Uncle Vinny’s Tips for Survival & Success: Man Down Part 2

This is a note for guys. Younger guys. I’m thinkin’ guys my age (over 50) may have had more guidance on stuff from a dad or older brother that thought just about anything could be fixed with duct tape, iodine, or a good slap. I don’t claim to have all of the answers to life’s complexities but I’ve been around a while, made a million mistakes, and have had the opportunity to raise a couple of successful kids, coach a bunch of teams, and work with a group of talented professional guys that perform like a pit crew.

Here are some things I’ve learned that apparently no one has told you but they’re important socially and professionally. I’m not going to number them because none is more important than any other. Call them Uncle Vinny’s tips for survival and success.

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Dot-to-Dot

Looking around, it appears the dots aren’t connecting and I’m trying to figure out why. I’ve always thought that life’s journey is experiential; a linear flow, building and learning on one life-event to the next. Like a baby learning to crawl, then walk, then run, then ride a bike, then drive and get speeding tickets. All of the wins, failures, heartbreaks, and near misses paved the road of knowledge from there to here. And we survived without the cocoon of bike helmets, car seats, do-overs, and safe spaces. Bumps, bruises, and scars built character and taught the cause-and-effect consequences of decision making.

Some of us have more scars: the risk takers or maybe stubborn life-forcers that have a steeper learning curve. If you’re reading this, you’ve obviously survived weak thought processes that probably make you shake your head in retrospect. And if you have scars on your face or it hurts to stand up once in a while and you mumble out loud, “I remember that one!” you’re in my group of learners.

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