Thank you to the many people who have contributed to DKY since February 1994. There have been a lot of you, and it has been a great ride.
February is the corporate anniversary month for DKY and our first client, Winnebago Industries. DKY turned 24 this year, while Winnebago crossed the 60 year mark.
It’s hard to believe. In many ways I still feel like I’m 24, but encroaching wrinkles and gray hair remind me that isn’t the case. And as the years have started to pile up, my perspective of time has dramatically changed. Just like old people told me it would when I was young.
Now that I’m an old person, here’s some advice for those of you who are still young and dumb:
- Eat bacon and dark chocolate. Moderation is important, but make sure you don’t miss the good stuff.
- Belly laugh more. If you’re stressing out at work every day you’re over-thinking it. Lighten up and snort-cackle in an upcoming staff meeting. Trust me, you’ll feel better.
- Don’t be a work jerk. If getting ahead means treating others badly, you’re trading a meaningful life for a BMW. Congrats on your leather-appointed terrible life.
- Don’t work for a work jerk. If your boss’ BMW is more important to them than you, it’s time to hit the road.
- Put yourself out there. You were created in the image of God, valuable beyond measure. You’ll miss what He has in mind for you if you’re holding back for fear of failure.
- Stop putting yourself out on social media. We care about you, but we don’t need regular updates on your caprese salad. Leave your phone in the car and be with the people you’re with.
- Be kind. Look people in the eye and truly listen. Stop trying to think about what you’re going to say next. Listen and be kind.
- Go to Disney, but don’t believe in Disney. You can’t be anything you set your mind to. I’d like to be Bono, but he’s already taken. Be you, even if that isn’t on The Voice.
- Reject shallow marketing mantras. If I see another brand prompting me to live “like a boss,” “unstoppable” or “at the top” I’m going to throw up.
- Practice gratitude. This February has me feeling profoundly grateful that DKY is 24. And the amazing privilege of my work life is about people – colleagues and clients walking through life together.
Thank you to the many people who have contributed to DKY since February 1994. There have been a lot of you, and it has been a great ride.
Video song credits:
“Live it Well” by Switchfoot, Copyright 2016 Vanguard Records, a division of Concord Music Group Inc.
“Brand New” by Ben Rector, Copyright 2015 Aptly Named Recordings, LLC