Hi Fam! Welcome to Move Fast, Think Slow. MF/TS delivers pro tips on life, team performance, or brand marketing every Thursday (or Friday). If you have not yet subscribed, join 1000+ smart, curious humans by sharing your email here.
Last week we explored the question: what is a brand? I always have fun geeking out on the exact definition of the word “brand” and the implications of “brand marketing” in the 21st century.
Separate yet related, this wonderful little story told by Nike’s historian regarding John Brown / Nike’s early advertisements popped up on LinkedIn this week. It directly relates to defining the difference between brand marketing and product marketing.
WHAT I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO (A GOOD LISTEN)
Can’t wait to listen to Liquid Death’s Mike Cessario talking marketing on Jon Evan’s Uncensored CEO. As covered by MF/TS a few weeks back, LIQUID DEATH IS FACKING CRUSHING THE GAAAAAAME. Every marketer ought to be stealing the tips and tricks of Mike and his company. FYI - IT’S FACKING WORKING!!!
CAUGHT MY EYE (CULTURAL INSIGHTS AND ADDICTIONS)
There was a point in time where I use to think everyone in America is a junkie in some shape or form it’s just that some forms of being an addict are more socially acceptable than others. I think the line between unhealthy addiction and dedication is quite blurry.
Why do I bring that up?
My guy Alec put me on this piece on our dopamine-chasing culture and it’s making the rounds. Ted Gioia talks about how addiction and dopamine chasing IS the culture now. :(
On one hand, it’s validating as I know I’m not alone in observing that people’s addictions to the screen are getting worse. People are scrolling while they are at live events or movies! 🤦
I wrote a rambly piece on the need to reset our relationship with technology. Because here’s the thing: we are undervaluing the power of the supercomputers in our brains versus the ones in our hands. No one ever talks about our brains or how the wonderful things we make come from our minds.
In doing so, we undermine the full potential value of what we can create in this life because we’ve been duped into believing that technology will somehow set us free.
It also spells opportunity IMHO. I think there’s an enormous opportunity to generate old media for richer / more fulfilling experiences. Sure, only 500 other people agree with me, but I’m bullish on intimate in-person events and experiences. A photography book. A book club. A run club. Or just nothing, which is the hardest to do, but oh so good for your brain.
These supercomputers in our hands make letting go of constant stimulation a really hard thing to do. I wonder if that’s why I’ve become a serious runner. A runner that has within the past year, opted to do long runs with no music. Most people think that’s crazy. For me, it’s cleansing.
RUNNING 26.2 IN LOS ANGELES
After running 470 miles over 16 weeks it’s time for the Los Angeles Marathon this weekend. It’s been a grind to prepare for the run but it’s going to be great. This great Haruki Murakmi quote sums it up for me:
“Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.”
After running the NYC Marathon in 4:05:00 time I was proud for running it but I felt funny about not breaking 4 hours. And by funny I mean IT REALLY PISSED ME OFF! 😡 🤣 👀
The homie told me about the Los Angeles Marathon back in November and upon approval from my boss (akas my wife) I locked it in.
The race will be fun, triumphant, and spiritual. My childhood was in Los Angeles. I will start the race in the ballpark where I watched Fernando Valenzuela pitch no hitters and hit dingers out of the park. Run past the neighborhood I grew up in. Run through the neighborhood my Mom grew up in.
My Grandma will be with me. So will our dear family friend Henry. I was lucky to have them in my life. I know they will be smiling down on me. No matter the plane, they’re always rooting for me.
ALL THE FEELS
I’ll be in grief and gratitude all at once. And the flood of emotions can override while I’m in stride. It’s one of these strange wonderful things that can happen when running long distances. You’re proud. You’re tired. You’re fighting. And it can feel like everything in your life culminating to the surface. I will think of my parents a lot. They were the ones who always told me to keep going despite the voices in my head telling me otherwise. I will go forth. I will finish it. And a tear or two shall be shed. It will be beautiful.
LETTING GO OF EXPECTATIONS
The goal was to break 4:00:00 but the way I was training I am wondering if I can break 3:30:00. What a psycho. 🤪 This is my challenge. The dance between enjoying it versus no I must break 3:30:00 bounces back and forth in my brain. Regardless, I do need to let go of expectations. Just like with everything, when it becomes game time, you just need to let it go. I’ll be repeating positive messages and visualizing a beautiful run while telling myself to let it go. The run in of itself is an accomplishment. I already won.
GO SIGN UP FOR A RACE B/C IT’S A WONDERFUL ANCHOR
I tell everyone they should go Race because it becomes a tremendous anchor in life. You don’t have to run 26.2. You can run 3 miles! 6! Running with other humans in of itself is magical. Primal in some ways. It’s a great feeling.
I’ve changed my diet, and my physical routines, embraced meditation, and generated more positive brain chemicals. The race is an organizing force.
This anchor puts all the other aspects of the journey into perspective. I’d argue it makes me better at being human and more productive in general. But don’t take my word for it, here’s a list of 70+ science-backed benefits of running including:
Being an anti-depressant
Improving focus & memorization
Regulating blood pressure and making your heart healthier
Increases energy levels throughout the day
Reversesing the aging process and strengthening your knees
So do yourself a favor. Go on a run this weekend. Science proves short runs are very good for your entire operating system. Go out there and do. Then thank me later. 🤗🏃
IMAGES OF THE WEEK (SXSW EDITION)
Go forth.
Stay safe.
Ride the wave.
-Mitch