm Chaos & Glory
    
    Don't Make Sense Make Noise!

33. Rev Tina Redden (2018-03-07) #

    True I love it
    
    Going on the wall of my studio

34. Alison (2018-03-07) #

    I don’t understand what you mean by "It’s easier to be honest behind a mask".

35. Nicky Shane (2018-03-07) #

    Here is my EXTREME stand-up character "The Buzzard"
    
    STAND-UP
    Nicky "The Buzzard" Shane - 10 MINUTE VIDEO
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTI-LfsS6UE&t=31s
    
    NICKY "THE BUZZARD" SHANE Stand-up 45 minutes VIDEO (My link)
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0cD2-yeEWY&feature=em-upload_owner
    
    FACEBOOK
    https://www.facebook.com/nicky.shane (My Facebook)
    11,000 likes, 5000 friends

36. JJ.Bitters (2018-03-07) #

    For Alison --
    
    "It’s easier to be honest behind a mask".
    
    Imagine you have to do a silly dance in front of 1,000 people. Now imagine you have to do that same silly dance while dressed in a mascot uniform.
    
    It's easier to let loose, have fun, and be sillier in the mascot uniform, right?
    
    An honest you is a fearless you. :)

37. Patty (2018-03-08) #

    You know you've pushed your 'weirdness' boundary when the result comes straight from the naughty ID. "Oh, I can't publish THAT!" ... oh yes you can!
    
    Inspiration for today and tomorrow and tomorrow and ...
    
    Olympic Gold medalist triathlete (2000) Simon Whitfield: "I always wanted to live a life less ordinary"

38. India Susanne Holden (2018-03-08) #

    Blog post word count: 200
    Comment section word count: 2000
    ☺ -- Derek

39. Zo (2018-03-10) #

    «It’s easier to be honest behind a mask » true true true ! As long as the one you’re talking to isn’t aware you’re hiding ?

40. Tommy Grasso (2018-03-12) #

    More truly great advise.
    Thank you Derek!
    Tommy

41. Paul Serrato (2018-03-13) #

    I like this. Funny and true!

42. Alan Hanslik (2018-03-13) #

    Derek,
    
    Seemingly off topic, but not...
    
    We all have personalities and sometimes the best of the artists are shy to show them. Though I have met my share of famous folk and they all do have a unique presence. I think it's always about believing in your self and developing the strength to be yourself and do what you truly want to do. That may be the hardest thing and takes years of doing it and trusting in yourself and the people around you, supporting you.
    
    So - as you say... let it all out!!
    
    lol

43. Pete (2018-03-15) #

    I am so glad I didn't stop after reading your first vlog today. This one is SO pertinent to me. After reading the first vlog, I started making a list of what my new band might not like about me or my groove, and what I could do about it. Now I see that I need to keep quiet about what I see as my flaws, and just keep practicing the drums so I get better and better and they can't fire me.

44. Steve Mann (2018-03-17) #

    wow.........good points.......Being a ballad singer, I never could figure out how to go extreme with my stage presence. The best I could do was use the stage and look at the entire audience as if I were singing just for them while hoping I don't hit a bad note.

45. Francesco Spezzano (2018-08-21) #

    Hi Derek interesting paper

46. Rasleen (2018-09-02) #

    The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*** by Mark Hanson
    and
    T for Transformation by Shaun T

47. Scott Clous (2018-10-27) #

    Yes and no.
    
    What if the real you is already so extreme no one believes :)
    
    Yes, drama is fun.
    
    I am told by those in the know, I would never be believed if I talked about topics...cause I am an outlier, living an outlier life.
    
    The question rather as you have framed it is how to be interesting
    
    Yes indeed.
    
    From Owl City to me, we are grateful for CD Baby. It let us share the music in our souls.
    
    Without needing to be anything but a musician :)

48. Dagmar (2019-03-25) #

    Very inspiring - I am listening to some great music and see your post and I say YES! to what you say.
    
    I am a coach for leaders and am just in this space where I need to play big in order to get there.
    
    This world needs characters who can treasure other characters and what they are good at. I feel now being in this change in my life: I no longer want to share my thoughts with people who want to make me small and dependant following their thoughts, just because if I don't follow they will hate me.... I want to follow them only when their thoughts resonate. If not I go. So brave characters - create impact !

49. Vaibhav Krishna (2019-04-10) #

    Landed here looking up ‘when to be extreme’
    I’m all for letting the spirit be authentic. But are you aware of any frameworks that let you guide your emotions in decision-making, that also prescribed the right words to use?
    
    Ps: Never got a chance to say this: thanks for your blog and book reviews!

50. Sean Crawford (2019-05-09) #

    Many years ago I used to wonder why a fellow as hard working, professional and rich as Bob Dylan was...
    wouldn't fork out for lessons from a speech therapist or singing teacher.
    
    At last I realized he is doing his act on purpose, for being an extreme version. Works for him.

51. Jackie Mackay (2019-09-27) #

    Your blog ( what I read so far ) has touched me.
    The quote below from the ‘Aga Khan’ surprised me.
    Bunker Roy’s Ted talk moved me.
    
    I thank you very much. I’m so happy to have discovered you.
    
    —— — quote below
    
    Unless these unfortunates can be touched with the spark which ignites the spirit of individual enterprise and determination, they will only sink back into renewed apathy, degradation and despair. It is for us, who are more fortunate, to provide that spark."