Living the Life

Today, I slept in until like 1 or 2pm, simply because I could. These past two weeks have been taxing, to say the least (reminding me, I need to see if my parents got the interest statements on my bank accounts, so I can finally do my taxes and my FAFSA...). I had a nice, relaxing rinse in a hot shower, talked online for a bit, and decided (after looking at the menu for a gourmet restaurant in town) to dress up and go out for a late lunch. I wasn't sure why, but I just wanted to look my best, and spoil myself for a change. Sometime while getting ready, I realized that I had lost a little something over the past 4-6 months. It's really hard to describe, but I guess you could call it my spark, my fire.
I spent a large chunk of the past few years wanting to live life "On the Cutting Edge." It was a philosophy of mine, living for the moment while still keeping the future in mind. For some reason, I drifted away from that for a bit...but I've decided to bring it back, while infusing it with a little modernized wisdom.
My dream is to become a legendary play-by-play radio sportscaster, and do some marketing as well. Living a high-profile life, as a young-gun broadcast personality, one who crosses the country not only calling the action but seeing the sights, eating gourmet food, taking in local and travelling arts, and just taking in the color...a high-energy lifestyle like that sounds like gold. However, it won't come easy--that much I already knew.
What changed is my attitude towards it. I realized today that if I want to be a high-roller, I need to act like it.
My good friend Jimmy Richardson III is the perfect example of this; he's a recent graduate of Blackman High School here in Tennessee, and is an aspiring politician. His goals are focused, and he's taking on the challenge of a local Congress seat in this year's election as his first step. However, his practical step-by-step goal-setting isn't the primary reason I'm mentioning him--it's his attitude. He's always dressed for success, in a crisp dress shirt, slacks, and tie, his hair always styled, and my friends and I joke that he's "always on." What that means is that his confidence and professionalism are obvious every time he speaks; unlike some politicians who are only in "politican mode" when they have to be then switch back to normal, Jimmy makes an impression on anyone he speaks to with his presence. Focused but not intimidating eye contact, a firm handshake, and an even tone that commands your attention but not in a showy way...he's always campaigning, even if you're asking him about classes, talking about the Titans game, or chatting with him over a big cheeseburger.
I realized that he's following the same kind of lifestyle I can relate to: live for success. I don't know if I could wear a suit daily just to go to class, but once in a while throwing on a button-up, blazer, slacks, and dress shoes, and treating myself to a slightly indulgent meal or something is within the realm of possibility. How are the two connected? Simple. If I want to live the high life, I simply need to start. It's not like I can just someday flip a switch and become "elite." If I can keep up appearences, look professional, and keep the pressure on myself to improve my broadcasting and marketing, I'm going to get there.
Back to the Jimmy analogy. When comparing two young candidates, who looks better? Someone who's been slacking off, or playing sports, or flipping burgers, or someone who's been active in leadership and governing activities for years, and looks like he's almost over-qualified? Well, when the time comes for me to be an option of some Director of Broadcasting some day, is a behind-the-scenes brat with a fancy diploma going to fit the bill, or would he prefer someone with almost 10 years of portfolio "tape" who's dined with some of the area's greats (hoping to meet the Titans' and Preds' broadcasters, and maybe John Ward), has been a regular patron of the arts, has been visible in the community and has travelled to hone his gift (Memphis, Long Beach...), has worked with multiple stations (working this summer with WMOT) and teams, and simply shows the professionalism and confidence needed for that position?

This post has gone all over, but the bottom line is simple. I have more than two years of college remaining, and I'm going to get back to living "On the Cutting Edge." More games, more effort, more looking like someone respectable, and more getting out there and sampling the life I hope someday to fully live.