Before my bootcamp friends and I started working out this morning, Paul Lacoste told a funny story about his young son asking a lady in the next bathroom stall, Whats your name? He then led from that into the question, Whats your name? I thought about that question the whole time I worked out this morning (well, I thought about dying a couple of times, too). What do people think when they see or hear your name? I have a unique experience with that question. For over 30 years, I have been signing my name to my artwork. If you see Marshall Ramsey you have an idea what it stands for. Youve probably seen my cartoons, read my books, heard me speak or read my writing. I hope you think funny, positive, hopeful, inspiring, fitness. But I know some of you think, Jackass. (You cant make everyone happy.) Its basic self-branding 101, something everyone should be interested in in this age of social media. Your name has to mean something -- good, hopefully -- to people. I cringe when I see people try to craft a self-brand that is opposite who they really are because I know it wont end well. In fact, it usually explodes in some spectacular Death Star catching a missile in the exhaust port-like fashion. Ask Tiger Woods or Lance Armstrong what happens when you base your brand on a lie. Bill Cosbys brand as a loving TV father is definitely under threat with each new allegation. No, dont try to be something you arent. For me, what you see is what you get. Im cynical but hopeful. Grumpy but happy. Energetic but tired. I am funny but serious. And I try to be a decent dad and husband. Thats what I am. Thats where Im coming from. Because its easier that way. Lying takes energy I just dont have. Ive tried it. I suck at it. Whats your name? Marshall and Ramsey are the surnames of two complex but good families. And Im going to spend the month of December looking at who I am, what I truly stand for and how I use my time and energy. It will be a month of reflection and planning. It will be a month of action. How can I be a better husband and father? How can I use my talents to help others? How can I give back to this community? How can I live healthier and happier? How can I live in love and not fear? Whats your name? My name is Marshall Ramsey and my goal is to make the families who gave me those names proud.
Posted on: Thu, 04 Dec 2014 14:40:15 +0000