Let’s Misbehave

Whenever I worked in an office, I moved into my space.  I had a couple of “on the brink” plants, two or three beanie babies, pictures of my dogs, postcards from co-workers, sparkly pens, and awards and certificates proudly displayed.  A snuggly lap blanket hung across the back of my chair and emergency pants were hanging from the back of my door in a dry-cleaning bag.  Patterned kleenex boxes.  

My space was tidy and a lot of look.  

And hanging prominently beside my computer monitor was always, always this greeting card:

If you look closely, you’ll see old tape marks and imprints from thumb-tacks.  She’s gotten around.

I love this card in all of its early-aughts tackiness.  

I love this card because in moments when I was most aware of pushing against convention, these three gals were cheering me on.  It reminded me that – from sparking cultural revolution to changing how people request personnel actions and everything in between and around – we’re all misbehaving in someone’s eyes.  

It’s those moments of misbehaving that glitterbombs are most vulnerable.  That’s when the organizational or peer pressure intensifies.  That’s when the IIV gets a little louder.  That’s when the armor of going-with-the-flow feels comfier.

The challenge is to see beyond that feeling of otherness – and it is a big feeling – to the evolution and legacy you’re inspiring.  You’re not being rude or making mischief or being disobedient (unless you are).  You’re delivering something different, unexpected, and contrary to tradition.  

Clients often ask me how to keep honest and true to their luminescence when they know they’re way out on their own.  In response, I ask them:

Where do you draw strength from about your style when it’s obviously not of the establishment?

They tell me about memorial tattoos on their hands.  About post-it note affirmations on their mirrors.  Snacks they’ve prepared in advance of a big day.  Playlists.  Chats with mentees who sought them out specifically because they were different.  Emails of appreciation and praise.  Opportunities they’ve unlocked because they approached something creatively.

And with those at the front of their mind, they get back to the very important task of misbehaving.