A Great Way to Take Your Life to the Next Level

Welcome back to Graceland Ontario, ladies and gentlemen! Today we're going to be talking about exploiting the similarities between you and others.

So, it’s that’s time of year again − when the radio stations that usually play soft rock and pop switch to the classics… carols.

There’s a long tradition of carols being played in our society around the Christmas season. From the wassailers, originally peasants who’d gather around the door of the lord of the manor and sing until someone came out and gave them money or food. Later these troupes came from churches, or groups of friends out for a laugh. Regardless, it was a fun seasonal activity and a way of spreading cheer (one that’s sadly died in many cases today).

 

The thing about Christmas carols is there’re only so many − annoying, isn’t it? So, when the traditional ones get old, others contribute to the stock − Handel wrote “Joy to the World”, Mendelssohn “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”, Berlin “White Christmas”, Leiber and Stoller “Santa Claus is Back in Town” and on to the present.

But, unlike most modern songs in our society, these songs were not relegated to just symphonies or the original artist. They became standards sung by everyone with a Christmas song in mind − the wassailers, now the family singing ‘round the Christmas table; The radio stations, the schools, the churches − everyone pushed their popularity.

So, unless you’ve had your head in a snail’s shell the better part of your life, you’ve heard all the big Christmas carols. You could probably name them if you had the time and when they play on the radio, you could probably mouth at least a few of the lyrics.

They became common knowledge, if not public domain so often paid for that people forgot there was a copyright on them. And because everyone knew them, you could go out to a carol sing with complete strangers. Doesn’t matter what they listen to the rest of the year − at Christmas, you all sing the same songs. They became a way of uniting, a commonality among much of the Western world.

Then Elvis Presley came along. Given that he was the latest hot thing and everyone loved Christmas to start with, his manager, Colonel Tom Parker, he and the RCA big guys got together to make an album for the season. It came out in 1957 and was the last piece of work Elvis did with his traditional band, Scotty Moore on guitar, D. J. Fontana on drums and Bill Black on bass. They had a pay disagreement and parted ways with Elvis after the album’s completion.

 

The album was a huge success − sure, Elvis hadn’t turned into Bing Crosby over night, but he did rack up some more sales − the album is certified 3X platinum. Hardly surprising − it had “Blue Christmas” on it…

Then, in between a bunch of movies and gospel songs, Elvis finally did another album of Christmas stuff in 1971, Elvis Sings the Wonderful World of Christmas. RCA thought the original stuff was getting a little old (after fourteen years, you can’t blame them). So, among the new tracks were rearrangements of “The First Noel” and “Oh Come all Ye Faithful”. Good stuff, and an end of it.

But was it? The singles off those albums have somehow worked their way up with the classics versions sung by Nat King Cole, Sinatra and, of course, Crosby. So much so that when I was at my community tree lighting, what did I hear but Elvis singing “Winter Wonderland”.

 

The thing is, people don’t listen to it necessarily because it’s Elvis. I mean, sure he has a ton of fans, but some people don’t like him. And however weak and flawed their arguments are, it’s hard to tell someone they like the wrong type of music.

But when Elvis (or anyone, for that matter) sings Christmas stuff, they lighten up and listen, because they’re listening to Christmas music. It’s something they know, a commonality, and not some ol’ rock ‘n’ roll singer they wouldn’t dare listen to because he’s not hip enough for their school friends.

So, here’s how this benefits you:

Commonalities are great ways to hook up with others. At Christmas, it’s a way of sharing the spirit and having a laugh. It’s also a way to succeed with friends and in business.

Going back to something I said in an Independence Day post: when you’re on the band wagon for Independence Day and are supporting the partying (which is probably going to happen anyways), people will go to you because you’re “the fun guy” who “understands”. In other words, you exploited a commonality you have with the customer (Independence Day), they feel a likeness to you and give you business as a result.

 

Another example − back when I was trying to get better with woman (and yes, ladies and gentlemen, it happened) I read something David Deangelo, the dating coach, said. In essence, learn about popular culture. What’s Lady Gaga doing, did Will Smith’s marriage break up, what’s the latest movie?

Crap? You bet. Until it gets you into a conversation with a girl − it happened to me yesterday when I was talking to this hot bird about the latest Batman film, “The Dark Knight Rises”. Wait, you haven’t seen that? Better get on it.

 

The more commonalities you can find with others, like the one’s present in Elvis’s Christmas music, the more people are going to be able to see the similarities between you and them rather than the differences. And people think a person similar to them will act like them, and therefore they feel they can trust them. And you know what happens to people others trust? They make friends, money and are successful. Now, do you see why it’s worth living through two and a half hours of Batman?

 

Elvis’s Lessons:

Christmas carols are more than just music − they’re a way of bonding together at a magical time of year. Elvis used carols to unite people: his band, his fans, even lovers of Christmas music who wouldn’t usually listen to him. Using common songs and knowledge, like carols, to your advantage can bring you different crowds you wouldn’t usually have access to. And, new crowds mean new friends, new connections, new business partners, new customers, new lovers. Finding common ground through things like Christmas carols can bring your social and business lives to the next level.

P.S. If you're interested in seeing Elvis sing one of his Christmas favourites, here he is with "Oh Come All Ye Faithful". 

Other Graceland Ontario posts you might be interested in:

•  The Independence Day Special 
• Make Good Friends
• What You Have in Common With a Teenage Girl
• It's All About Who You Associate With
• Your Life's a Jagged Line

What Can You Learn from an 87 Year Old Doctor and a Dead Rock Star?

Helloo0O Ladies and Gentlemen!!!

Welcome back to Graceland Ontario, your one stop location in researching the success lessons of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll so you can implement them into YOUR OWN life! Today, we’re returning to that classic topic of enjoying your job.

Check out this BBC video:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-19289230

In it, the BBC meet Dr Russell Dohner, a practicing doctor of medicine in Rushville, Illinois who’s 87 years old − he’s been running his practice for 57 years and has no intention of retiring. Furthermore, he still charges $5 a visit, the same price he charged 30 years ago.

When asked about his price, he says he never felt doctoring was for money anyways, only healing, so maintaining his $5 charge doesn’t surprise him. Locally, he’s a hero for doing what he has for so long. A patient at the end says the doctor’s secret is his spirit and the doc says as long as he’s living he intends to be doing what he loves most.

This brought me into Elvis mode. I mean, Elvis loved his job, too. He was in the army for a bit and then in the movies but he always came back to singing. Some people say he lost his mood in his later years − perhaps for the rock ‘n’ roll songs, but the gospel songs and ballads were more powerful than ever. Listen to “Hurt” from 1976 if you don’t believe me. Man, Elvis had passion when he wanted to.

So, Elvis loved his job, Doctor Dohner does, but how many do? How many would be willing to work for the rest of their lives? To enjoy their work so much they wouldn’t want to retire even when they have the opportunity? Plenty of people I know would. Maybe even you would.

Like the patient said when he described Doctor Dohner’s spirit, or when people describe Elvis’s soul in music, these individuals enjoy their work so much they act like superheroes. It’s kinda like Batman; he’s only human like the rest of us, but he’s still able to tackle supervillains because of his superhuman mindset, his love of maintaining justice (and his Batmobile, but that’s another story).

And when people work their jobs like superheroes, they become heroes, like Elvis or Dr. Dohner. People look at these others and are inspired. They ask, “How can they be so amazing?” The answer’s simple.

They love their job.

And the added respect they get, plus achievement within their work, makes the extra work they put in over others worth the pain.

So, now you’re hopefully convinced of the importance of loving your job (which hopefully you already recognised before), let’s talk about getting that way.

So, of course the best way to find a job you love is to find your passion. We all have something we’re good at, something we’d do even if we weren’t paid for it. For some, it’s music, for others it’s writing, for others it’s video games. When you know what you love, it’s easy to work at it. In fact, it’s not even work, just paid play.

That said, it might require a career change which you might not be able to make if you have a wife (or husband), house, car and kids. It’s scary jumping out of a safe job for that (though, having your dream job might be worth it). Anyways, you can still do your dream job on the side. Some people play gigs with a local band on top of what they do at the office because they love playing but don’t have the guts to throw away their day job and live on Mac and Cheese while they tour. Others sell stuff at Trunk sales and shows around the country on top of being factory workers and janitors. Fitting in your passion alongside your regular job can make coping with your existing job much more bearable. And heck, if it becomes profitable enough, you might even be able to drop your regular job and take your passion, Mac and Cheese free.

So, what happens if you cannot leave your present employment? Maybe your Dad works there still, maybe your family’s always worked there, maybe you’re in a contract, or maybe they’ll just send a hitman after you if you put in your resignation. Ok, I get it (though again, if you do get the chance, I’m backing you all the way if you decide to change). You can still find the fun in your job. It’s not always easy, like trying to enjoy broccoli (which is just a metaphor I thought you might agree with − I personally love broccoli…) For me, when I get to know my co-workers, joking about with them and the like, the job breezes by. It’s like the job becomes background noise compared to the good times you’re having with your mates. Another strategy is being competitive, like trying to overtake people on a track. When you try to get things done faster and better than before, it moves your concentration away from the present situation. Also, you can aim to get that feeling of accomplishment, so you can say “WHOO!!! I JUST RANG MY 1000^th CALL TODAY! I’M A ROCKSTARRRR!!!!” when you’re finished. You can even try to feel like you’re doing something useful. Saying to yourself, “just because I work at McDonald’s doesn’t mean I don’t have a serious job. Most of the people in this country eat here AT LEAST once a week and I’m fulfilling a useful purpose in society for being the guy who makes that dinner happen − like the guys at a pit stop who keep the Formula One racer rolling”.

I hope this post will improve your day and week and I look forward to seeing you soon in the future!

Elvis’s Lessons:

Doctor Russell Dohner is an 87 year old doctor with a 57 year old practice. His deal? He loves his job so much he’s still going all these years later − and he never wants to stop! Like Elvis, he has a passion for his job so huge it is his life. And like Elvis, he’s now become a hero (albeit a more local one). When you love your job to bits, too, it gives you the opportunity to be a hero as well. Plus, you don’t feel like your working at all. When you find your passion, fit your dream job in on the side of your day job or find the fun in your work, you’re giving yourself the chance to improve your life AND do better at your job. Three cheers for Dr. Dohner! Hip Hip Hooray! Hip Hip Hooray!! Hip Hip Hooray!!!

P.S. If you appreciate this post, remember to put a comment below or email me at alexghilson@gmail.com. I’d love to hear what you’re got to say.

P.P.S. If you’d like to hear Elvis singing Hurt, that passionate work from 1976, here’s a Youtube video with it.

If you like this post, you may also like these:

• The Time Trap
• Have a Job You Love (or "Don't Do a 'Normal' Job"!)
• Getting Into It
• Doing All You Can
• Be Really Good At Something
• He Who Does Not Sympathize, Loses...

 

It's Time to Decide...

Welcome back to Graceland Ontario after another week and thank you for joining us! Today, we’re going to continue our series on Elvis and the Superheroes that inspired him and how their lessons can impact your success for the better. We’re going to talk about a tough but learnable skill − making decisions.

D’you remember the old 60’s Batman series with Adam West and Burt Ward. Remember how Commissioner Gordon would call up Batman and say something like, “Batman, we’ve got a problem. The Joker’s taken a hostage and we don’t know what to do. Can you help us?”

And do you remember what Batman would say. “I’ll be right over Commissioner.” Not only did he quickly decide to help when a decision was necessary to apprehend the criminal, or save someone’s life, he did it in a way that suggested he was already making decisions about the future. About what he was going to do when he got there. About what Robin was going to do to help him if he got stuck. Batman was constantly being given hard decisions, but he always made them. And he made them fast. And he saved more innocent people (and locked up more crooks) that way than by procrastinating, trying to think up some perfect plan.

I once heard a story about a CEO who said that fast decision making was the key to his success. He’d have a bunch of marbles in one pocket. If he picked an odd number, the answer would be yes. If it was even it would be no (or vice versa). It’s the same as the coin flip. Perhaps it’s not the best way to make decisions, but if you know you’re going to procrastinate for an hour thinking whether you should say yes or no then flip the damned coin!

Like superhero, like Elvis. Elvis was in the army and he was discharged as a sergeant. Now, for those of you who don’t know much about ranks, a sergeant is in charge of a fire team of men, consisting of about four individuals, and leads them in drill and combat. You don’t get that job for being indecisive (and for those of you who aren’t impressed, if you can’t lead yourself, you can’t lead others, let alone four others). You can also see Elvis in the recorded rehearsals for Elvis: That’s the Way it Is, talking to his orchestra. And it was an orchestra. There were at least fifteen people in the room and he’s the one calling the shots and changing the arrangements and telling people to get into line. He knew how to make decisions. And when you make decisions, you take charge − of your life, of a group's future, of your success.

Even when you see Elvis performing, sometimes a fan will yell to him on stage and he’ll say “later”. No rudeness. No “f− you” (goddamn rappers). He’d decide that he was starting a song and the fan could wait three minutes for an autograph, or kiss, or whatever. But you know, people didn’t get mad at him for that. He made the best decision he could in the time, he did it quickly and he got things done. And generally people respected that. Sure he messed up once in a while, as we all do, but no one seems to remember and he’s in a better place anyways so no one cares. So if no one’s gonna care if you make a bad decision far off in the future and if you constantly make other good, logical decisions you get things done, why don’t you start making more quick decisions?! But remember: once you’ve made a decision, make sure it sticks. Like Elvis, he didn’t stop a song halfway and say, “I should have talked to that fan” and messed up both the fan and the song. Make a choice, stick to it until its fulfillment, then make another choice. And heck, maybe next time you’ll make a better choice than before, but you’ll certainly get things done.

Elvis’s Lessons:

Be like Batman, be like Elvis, be decisive. When others are procrastinating and wasting time, be the one to call the shots and take charge of the situation to its successful outcome. And if you have to flip a coin to make that quick decision, go for it. But do something and stick with it till its finished and you’ll get things done.

P.S. If you'd like to see a short video of The King singing 'Words' from Elvis: That's the Way it Is, here's a link to Youtube. Notice how a fan tries to steal Elvis's attention at the beginning of the song when the band's ready to play. Elvis makes a quick decision, says, "catch you later" and the band continues to play the song.

P.P.S. I'd love to hear your comments on what I write. Feel free to comment below this post or email me (Alex) at alexghilson@gmail.com to continue the conversation.

Traits of the Superhero

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen!

Thanks for popping by Graceland Ontario this week. You’ve dropped in on time to join our superhero series where we’re showing the benefits Elvis drew from being inspired by superheroes and how that relates to you. I think you’ll be surprised how useful these cartoon fellas can be for your success in life. Take a look and I’ll let you decide for yourself.

There are so many good things associated with superheroes, this week we’ll only talk about a couple of their traits and over the next two weeks we’ll do the rest. Incorporating, or emphasizing, these habits into you’re routine will move you one step closer to Elvis and the superhero and one step away from the villain the superhero vanquishes.

Have High Standards

Superheroes don’t say enough is enough. They do all they possibly can. And when they’re in pain or tired, they say to themselves, “just a bit farther, I know I can do this.” They have a standard for what they think is possible and, even when in pain, they won’t allow themselves to dip below this standard for anything. We can listen to Elvis’s released sessions and many of us fans will say “even the ones that didn’t make the final track were good”. But Elvis had standards. Even if it was “good enough” to sell, he made sure it reached his high standards before it went on record. By having high standards, you create integrity in your work that others learn to trust. We know we’re getting something special when we listen to an Elvis track. Others will know they’re getting something special when you maintain your own high standards. And that’s not bad for creating a great reputation and lasting success in your life.

Fight for the Right

You don’t see Superheroes fighting for selfish, petty issues. You see them fighting for others, for family, for children. For those who wouldn’t stand a chance without them. They give a chance to those who wouldn’t have one. And they aren’t corrupted by what anyone else says. They know its right, and they fight for it with all they’ve got. Elvis wasn’t perfect, but he fought for the causes he believed in, whether that be charity, or joining the army or spreading the word of Christianity through gospel music. Plenty of people do and plenty fail, but people admire and respect those who do or fail for something they believe is right. That can’t hurt your success. The added benefit is when you believe you’re doing something right you stand a better chance of following through with what you do. After all, if it’s “right” to do it, then it has to be “wrong” not to. In a way, you’re reinforcing your chances of winning.

Be a Role Model

Superheroes are role models. You don’t see them doing things you’d be embarrassed about, like smoking, or swearing, or slouching. They always look their best, no matter the situation (or confrontation) and all the kids want to be like them as a result. They just look that amazing. I mean, take a look at Elvis from about any time in his career; he looked and acted like the kind of guy that kids and adults alike want to be − clean, well-dressed, polite, well-spoken. And when people want to be like you, they’ll want to be with you to find out how you do it. And they’ll want to support you to ‘keep up the good work’. Try to imagine what that would do for your career, I dare you…

Elvis’s Lessons:

• Elvis, like his superhero idols, had some great traits that helped him become (and remain) successful. By having high standards, fighting for the right and being a role model, you’ll improve yourself a bit more AND bring out the superhero waiting to reawaken from your childhood. Plus, you’ll increase your chances of success all the while. Not a bad lesson to get from a cheap comic book, I tell ya…

P.S. If you’re interested in hearing Elvis singing a great version of “La Paloma” (No More), here’s a link to Youtube. I only recently started on this song but now I keep singing it in the shower…

P.P.S. Remember to leave a comment!

I want to make clear that I am not selling anything. This is my way of paying back to the world and I sincerely hope the information I provide can advise you to a better, more successful life. Have a great and successful week and I’ll see you next Friday!

Elvis Presley, Superhero

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen,

I’m back again from Graceland Ontario to bring you more tips and tweaks from the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll on becoming a more successful person

Excited? So am I. This one’s been brewing for a while so, hopefully, you’ll enjoy it as much as I did writing it.

Remember when you were a kid and you’d watch all those shows with superheroes like Batman, Spiderman, Captain America or Superman? And you’d say “I wish I could be as awesome as he is…” Well, you weren’t the only one.

Elvis was also one of the millions of kids who wants or wanted to be a superhero. He once said, “When I was a child, ladies and gentlemen, I was a dreamer. I read comic books, and I was the hero of the comic book. I saw movies, and I was the hero in the movie. So every dream I ever dreamed, has come true a hundred times...”

Elvis particularly loved Captain Marvel. Some people say he mirrored his image off of him and the similarity is stunning; both his hairstyle and the jumpsuits he wore in later years bear resemblance to Captain Marvel’s superhero clothes.

His clothes looked more superhero-ish especially as he got older. The capes got bigger and the clothes more flashy.

But clothes aren’t the only reason to be a superhero. Their fight for right and war against wrong is also part of the deal, and Elvis knew this, too. Elvis even initiated his 1970 meeting with President Nixon to become a "Federal Agent-at-Large" in the Bureau of Drugs and Narcotics to maintain the law. He received his badge, payback to the country he felt gave him so much.

But other than a childhood love of superheroes, what’s so good about “Captain Marvel”? Well superheroes are great role models. They don’t falter like normal human beings. They know exactly what to do and when to do it. And they’re never corrupted by money or anything else.

This role-modelling showed on the King; one day, in his later years, a couple men robbed a petrol station he was passing in his limo. He asked his driver to stop and apprehended the assailants with some karate moves. But, to his surprise, when the men realized who he was, they forgot about the robbery. Instead, they asked for his autograph!

The point is that Elvis’s programming of right and wrong was deeply imbedded, like the programming of his childhood, superhero idols who never falter however tempted they may be. And what’s better is that these fictional superheroes cannot do wrong; they were created to fight for right and they always do, unlike humans. Following their example, as Elvis did is an incredible way to improve yourself. Next week, we’ll talk more about these individual traits and how you can use them in your life. Remember to stop by in a week's time!

Elvis’s Lessons:

It’s tough to be perfect, let alone a superhero − no doubt. But using the inspiration of a perfect role-model can’t hurt. It helped Elvis become even more epic than he was; I mean, take a look at those capes! If they could improve one of the most successful men in history, think what they can do for you. Yep, you were right all along − watching Superman is nearly as good as going to school.

Thanks for reading and I sincerely hope you have an awesome and successful week!

P.S. I’d love to read your comments, whether underneath this post or at my email, alexghilson@gmail.com

P.P.S. If you want to see Elvis acting like a superhero, here’s a clip of him from his 1969 movie Charro!.