As a child growing up in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s, there were many pop icons I thought were cool such as Arthur “The Fonz” Fonzarelli, Han Solo, Ace Frehley from KISS, and Mork from Ork. But there was always one that stood above all others when it came to cool: Evel Knievel.
The first real daredevil, Evel Knievel just exuded a coolness that was almost tangible. Always dressed in American red, white, and blue leathers, he tackled each challenge with a confidence that was intoxicating. Adding to the coolness was the fact that the danger was very real. Over the course of his career, he crashed more than 20 times and suffered 433 bone fractures, with his most famous failed jump happening at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas. You can watch it here and wonder how he survived.
The coolest thing about Evel Kneivel? Despite his many failures, he never quit and his confidence in himself never wavered. How many of us when faced with challenges and defeats far less painful than a motorcycle crash allow ourselves to crumble back into our comfort zone? When I get knocked down – and it happens to all of us – I channel my inner “Evel Knievel” and keep moving toward my goals. There is no quit, no “I can’t”, or “I’m too scared.” Some of my favorite quotes from Knievel:
- Small imaginations yield small results.
- If a guy hasn’t got any gamble in him, he isn’t worth a damn.
- I do things other men are afraid to do.
These quotes are just as relevant in business as they are in life. If you limit your imagination, won’t take calculated risks or avoid growth because of fear, you will never differentiate yourself or your business.
Something interesting about Evel Knievel: after that horrific crash at Caesar’s Palace, he attempted over 100 more jumps – some of them successful, some of them not. Next time you crash, listen to your inner Evel Knievel and push forward. Do the things others are afraid to do.
Bill is president of PromoCorner, the leading digital marketing service provider to the promotional products industry, and has over 17 years working in executive leadership positions at leading promotional products distributorships. A featured speaker at numerous industry events, a serial creator of content marketing, immediate past president of the Promotional Products Association of the Mid-South (PPAMS), vice president of the Regional Association Council (RAC) board, and PromoKitchen chef, Bill has extensive experience coaching sales teams, creating successful marketing campaigns, and developing branding that resonates with a target audience. He can be reached at bill@PromoCorner.com.